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Neighbors,
The legislature adjourned at midnight Sunday and this will likely be remembered as the COVID-19 session. The seriousness of the worldwide pandemic and its arrival in Minnesota required that the legislature operate remotely since mid-March. To comply with the Stay at Home executive order to socially distance and under the guidance of Speaker Melissa Hortman, legislators voted from various locations including our homes, our Capitol offices and a small number in the House chamber. Committees were also held remotely, which presented some challenges, but we were able to overcome our challenges to pass several COVID-19 bills. I know many of you have had to adapt to a whole new way of working, and the legislature also made some major adjustments. I am also grateful for your patience as participants in this process.
COVID-19 significantly altered our legislative agenda. While we started session with aggressive plans, we had to suddenly shift our priorities to respond to this public health emergency. We approved several COVID-19 related measures to keep Minnesotans safe, including a comprehensive economic security agenda. In addition, we also passed several significant bills not related to COVID-19, including insulin affordability, and prescription drug price transparency. We were not able to pass our jobs and local projects bill, but I’m optimistic we will be able to address this job-creating bill soon.
You can read more about 2020 legislative session accomplishments here.
To address ongoing COVID-19 issues, Speaker Hortman established the Select Committee on Minnesota’s Pandemic Response and Rebuilding. The first meeting was held this week addressing workplace safety for nurses. You can watch the hearing here.
Stay Safe Minnesota – Bars and Restaurants Can Open
This week we’ve moved to the next phase to keep Minnesotans safe in the face of this deadly virus. Stay Safe Minnesota took effect Monday, allowing many retail stores and main street businesses to open with limited capacity and a safety plan. Businesses must follow CDC and OSHA guidance. More information about these requirements is available here.
On June 1, bars and restaurants will be open but will be limited to outdoor and patio seating for now. Salons and other personal care businesses are also being allowed to reopen, but also with limited capacity. You can read more about the guidelines here.
COVID-19 remains a public health threat, and we all have a part to play in stopping the spread of this global pandemic. Despite the governor’s new orders, we should all continue to take safety precautions like social distancing, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick. Additionally, people who may be vulnerable – like those with compromised immune systems – should continue to stay home. Read more about the Stay Safe MN plan here.
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