WEEK IN REVIEW
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.
The House also passed — and Gov. Tim Walz signed into law — a bill that will help provide emergency insulin to all diabetics, the culmination of ongoing discussions over the last couple of years, and on Friday passed a measure allowing restaurants to sell beer and wine with to-go orders during the pandemic. Walz has indicated he’ll sign that, too.
The House now stands adjourned until April 28, unless leaders reach an agreement to reconvene before then to take additional action. But there are already a number of committee and division hearings scheduled for next week, and more likely to follow.
Before looking too far ahead, however, here is one last look at the past week.
Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.
BUDGET
Coronavirus-fueled economic uncertainty muddies state budget planning
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15225
COMMERCE
House may act Friday on bill to allow beer, wine to-go with restaurant takeout
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15235
Shuttered by stay-at-home order, restaurants move closer to limited liquor sales to-go
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15236
EDUCATION
COVID-19 pandemic worsening state’s child care crisis
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15234
ELECTIONS
Secretary of state pushes for vote-by-mail amid coronavirus concerns
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15231
EMPLOYMENT
Lawmakers consider post-pandemic workforce development needs
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15230
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Testing key for state COVID-19 strategy, health officials say
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15233
Policy provisions take center stage in latest COVID-19 response bill
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15227
Emergency insulin bill going to governor after House, Senate passage
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15226
HIGHER EDUCATION
Division hears bill to save students from abrupt college closures
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15229
PUBLIC SAFETY
$67 million appropriation discussed for public safety and disaster contingency
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15232
STATE GOVERNMENT
House debates — but doesn’t vote to end — governor’s peacetime emergency order
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15228