St. Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota House passed a robust, bipartisan package of legislation aimed at addressing and anticipating the various needs of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. State Representative Brad Tabke (DFL – Shakopee) voted in favor of the legislation, which included his measures to extend driver’s licenses during the peacetime emergency.
“This bill delivers much-needed relief to Minnesotans, but it also clarifies areas of normal life that our state is adapting to during this pandemic,” said Rep. Tabke. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of delivering loans to our small businesses, ensuring food security, and providing resources to our child care providers, but at the Minnesota Legislature we also know that we can’t let things like expiring driver’s licenses fall through the cracks and further complicate life for Minnesotans. I’m proud of the bipartisan work we were able to finalize today, and I look forward to our continued efforts in ensuring that we remain responsive to all areas impacted by this pandemic.”
Due to the closures of licensing agents and deputy registrar offices during the “Stay at Home” Executive Order, Rep. Tabke was the Chief Author on legislation extending the expiration date of driver’s licenses, permits, and disability parking permits that would expire during the peacetime emergency. This allowance would also apply to new residents with out-of-state licenses who would otherwise need to obtain a Minnesota license during that time frame. No additional fees would be charged for these extensions.
Additional components of the legislation passed today include $200 million for the newly created COVID-19 fund - which includes funds for additional ICU beds, $9 million to the Department of Human Services for food security, $26.5 million for the Emergency Service Grants program to provide shelter for Minnesota’s homeless population, $30 million in one time grants to child care providers, $10 million for small business loans, assistance for Minnesota’s veterans, financial relief for Minnesota’s workers, and the necessary flexibility for state agencies to respond to the pandemic.
The language of the bill, HF 4531, can be found here. Additional information on the Minnesota House’s efforts to address COVID-19 can be found here.