Category: State Issues

Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee Holds Remote Hearing

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the House Ways and Means Committee held a remote hearing where members were given a presentation by MMB Commissioner Myron Frans and State Economist Dr. Laura Kalambokidis regarding the quarterly economic outlook, and an update on COVID-19 related federal funding.

“Minnesota is going through unprecedented economic times. It is critical that we work early and often to balance the budget before the end of the fiscal year,” said Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL – Crystal), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “It is too early to say just how much COVID-19 will cost Minnesota, both in loss of revenue and increased spending to manage the virus. Regardless of the final budget forecast, House Ways and Means will fulfill its constitutional duty to balance the budget.” Continue reading “Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee Holds Remote Hearing”

Rep. Huot Applauds Met Council’s Free Ride Service for Healthcare Workers

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL MINNESOTA – Today, the Metropolitan Council announced free transportation to the region’s frontline healthcare workers for a safe and stress-free trip to and from work. Starting Monday today, Metro Mobility will be providing free door-to-door service from home to work and work to home for any person who works at a healthcare facility, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

State Representative John Huot (DFL-Rosemount), who has focused much of his legislative work on addressing the growing needs of first responders, released the following statement:

“Our healthcare first responders are always there for us, as they work around the clock to fight COVID-19. Ensuring they have a safe ride to work, or home after a long shift, or multiple shifts, is one small way we can give back to our local heroes.”

This new, free service will provide individual or very small group on-demand rides for essential healthcare workers, improving physical distancing for those who depend on transit, or who simply wish to utilize the ride service.

Interested essential healthcare workers must provide their employee identification badge a proof they are employed in a healthcare facility. These trips will all be following state guidelines for physical distancing and will only transport as many customers as is safe for the vehicle.

 

Legislature passes law expanding workers comp for first responders contracting COVID-19

The current dynamics of the Minnesota Legislature mean all of the rules and practices that have governed the place for decades are being set aside for what is becoming a new normal.

As with nearly everything else in American society, you can thank COVID-19 for that.

Take the notion that the majority rules. In American legislatures, the party with more seats pretty much runs everything. It sets the agenda, it decides what passes and what withers, who gets the nicer offices and better parking spaces. Continue reading.

Rep. Dean Phillips: We’re All in This Together

Dear Neighbors,

It’s a special week for Minnesotans of all beliefs and backgrounds. This Good Friday, perhaps more than most, we remember the power of hope and community as we find new ways to connect with one another.

Speaking of connections, I’m checking in to share my gratitude for Minnesota’s leaders and extraordinary public health officials. Our elected officials, first responders, and frontline healthcare staff are working hard to ensure a transparent, effective, and efficient response to coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re all in this together.

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I have been listening to local leaders and converting those conversations into action. We’re working to improve the next COVID-19 relief package – together.

Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: We’re All in This Together”

Minnesota House Week in Review: April 6 through 10, 2020

WEEK IN REVIEW

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A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 6-10

Although behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing, lawmakers began meeting again officially this past week, albeit remotely.

One of the more unusual weeks in legislative history began Sunday night when Gov. Tim Walz delivered his annual State of the State address from his residence, a distancing precaution the Legislature will also follow for the foreseeable future as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Continue reading “Minnesota House Week in Review: April 6 through 10, 2020”

Coronavirus: 7 more deaths confirmed in Minnesota, record jump in cases

The data is up to date as of 4 p.m. Thursday.

Minnesota’s COVID-19 confirmed death toll has risen to 57, with 7 more deaths announced on Friday.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), an additional 94 patients have tested positive, bringing the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota to 1,336.

This is the largest single-day rise in cases so far in Minnesota. It comes after an additional 1,600 people were tested on Thursday. Continue reading.

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 10, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 6:00 PM on 4/10/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Like many Minnesotans, Governor Walz will observe the holidays with his family this weekend. Our thoughts are with Minnesotans across faith communities who would typically be spending upcoming religious holidays with extended family and friends. We ask Minnesotans to remember that as hard as social distancing is during this season, it’s still important and will help ensure our neighbors and loved ones stay safe.

Grocery stores and food co-ops are still open for business and helping to feed our families. Please help us all stay safe and practice social distancing by remembering to shop one person at a time when possible. Stay Home guidelines still apply during the holidays – visit our new COVID-19 website for FAQs, resources, data, and tips on how to protect yourself.

Today, scientists from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health provided a press briefing on the Minnesota modeling developed to help inform the state’s policy and response. An interdisciplinary team at the University of Minnesota has been working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to use available evidence on COVID-19 to estimate the trajectory of the disease in Minnesota. You can read more about the model and watch the MDH briefing on it here: mn.gov/covid19/data/modeling.jsp. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: April 10, 2020”

11 more dead as Minnesota’s coronavirus death toll reaches 50

The data is as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Wednesday was Minnesota’s deadliest day so far in the coronavirus outbreak, with the state health department announcing Thursday 11 new deaths, bringing Minnesota’s total to 50.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), an additional 88 patients have tested positive, bringing the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota to 1,242. The numbers are reflective of all reports confirmed through 4 p.m. Wednesday.

That includes 145 patients who are currently hospitalized, including 63 in intensive care. Continue reading.

Here’s why Minnesota extended the Stay at Home order

The Minnesota model is estimating at least 6,000 deaths over a 12-month period.

Minnesota’s stay-at-home order has been extended until May 4, with Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm supporting the extension by revealing some of the key findings of a state-specific coronavirus model.

Malcolm said that Minnesota has flattened the curve, at least temporarily, with the number of confirmed cases now doubling approximately every eight days, which is a significantly slower pace than before the original Stay at Home order went into effect March 27.

“It can all go sideways very quickly if we don’t continue,” Gov. Walz said, urging Minnesotans to hang tough and continue to focus on staying home outside of leaving for essential needs or to go outside for fresh air while always practicing social distancing. Continue reading.

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 10, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 3:00 PM on 4/9/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced that he is extending the Stay Home Executive Order until May 4. The Governor reminded Minnesotans how important it is to stay home, because decisions we all make now will have life or death impacts for our neighbors and loved ones down the road.

We know this isn’t easy on Minnesota businesses, large and small. We have a number of different loans and grants available to businesses that are struggling, and we encourage all employers to contact the Department of Employment and Economic Development to see what programs and resources are available. We want to continue to find ways to help Minnesota businesses and taxpayers as much as possible during these uncertain times. Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 10, 2020”