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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Lesch (DFL)

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Capitol Update – May 14, 2020

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Last night in his address to Minnesotans, Governor Walz announced the current “Stay at Home” order will expire on May 18. Starting Monday, retailers will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity and small gatherings of 10 or fewer will be allowed to occur. The administration is also working with restaurants, bars, salons, and gyms to develop a way for those businesses to safely open as soon as June 1.

Turning the Dials - May 13

This action isn’t flipping a switch to return everything to the way it was prior to the pandemic. In fact, it’s far from it, and Minnesotans are still asked to stay home when sick, maintain social distancing, and wear a mask in public places. At-risk Minnesotans, including those with underlying health conditions, should continue to stay home. As part of his order, I’m particularly pleased with the strong protections for workers, who will be able to raise concerns regarding the safety of their work environments without fear of discrimination or retaliation. It also protects workers from loss of income if they refuse to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions. In order to reopen, any non-Critical Sector business or retail establishment must have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place to protect the health and safety of their workers, and businesses must follow CDC and OSHA guidance. More information about these requirements is available here. When possible, Minnesotans should continue to work from home.

The threat of COVID-19 remains, and as the governor gradually “turns the dials,” his administration will follow key indicators like the number of new cases, and it’s possible restrictions could be put back in place. We all have a responsibility to take this pandemic seriously to prevent further spread and keep our family members and neighbors safe and healthy.


COVID-19 Economic Security Act

House Economic Agenda

Last week, the House voted to pass the House DFL’s COVID-19 Economic Security Act, which delivers much-needed relief to thousands of Minnesotans experiencing hardship during the pandemic. Here are some of the primary provisions of this critical bill, including: 

  • $100 million in assistance for Minnesota renters, homeowners, and landlords. In addition to support for rent and mortgages, qualified applicants can receive help paying utility bills and property taxes;
  • 15% temporary pay increase for Minnesota’s personal care assistants (PCA), who are serving Minnesotans with disabilities, our seniors, and other vulnerable populations. In addition to the increase, PCAs can now be paid for 310 hours of services per month, up from 275;
  • $15 million in a new Distance Learning Broadband Access Grant Program to provide students with the equipment necessary to access learning materials on the internet and reimburse school districts for costs to provide broadband access;
  • $55 million to the Small Business Emergency Loan Program at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), including specific funds for our smallest businesses and minority-owned businesses.

As Minnesotans continue to struggle, I’ll continue to push for these important investments to ensure folks can weather the current economic storm and have the opportunity to thrive once we emerge from the pandemic.


Jobs and Local Projects Plan

Jobs and Local Projects Plan

One major item left before us prior to adjournment Monday is a capital investment bill to renovate, repair, and replace public assets across the state. The House DFL’s Jobs and Local Projects Plan invests a total of $2.52 billion towards infrastructure like higher education institutions, clean water infrastructure, correctional facilities, roads and bridges, parks and trails, municipal buildings and more.

Important priorities to Saint Paul include updates to Como Zoo, the Third St./Kellogg Blvd. Bridge replacement, the International Institute of Minnesota, predesign work for the Riverview Corridor project, Wakan Tipi Center, Victoria Theater renovation, East Side Freedom Library, and the Minnesota Humanities Center.

It’s time to deliver this strong series of investments now. Minnesota communities have demonstrated many examples of obsolete, outdated, and in some cases downright dangerous conditions of public infrastructure. We have a responsibility to protect these assets and moreover, the construction projects in the bill will help get Minnesotans back on the job at a time when we’re all counting on our economy recovering. We have the capacity to make these investments in clean water, affordable housing, safe roads, and strong communities; we just need the will to act. Read the full list of projects here.


State Worker Contracts

State Worker Contracts

One other major item left on the to-do list is ratification of state employees’ labor contracts. Earlier this week, the House voted to do just that, recognizing the agreements were bargained in good faith between labor and management and have been in effect for several months.

Our state workers are dedicated to ensuring we can all have an excellent quality of life. Right now during this pandemic, many of them are on the front lines working to keep our correctional facilities safe, providing care for vulnerable Minnesotans, and working in public health labs to battle COVID-19 itself. They are putting themselves in harm’s way for us, and they deserve fair pay and benefits. I proudly voted to approve these agreements, without interference, so workers and their families can have a sense of economic security, so we can compete with the private sector for talent, and Minnesotans can continue to enjoy fantastic public services.


The legislative session must adjourn by Monday. For my part, as we approach the end of the legislative session, I’m committed to delivering the resources Minnesotans need to protect their health and safety and ensure economic security during this crisis and beyond. Things are going to move rapidly over the final days and hours, so I invite you to follow along. House Public Information Services has streaming video of legislative activity and daily recaps.

If I can be of help in any way during this crisis, contact me at rep.john.lesch@house.mn or call me at 651-296-4224. The state COVID-19 dashboard has up-to-date information about the pandemic, and the Minnesota House website’s COVID-19 section has information about steps the Legislature has taken, as well as links to helpful resources.

Please take care of yourself and your family.

Sincerely,

John Lesch
State Representative