Dear Neighbors,
As we receive more information about COVID-19, I remain grateful that our state has a strong and prepared public health system. To reinforce this, my colleagues and I in the Minnesota Legislature unanimously passed $20.8 million in funding to ensure that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has the resources they need to slow and stop the spread of this virus. We’re in a time of uncertainty right now, but it’s important that these challenges are met with a robust response. I echo the comments of our public health officials and ask our community to do what they can to stay hygienic, stay home if sick, and stay informed.
Today, Governor Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency, highlighting the need to implement community mitigation strategies. This would include avoiding large gatherings, travel, and practicing personal protective measures. This does not mean healthy individuals should bar themselves from leaving their homes, just that practical measures should be taken to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.MDH is a great source of information when it comes to the status of the coronavirus in Minnesota, travel guidance, and best practices on how to protect yourself, your family, and your community. You can find that information here. There is also a daily hotline available to answer your questions (651-201-3920), which is available 7am-7pm.
That same information can also be found in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
In the Minnesota House, we’ll be looking at legislation in the coming days that aims to address possible issues that could arise as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. That includes measures that make sure Minnesotans have access to the healthcare they need, the financial security they deserve, and the goods and products they require.
Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act
While the coronavirus dominates much of the news around our work in St. Paul, it’s important to note that there remains a multitude of pressing issues that impact the lives of Minnesotans outside of the virus. This week, my Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act continued through the committee process, stopping in the House Jobs and Economic Development Committee yesterday.
A recent op-ed highlighted the importance of this legislation, and the need to address the child care crisis in our state. You can read that here.
Stay Connected
This week, I met constituents to discuss mental health and healthcare, local restaurant management, financial literacy with the MN Credit Union Network – including two student tellers from the EPHS location, and more! With the current state of the epidemic, I know that in-person meetings aren’t ideal or possible for everyone, so please feel free to call or email with any questions or comments you have on the issues that matter to you.
Access and involvement for the public in our work is crucial, and much of our official work can be viewed or listened to online via our daily schedule, which you can find here. If you have any questions on our efforts around COVID-19 and other legislation, please feel free to contact me or my office, which can be reached at rep.carlie.kotyza-witthuhn@house.mn or at (651) 296-7449.
Sincerely,
Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn
State Representative<