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Neighbors and Friends,
The lack of affordable housing is a serious matter any time, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need takes on a new urgency. With record unemployment numbers, there is more risk that many Minnesotans could face eviction. Next Wednesday, the Housing Finance and Policy Division, which I chair, will hear HF 4541, relating to eviction and mortgage foreclosure protection and emergency housing assistance provided during a public health emergency. Yesterday, I released a statement responding to a Senate GOP news conference proposal diluting the executive order on prohibiting evictions.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities Expanded
Gov. Walz signed Executive Order 20-38 today, allowing Minnesotans to engage in a range of outdoor activities if they follow new guidelines, which include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home. The new provisions go into effect on Saturday, April 18 at 5:00 a.m.
Under Executive Order 20-38, facilities that may reopen or remain open include:
- Bait shops for live bait
- Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
- Public and private parks and trails
- Golf courses and driving ranges
- Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
- Marina services
- Dock installation and other lake services
- Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only
Campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing remain closed.
It is recommended that Minnesotans continue to take part in outdoor activities close to their primary residence. By doing so, this will protect Minnesotans from spreading COVID-19 and will also limit pressure on rural medical facilities and essential supplies.
House approves takeout beer and wine
Today the Minnesota House passed legislation allowing takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation allows bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to sell up to 72 ounces – the equivalent of one six-pack – of beer, cider or hard seltzer and up to 750 milliliters of wine – the equivalent of one bottle – with food orders. The alcoholic beverages must be sold in their original, unopened containers.
Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act signed into law
The legislature met remotely this week, this time to approve the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which was then signed into law by Gov. Walz. The legislation establishes an emergency insulin program for the Minnesotans who need it the most and requires insulin manufacturers to financially participate in solving a problem they created. My statement is here.
Read the details of the bill here. A video recording of today’s floor debate can be viewed here. The bill signing news conference and ceremony can be found here.
CTV News interviewed me about passage of this measure, housing issues and other COVID-19 related legislation.
Additional COVID-19 bills approved
During our remote floor session, we also approved our fourth COVID-19 relief package that will help workers, businesses, and families impacted by this unmatched public health crisis.
Thirteen-week unemployment insurance extension implemented
Unemployment benefits for eligible applicants have been extended for an additional 13 weeks, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). You can read more here.
Peacetime Emergency Extended
Gov. Walz has extended the Peacetime Emergency in Minnesota for 30 days which will allow Minnesota to continue several of the public health and economic relief measures implemented to help Minnesotans get through the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read all of Gov. Walz’s Executive Orders here.
As of today, the Stay at Home executive order is in effect until May 4.
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I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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