Legislative Update- April 2, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise (while maintaining a safe six feet social distance). As I mentioned in my previous update, the Governor’s Stay Home Executive Order does not prevent us from getting outside if we adhere to MDH’s distancing guidelines.

Here’s an update from the Capitol (currently, Plymouth):

Last Thursday, my colleagues and I reconvened at the Capitol – practicing MDH’s distancing guidelines – to pass a bipartisan, comprehensive package of bills to help Minnesotans respond to COVID-19. Our bill, which was signed by Governor Walz, enacts the following:

• $200 million dedicated to a COVID-19 Minnesota Fund to support further action
• Peacetime emergency child care grants
• COVID-19 assistance for veterans
• Food shelves and food banks
• Resources for emergency services and homeless shelters
• Expanded support available to small businesses
• Disaster assistance for farmers to include losses due to COVID-19

House members’ structure for voting was an interesting process, as we were split into four different areas throughout the Capitol. Watch my video I recorded from that day to learn more.

Distance Learning Begins

On Monday this week, Minnesota teachers hit the ground running to launch distance learning for homebound students. This has not been a one-size-fits-all approach, and I want to take this opportunity to thank our districts’ educators and parents for their hard work and dedication to ensure our students have the resources they need to be successful.

Many communities across the state are encountering technology and internet challenges, especially for our rural neighbors with lack of stable broadband access. This is an issue my colleagues and I are looking into and are committed to addressing as soon as possible.

Census 2020- Be Counted!

The 2020 Census is underway! By now, you should have received an invitation in the mail with instructions on how to respond to the census. Counting every Minnesotan accurately is critical to ensuring our state gets our fair share of federal investments in health care, public safety, education, and billions of dollars in other important resources. Estimates from our state demographer show that for every Minnesotan not counted, we will lose $28,000 per person in federal funding over a 10 year period.

Minnesota is currently at a 46% response rate- you can check the daily response tracker of all fifty states and U.S territories here. It’s a fun and interactive way to be competitive for a good cause!

Governor Walz’s Remote State of the State Address

Governor Walz will give his annual State of the State address on this Sunday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. from the Governor's Residence. The address will be streamed live and can be accessed on Facebook, YouTube, and local television stations.

To date, the Minnesota Legislature is in recess until April 14, or a bipartisan agreement is reached in the House and Senate on further emergency response measures to COVID-19.

I consider us as being “on call”. Whether at the Capitol or in Plymouth, I haven’t stopped working to find solutions to keep Plymouth healthy, safe, and to help alleviate the financial stresses our families and businesses are encountering. My work days are spent checking in with our neighbors, superintendents, our city and businesses, connecting with constituents across our district via telephone and email, and collaborating with my legislative colleagues on the phone or online.

We still have more work to do to prepare our state for future challenges. Please continue to reach out if you need help, have questions, or would like to provide input. I can be reached at 651-296-5511 or by email at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.

Follow me on my official Facebook page for additional updates.

It’s an honor to serve our Plymouth families at the state legislature.

Sincerely,

Ginny Klevorn

State Representative