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Neighbors,
The COVID-19 situation (or coronavirus, as it's commonly referred to), is unfolding nearly as quickly as we can provide updates. But here's an update specifically focused on what we do know, what we're doing at the state level, and what Minnesotans can do to prevent the spread of this virus.
Public health officials in Minnesota are working around the clock to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19. At the Capitol, the House, Senate, Department of Health (MDH), and Governor’s Office are in near-constant communication to ensure we can quickly work to prevent further outbreak.
On March 10, Governor Tim Walz signed into law legislation that authorizes nearly $21 million for our public health response to COVID-19. I’m proud that the legislature moved quickly and collaboratively (the funding passed with unanimous support in both the House and Senate) to provide additional resources. But there is more we need to do.
I've drafted a bill that would prevent businesses from taking advantage of consumers during emergencies or disasters by raising prices for essential consumer goods or services by more than 10%.
This legislation aims to stop businesses from immoral price gouging of the most vulnerable Minnesotans. In times of crisis, Minnesotans still need basic supplies to survive. Yet many are finding that after carrying the burden of extra transportation, time, and effort just to find a store still stocked with rice or cold medicine, prices have doubled.
On March 11, my colleagues and I announced a package of legislation to further address COVID-19, including my price gouging bill. The bills would:
- Require health plans to cover all costs of testing, treatment, and quarantine related to COVID-19.
- Compensate hourly school workers for days canceled or missed due to COVID-19.
- Expand the Governor’s authority to declare public health emergencies as possible peacetime emergencies.
- Establish a loan account for health care providers.
- Expand unemployment insurance and sick leave benefits during times of emergency.
Minnesotans are encouraged to thoroughly and frequently wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when they are sick, to practice social distancing by avoiding large gatherings as much as possible, and to stay informed. The MDH website (www.health.state.mn.us) is a great resource, and a public hotline (651-201-3920) will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
With the rise of concerns about COVID-19, there has been a troubling increase in incidents of xenophobia and racism. These acts of exclusion, harassment, and hate speech do nothing to prevent viruses and other illnesses from spreading. In fact, these actions only impair our ability to work together as a community at a crucial time. Infectious diseases can only be fought with solidarity and cooperation.
I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to my office – we can work together to ensure Minnesota is prepared to navigate this public health crisis. You can reach me at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201.
MDH has set up a COVID19 webpage in several languages. Please share these links with anyone who would like information in additional languages:
English: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Spanish: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/spanish.html
Somali: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/somali.html
Hmong: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/hmong.html
No Human is Illegal
No one should ever be referred to or as an "illegal alien." This week, I introduced legislation to protect dignity for undocumented Minnesotans. It would replace the term in existing statutes to "undocumented immigrant." How we use our words not only defines our world, but it sets a standard in our political discourse. The term's use denigrates mostly black and brown people who work hard every day and whose demographics tend to be poorer, more marginalized and least able to fight back. We must end the use of this term today.
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