Category: SD46

Sen. Ron Latz (SD49) Update: April 6, 2020

Capitol Update: COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Information

Good afternoon,

Included in this April 6 Capitol Update, you will find information from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) on Unemployment Insurance (UI). Given the unprecedented number of new applicants, several weeks ago DEED made the difficult decision to alter their phone schedule to prioritize application calls and password reset calls. That meant that some people who needed to talk with DEED had to wait. However, this week, DEED will resume taking calls from a broader set of customers, including those who have questions about their account or payment status.

Below is a table that provides the best time to call DEED’s customer service line and the relevant contact information for doing so.

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Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
TTY – users: 1-866-814-1252 Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD49) Update: April 6, 2020”

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on State of the State

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Governor Walz’s second State of the State address:

“Governor Walz and his Administration have shown incredible leadership and have served the people of Minnesota well during this crisis,” said Speaker Hortman. “The Minnesota House of Representatives will continue working with the Governor and doing everything we can to help Minnesotans during this difficult time and into the future. Minnesotans care about one another, and we help each other out in tough times. Despite the challenges and uncertainty before us, we remain confident in our ability to come together and pull through.”

“During this pandemic, we appreciate Governor Walz and his team’s strong work to protect the health and well-being of Minnesotans,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Despite the challenges we’re facing, we know Minnesotans will meet the moment. The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to work hard on behalf of our constituents, and we know there are more issues we will need to address in the coming days, weeks, and months. We are already looking ahead and exploring options to address the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a brighter future for all Minnesotans.”

 

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 27, 2020

CAPITOL UPDATE MARCH 27, 2020: LEGISLATION IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19

In the past few days, the Minnesota Legislature and the United States Congress passed legislation to aid Minnesotans and Americans in this time of need. Below you will find information to what is included in the state government spending package. Although the Minnesota Legislature did not address funding for workers on the front lines like school hourly workers and first responders, I am working hard along with my colleagues to support them in the coming future. I expect the Senate and House will come back, in conjunction with the Governor, to support workers and businesses across our state in the coming weeks.

On a more personal note, please be sure to stay safe during this time. Do not take this lightly. Stay at home if you possibly can, and if you have to go out, keep your distance. Wash your hands and don’t touch your face! The virus is highly likely to enter you through your eyes, nose and mouth – keep your hands away. And support each other. We will come through this.

Ron Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 27, 2020”

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on first Minnesota death from COVID-19

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on the first death in Minnesota from COVID-19:

“Our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the Minnesotan who passed away,” said Speaker Hortman. “We have to do all we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable among us during this crisis. I strongly encourage all Minnesotans to follow the guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health and to stay home if at all possible.”

“We are facing a challenge unprecedented in recent history, but we are confident in Minnesotans’ ability to do what we need to do and help each other make it through,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We are going to continue doing everything we can to help Minnesotans navigate this crisis. I extend my sympathies to the family and friends of this Minnesotan.”

 

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 20, 2020

CAPITOL UPDATE: HELPING BUSINESSES UPDATE

During this difficult time for all of us, I will try to periodically share information that we think you will find useful in staying safe and managing your lives. We can’t be comprehensive, but hopefully you will find our communications to be helpful to you and your family.

Helping Minnesota Businesses during COVID-19

Starting soon businesses can apply for SBA low interest loans
We care deeply about your business and are actively working with state and federal partners on measures to assist businesses through this unprecedented time.

DEED is regularly connecting with business leaders from around Minnesota to offer information, hear their questions and ensure we are doing all we can as quickly as we can. Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 20, 2020”

Minnesota House of Representatives working in new ways to address pandemic and economic hardships

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are temporarily working from outside the Minnesota State Capitol. In conformity with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, State Representatives are engaging in telework rather than in-person work at the State Capitol. Legislators in the Minnesota House of Representatives are convening informal working groups to discuss measures to assist Minnesotans coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related disruptions.

“The members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are working hard on behalf of the people of Minnesota during this crisis,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “While we follow the guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health to keep people safe, we are convening informal working groups to discuss emergency measures related to COVID-19 and to the mission-critical work of the Legislature this session. We are working to develop opportunities for members of the public to weigh in and offer their feedback in a way that is protective of their health.” Continue reading “Minnesota House of Representatives working in new ways to address pandemic and economic hardships”

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 16, 2020

Senator Ron Latz COVID-19 Capitol Update: Morning, March 16, 2020

We are certainly in unchartered waters and are operating in uncertain times. There is much to cover around the coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19. Included in this brief Capitol Update, you will find many informational resources that will be helpful in establishing best practices and will be of help as we navigate how to mitigate its spread. Please refer to the number of informational links below that provide, among other things, situational updates, health recommendations, school protocols, workforce questions and concerns, and relevant contact information.

I will keep this update short as I do not intend to inundate everyone with a lengthy message about COVID-19. As I stated, please refer to the attachments listed below as they will most accurately depict the current state of affairs and will be updated with the most recent information on a regular basis.

Regarding Senate business, late last evening the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives jointly decided to put regular session activities on hold until April 14. Considering the CDC’s new guidelines that strongly suggest we cancel gatherings of 50 or more people, cancelling Senate floor sessions that incorporates 67 members and House floor sessions with 134 members, is the logical next step. Additionally, the committee schedule has been largely cancelled and members of both chambers will not be taking in-person meetings. Although I am disappointed that we will most likely have to put a hold on addressing many of the important issues this year at the Capitol for now, mitigating the spread of the virus is most important. Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 16, 2020”

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on Governor Walz’s COVID-19 proposals

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on Governor Walz’s COVID-19 legislative proposals:

“We strongly support the proposals from Governor Walz to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these proposals have already been introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and legislators are already working closely with state agencies and experts to enact measures quickly. We will work with Senate Republicans to mitigate damage from COVID-19 and ensure the physical and economic well-being of all Minnesotans.”

House DFL Leadership Statement on Governor Walz’s Supplemental Budget

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Governor Walz’s supplemental budget proposal:

“Governor Walz has put forward a reasonable and responsible proposal that makes needed investments while preserving our state’s fiscal stability and flexibility in a time of great uncertainty,” said Speaker Hortman. “Minnesota House DFLers are looking forward to our continued partnership with the Governor as we work on our budget proposals and our state’s response to COVID-19.”

“This is a time to be cautious and ensure we’re addressing the public health issues and economic concerns in front of us,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We welcome the Governor’s supplemental budget proposal and continue to stand ready to work with him on our budget and COVID-19 preparedness.”

 

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 10, 2020

CAPITOL UPDATE: MORNING OF MARCH 10, 2020

Session is in full force as we enter the month of March. In the number of weeks since the beginning of session, the legislature has yet to pass any sort of meaningful legislation. As you will find in this Capitol Update, the DFL-led House has been quick to take up matters that will improve and impact the lives of many in Minnesota. Measures to combat gun violence, two of which I am the Chief Author of in the Senate, passed off of the House floor. The House also passed an insulin bill and a voter privacy bill. All three of these bills are awaiting Senate action. While I am encouraged by the early action of the House, there is much time left to find compromise and pass solutions that work for all Minnesotans.

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Budget

In recent weeks, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its February forecast, estimating a $1.513 billion budgetary balance. Although this balance is larger than the November 2019 forecast, it is my belief that much of this money will not available for ongoing spending and if spent, would be used for one-time purposes.

The outlook for Minnesota is stable, and this is encouraging. However, there is still a slowdown remaining in the forecast. We need to be cautious with this. The small budgetary improvement will continue into the next biennium and the structural balance is improved, but after accounting for inflation to maintain current service levels into the next biennium, there is little room for additional spending now. We need to be careful to balance any new spending with new revenue in order to protect our economy and the quality of life in Minnesota from any future instability Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: March 10, 2020”