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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL)

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Legislative Update - COVID-19

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Rep. Wagenius

Dear neighbors, 

We are working around the clock to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please stay tuned for further updates.


School Cancellations

Over the weekend, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools will be temporarily closed so school administrators and teachers can make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, schools will continue providing meals to students in need, mental health services, and care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job.

Minneapolis Public Schools and Richfield Public Schools will be closed until April 5. Information about meal distribution sites, distance learning, and other resources for MPS students is available here. You can learn about resources for RPS students here. If you have additional questions, you can visit www.education.mn.gov or call a state hotline dedicated to schools and child care at 651-297-1304. The hotline is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.


Temporary Closures and Support for Impacted Workers

On Tuesday, Governor Walz ordered the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers. Takeout and delivery are still permitted. Other venues, such as gyms, museums, and movie theaters, were ordered to close as well. The Governor is encouraging grocery stores and pharmacies to stay open so Minnesotans can still get the items they need.

In an effort to support the many Minnesotans affected by these closures, the Governor signed an Executive Order to strengthen Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and ensure that workers who aren’t able to work have benefits available. If your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program may be able to help. More information about UI is available here.

Additional information for workers and employers is available at www.mn.gov/deed. A state hotline is available at 661-259-7114 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.


Legislative Action

Earlier this week, the Minnesota House unanimously approved emergency funding that will ensure hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities have the resources needed to address COVID-19. We are committed to making sure that Minnesotans can get the care they need during this pandemic.

Legislators are poised to pass additional legislation to help Minnesotans navigate this public health crisis. We are working on a package of bills that would:

  • Reduce financial barriers for Minnesotans who need testing and treatment.
  • Expand unemployment insurance and paid leave.
  • Ban price gouging of food and other necessary goods and services.
  • Compensate hourly school workers for days canceled or missed due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Information and Resources

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website, www.health.state.mn.us, has up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19. Guidelines for helping slow the spread of this disease are available here. MDH also operates a public hotline that is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 651-201-3920.


I will continue to provide updates as this situation develops. Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can ever be of assistance.

Sincerely, 

Jean Wagenius
State Representative