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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jerry Hertaus (R)

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Rep. Hertaus keeps working for constituents amid COVID-19 outbreak

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

ST. PAUL – State Rep. Jerry Hertaus, R-Greenfield, said he will continue working to represent the citizens of District 33A, even as the Minnesota House’s daily operations have been altered amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The House formally will remain in session as the state addresses the pressing public health issue surrounding COVID-19, with meetings and floor sessions taking place on an on-call basis until April 14. Hertaus said alternate means of working will allow the House to respond to the needs of Minnesotans, while also fully complying with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines including social distancing, limiting large gatherings, telework, and increased cleaning measures necessitated by COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 outbreak is presenting a different kind of challenge for us and, as elected officials, it is incumbent upon us to weigh options that are before us as a state, considering the pros and cons and responding accordingly,” Hertaus said. “My goal is to continue serving the public, as I was elected to do, while also doing my part to mitigate the spread of this virus. I remain not only on call to the House, but also on call to the people of District 33A who may be seeking assistance or direction in accessing resources the state has made available to help combat COVID-19. I welcome continued correspondence and urge constituents to let me know how I may aid them.”

Hertaus indicated MDH hotlines are available to assist Minnesotans, including a public line (651) 201-3920 and a line for questions specifically related to schools and/or childcare (651) 297-1304. Several online resources also are available to help individuals stay up to date:

Early Tuesday morning, the House approved nearly $200 million in additional funding to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill provides $50 million to the Public Health Response Contingency Account for use by providers, ambulance services, health care clinics, hospitals, and long term care facilities. It also allocates $150 million to the newly created Health Care Response Fund for grants to providers for costs necessary for COVID-19 response. 

Hertaus can be reached at (651) 296-9188 or at rep.jerry.hertaus@house.mn

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