Dear Neighbors,

Last Friday, the Minnesota Department of Health and University of Minnesota School of Public Health released COVID-19 modeling data used to drive decisions in our state’s response to the pandemic. I encourage you to explore the information, including a video and frequently asked questions here.

Last week, Governor Walz extended the current peacetime emergency which gives his administration the latitude to quickly and effectively respond to the crisis. We should all be grateful for his skill and dedication, as he’s not led with a heavy-handed, top down approach (or with concern for his TV ratings), but rather in a collaborative way, leaning on public health and safety experts to help navigate our state through this crisis.

He has had to make difficult decisions, many of which aren’t universally popular. This is an unmistakably difficult time, but we have to recognize how much there is at stake and if we don’t keep doing what’s working. If we take our eye off the ball, the condition could suddenly spread and we could find our ICU beds at capacity before we can do anything about it. With continued responsible practices – like social distancing and staying at home – we will find light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are some other updates from the Capitol.

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

Yesterday, I was proud to support the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act on the House Floor. This legislation will give people with diabetes a way to access insulin in an emergency and a pathway to help Minnesotans access affordable insulin in the long-term. As you may recall, the bill was named for a young man from Richfield who tragically lost his life after he was forced to ration his insulin because he didn’t have the money to pay for the $1,300 refill. You can read more about the legislation here.  

The Senate also passed the bill and Governor Walz has already signed it into law. While lawmakers worked for many months to reach a bipartisan consensus, the true credit goes to advocates like Alec’s parents – Nicole Smith-Holt and James Holt – and everyone else who shared the urgent importance of a solution to help ensure affordable insulin. While we celebrate this new law today, I remain committed to further action to reduce prescription drug prices for all Minnesotans.

House Approves 4th COVID-19 Response Package

Also yesterday, the Minnesota House approved a fourth package of legislation addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesotans’ lives have been upended in numerous ways, and the bill aims to give folks some more flexibility and assistance. The legislation helps Minnesotans execute wills, allows local governments to meet remotely, suspends certain deadlines and expiration dates, allows marriage applications to be submitted without the need to appear in person, expands use of telemedicine, gives the Department of Health authority to set up alternative health care facilities, and more. A summary of the bill can be found here.

Workers’ Compensation for Frontline Workers

Last week, the House and Senate passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. The bill has since been signed into law. In particular, the bill provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and receive the workers’ comp. benefits they deserve.

With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise, it's very important to take care of the people who are going to be taking care of us in the coming days, weeks and months. I’m proud first responders, health care workers, folks in the business community, the Walz administration and legislators could all come together to take urgent action helping safeguard the economic wellbeing of those putting themselves most at risk.

The state COVID-19 Dashboard is a great resource for up-to-date info about our state’s response to the pandemic, and the House website also has a COVID-19 section with links to information and resources. As always, feel free to reach out to me if I can be of help at 651-296-4308 or rep.mike.sundin@house.mn.

It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Mike Sundin