Dear neighbors,

This week the Legislature is focusing on our state’s response to coronavirus. We’re acting quickly to ensure that public health officials have the tools they need to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus Update

A week ago, I shared information about what our state was doing to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19, often referred to as the coronavirus. The next day, state officials confirmed Minnesota’s first case of coronavirus. Eight additional people have tested positive as of this afternoon. 

My colleagues and I are monitoring this situation closely. On Monday, the Minnesota House and Senate unanimously approved a bill that provides funding to help state and local officials prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19; Governor Walz signed the bill into law the next day. Yesterday, House DFLers introduced additional legislation to help Minnesotans navigate this public health crisis. I expect to see these bills move rapidly, so please stay tuned.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has set up a public hotline that’s open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. You can call the hotline at 651-201-3920 or visit www.health.state.mn for up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19. I’ll do my best to keep you updated as I receive new information.

Make Your Voice Heard

On Tuesday, I attended the White Bear Township annual meeting. We heard presentations from the Ramsey County Sheriff, Northeast Youth & Family Services, and the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf and discussed plans for the future.

2020 Census Reminder

The U.S. Census provides crucial data that’s used to determine how much federal funding our state receives for schools, fire departments, roads and bridges, and other services we all rely on. Census data also impacts representation at the local, state, and national level because it’s used to redraw legislative districts to account for population changes. A strong, accurate count is necessary to ensure fair distribution of resources and equal representation.

Minnesota households will start receiving information about the 2020 Census today. Please keep an eye out for instructions on how to be counted and make sure to complete your census forms. If you want more information about this once-in-a-decade count, click here to see a fact sheet or here to watch a short video.

If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can reach me at rep.ami.wazlawik@house.mn or 651-296-3018.

Sincerely,

Ami Wazlawik

State Representative