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Neighbors and Friends,
We have another reason to be proud of Governor Tim Walz, his cabinet, our public health professionals and our world-class institutions. Governor Walz announced this week an alliance between the state, the University of Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic and Hennepin Healthcare to make rapid, widespread testing of COVID-19 available. Capacity will be ramped up to be able to administer up to 20,000 tests per day. You can read more about this announcement here. This collaboration proves that, working together, Minnesotans can achieve great results.
You can learn more about the pandemic in Minnesota by visiting the state’s Data Dashboard. To view the legislature’s response, go to the House website.
Stay at Home Order stays in effect until May 4, Distance Learning continues
Yesterday, Governor Walz announced the continuation of the Stay at Home order until May 4, with ability for some Minnesotans to return to work. Students will continue distance learning through the end of the school year. You can learn more here about all the Governor’s Executive Orders.
Executive Order 20-40 will allow 80,000-100,000 Minnesotans to return to work in industrial, manufacturing, and office settings on Monday, April 27.
Prior to loosening restrictions for a given setting, businesses must:
- Create, share, and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that sets out the actions they are taking to ensure social distancing, worker hygiene, and facility cleaning and disinfection necessary to keep workers safe
- Engage in health screening of employees and ensure that sick employees stay home
- Continue to work from home whenever possible
Executive Order 20-41 continues distance learning through the end of the school year.
$100 million approved for housing security
This week, the Housing Finance and Policy Division, which I chair, met remotely and approved $100 million to help provide stability to renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic. In these extraordinary circumstances, we’re committed to helping those who may have lost their incomes due to the pandemic.
Read the news release on the committee hearing here. You can view the hearing here.
Climate Action Caucus celebrates 50th anniversary of Earth Day
We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this week. I’m a proud member of the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus (CAC), which was formed last year to find solutions and establish Minnesota as a national leader in the fight against climate change. In the last 50 years, we have made progress, but we have more work to do to protect our environment.
Earlier this week, three of my CAC colleagues spoke with former Vice President Walter Mondale about the first Earth Day. Vice President Mondale was serving as one of our U.S. Senators when Congress established Earth Day in 1970. A recording of the conversation is available here.
Additional information about the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus is available on the caucus’s website.
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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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