When the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Legislature was able to produce a swift, bipartisan response to ensure that our public health infrastructure was prepared for the virus. The Legislature delivered funding for public health, resources for health care workers, aid for child care, housing and food security, small business assistance and more.
The House and Senate also approved a package of legislation providing flexibility and resources in a variety of areas during the crisis, including approval of wills and marriage licenses, expanded telemedicine, remote local government meetings, and alternative health care facilities. Should a frontline responder to the virus contract COVID-19, legislators also reached a consensus to better ensure these Minnesotans would receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Governor Walz also signed other important measures into law, including the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, Tobacco 21 legislation to prevent youth tobacco use, and a bipartisan bill to protect the safety and security of elections.
What’s Next?
While there is no requirement for the legislature to meet until the next legislative session in January, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with unfinished business from this year’s session, make a special session all but a certainty.
Governor Walz has asked for legislative approval to possibly extend the peacetime state of emergency during the pandemic, which means we would likely need to convene for a special session around June 12.
Though a special session can only be called by the governor, what the legislature does with that time is up to us. Regardless of the status of a special session, my colleagues and I in the House DFL will continue to fight for housing assistance for families across the state, a Jobs and Local Projects Bill that creates jobs and strengthens communities, support for our small businesses, and the resources Minnesotans need to weather this pandemic.
Stay Safe Minnesota
With the “Stay at Home” order expired, the newly implemented “Stay Safe” order allows for Minnesotans to gather in groups of 10 or less, and many retail stores are able to operate at 50% capacity, provided they follow public health guidelines. Governor Walz also announced this week that bars and restaurants would be able to open their patios and other forms of outdoor service at reduced capacity starting on June 1.
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