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

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Legislative Update - March 17, 2020

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Rep. Persell

Dear neighbors, 

Late last night, we unanimously passed an emergency funding bill to help hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities address COVID-19. We’re committed to ensuring Minnesotans can get the care they need, and we’ll continue working with the Governor and public health officials to address the COVID-19 pandemic.   


School Cancellations

Over the weekend, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools will be temporarily closed so school administrators and teachers can make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools will be closed from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27, though some schools may decide to close earlier. During this time, schools will continue providing meals to students in need, mental health services, and care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job.

If you have any questions, you can visit www.education.mn.gov or call a state hotline dedicated to schools and child care at 651-297-1304. The hotline is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Please contact me if your family needs any assistance to access meals or child care for emergency workers.


Temporary Closures and Support for Impacted Workers

Yesterday, Governor Walz ordered the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars. Starting today at 5 p.m., businesses won’t be able to take dine-in customers, though takeout and delivery are permitted. The Governor is encouraging grocery stores and pharmacies to stay open so Minnesotans can still get the items they need.

In an effort to support the many Minnesotans affected by these closures, the Governor signed an Executive Order to strengthen Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and ensure that workers who aren’t able to work have benefits available. If your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program may be able to help. More information about UI is available here.

Additional information for workers and employers is available at www.mn.gov/deed. A state hotline will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 661-259-7114.


COVID-19 Information and Resources

As I mentioned in my last email, you can find up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19 at www.health.state.mn.us. You can also call the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s public hotline at 651-201-3920. The hours have been extended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.


Please continue to contact me with questions, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is rep.john.persell@house.mn, and my office phone number is 651-296-5516.

Sincerely, 

John Persell
State Representative