Category: State Issues

Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: April 17, 2020

Minnesota Outdoor Activities Opening

The Governor issued a few Executive Orders (EO) today, one of which pertains to outdoor activities, EO 20-38. These outdoor areas will still be subject to Center for Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. The additional outdoor activities opening include:

• State parks and recreational areas
• Water access points
• Marinas and dock services
• Golf courses and driving ranges
• Off highway vehicle trails
• Lake service providers
• Bait shops
• Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms

A full list of the Governor’s executive orders can be found here. Continue reading “Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: April 17, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 18, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:30 PM on 4/18/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan today launched a week-long statewide homemade mask drive to encourage Minnesotans to create homemade masks for donation and highlight the importance of workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minnesotans can deliver homemade masks to their local fire department. Fire departments will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear.

“Those working in congregate living facilities are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Walz. “While homemade masks will not replace personal protective equipment, they go a long way in preventing the wearer from infecting others. I am asking Minnesota’s crafters, sewers, and creatives to step up and help out their community.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 18, 2020”

Minnesota House Week in Review: April 17, 2020

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WEEK IN REVIEW

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A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 13-17

Two House floor sessions marked a slight return to a more normal schedule this week as legislative activity picked up and the nuts and bolts of distanced meetings became a bit easier.

Members mostly dealt with issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak, passing a package of provisions that address the crisis in a number of different areas, while discussing further measures that may be needed. Continue reading “Minnesota House Week in Review: April 17, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 17, 2020

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April 17, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:30 PM on 4/17/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced the formation of a Community Resiliency and Recovery Work Group. The group will ensure that the needs of Minnesotans from communities that have historically been more likely to suffer financially and physically from public health crises will be centered in the state’s policy making, communications, and outreach. As part of this work, the Governor announced a new page on the COVID-19 website that displays how the pandemic is affecting people of color, Indigenous people, immigrants and refugees in Minnesota.

Outdoor Recreation

Also today, the Governor signed an executive order expanding allowable outdoor recreational activities, so Minnesotans can enjoy the outdoors close to home while following social distancing guidelines.

Executive Order 20-38 allows Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and golfing as long as they follow new outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include: Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 17, 2020”

Rep. Dean Phillips: Dial-In with Me on Tuesday

Dear Deb,

I’m checking in before the weekend to spread a little optimism and remind you that I have your back. Now is the time for our compassion and resilience to shine, so I teamed up (digitally) with Minnesotans of different ages, backgrounds, professions, and political parties to share this message with you:

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We’re in this together, Minnesota, so click here to watch and share!
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As Minnesotans, we are united with hope and gratitude – and we are all here for you. So in the spirit of listening and having your back, I invite you to join my Dial-In With Dean on Tuesday, April 21st at 6:30 pm by dialing 855-927-0897. Your feedback, stories, ideas, and criticisms help me better represent you as I continue to fight for your priorities in Washington. I’m looking forward to hearing your voices.

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Sign up to receive a call, or stream the event online here.

I also want to let you know that even though the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) relief programs have exhausted funding, I am committed to protecting our most vulnerable and impacted communities and providing a lifeline to small businesses. As a small business owner myself, I know that the challenges businesses are facing are unprecedented. That is why I firmly believe that Congress must cast aside partisan affiliations and pass relief for these companies now. No delay. No excuses.

As always, my office is here to help you. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a federal agency or you aren’t getting an answer about your benefits, my team will do their best to help you receive a fair and timely response. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency, please let us know.

Keep the faith, keep in touch, stay safe, and remember: I’ll be here for you.

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Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

Coronavirus: Minnesota joins pact with 6 Midwest states on reopening economy

It includes Wisconsin and Illinois.

Minnesota is joining a regional pact with five other Midwestern states that will coordinate on reopening their respective economies amid the coronavirus outbreak.

It was announced on Thursday that Gov. Tim Walz has agreed to join the pact along with governors Gretchen Whitmer (D-Michigan), Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin), JB Pritzker (D-Illinois), Eric Holcomb (R-Indiana), and Andy Beshear (D-Kentucky).

All seven of these states have some form of Stay at Home order in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Three of Minnesota’s other neighbors, the Dakotas and Iowa, do not.  Continue reading.

Minnesota Senate DFL: Week in Review

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Affordable insulin is a reality in Minnesota
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.

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Legislature passes the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

After more than a year of hard work and negotiation, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act this week to create an emergency insulin access program and ongoing support programs. Read more>>

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Continue reading “Minnesota Senate DFL: Week in Review”

Rep. Phillips Demands Congressional Action for Small Businesses

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) released the following statement calling for more funding to support small businesses after news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs have both exhausted funding:

“From the very beginning of the crisis, I have been committed to protecting our most vulnerable and impacted communities and providing a lifeline to small businesses to keep the lights on and keep employees on the payroll.

Over the past month, I’ve solicited feedback from hundreds of constituents and leaders in the small business, non-profit, public health and public service communities – including conference calls with local chambers of commerce,  mayors, hospital executives and fire chiefs – and their message to me is clear: Congress must provide additional financial support to American institutions and American families without delay. The CARES Act was a beginning. Now we must complete the job. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Demands Congressional Action for Small Businesses”

House HHS Finance Division holds remote hearing to receive update on COVID-19 testing update

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota House Health and Human Services Finance Division held a remote hearing today to discuss the current status of COVID-19 testing. Members learned about different types of testing being used to combat the pandemic.

“Our state’s testing capabilities are critical to overcoming the public health emergency. It was extremely valuable for our committee to hear from experts and ask questions,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the division chair. “We’re grateful to have amazing resources in Minnesota, including our excellent Minnesota Department of Health, Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, Hennepin Healthcare and so many other providers, companies, and individuals who are working so hard to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans and end this crisis.”

Dan Huff, Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Health Protection Bureau, gave an overview about the difference between molecular and serologic testing, strategies for COVID-19 testing, and how the use of testing has been prioritized given the limited resources for available. More details about MDH’s efforts are available from their website. Continue reading “House HHS Finance Division holds remote hearing to receive update on COVID-19 testing update”

House DFL encourages Senate GOP to support $100 million in housing assistance

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Senate Republicans held a virtual press conference on a housing proposal that includes some housing assistance paired with language that would weaken Governor Walz’s Executive Order on prohibiting evictions during the peacetime emergency. Speaker Melissa Hortman and House Housing leaders released the following statements:

“I support a bill that prioritizes the needed $100 million in housing assistance,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Republicans in the Senate are seeking to speed up and expand the number of cases where evictions are allowed, and the Minnesota House DFL opposes those proposed policy changes.”

“The priority of Governor Walz and the Minnesota House is to ensure Minnesotans can stay safe at home and afford to keep the roof over their heads. That is why we support moving forward quickly to pass $100 million in housing assistance for Minnesota homeowners, renters, and landlords,” said Rep. Alice Hausman. “Housing advocates and landlords alike agree that funding at this level is necessary and there is no reason we shouldn’t proceed.” Continue reading “House DFL encourages Senate GOP to support $100 million in housing assistance”