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Dear neighbors,
I hope you’re all holding up as best you can in these challenging times. This week, we passed three important bills to assist Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act
No one should lose their life because they can’t afford lifesaving medication. Earlier this week, we passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, a bill that will help thousands of Minnesotans get the insulin they need at a price they can afford.
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which is named after a young man who lost his life because he couldn’t afford insulin and was forced to ration it, ensures that people who can’t afford their insulin and are in urgent need can access an emergency 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. It also includes measures to help people who need long-term assistance. You can find more information here.
Takeout Beer and Wine
We’re working on getting our economy up and running without putting Minnesotans’ lives at risk. Today, we passed a bill that will allow restaurants and bars to sell takeout beer and wine with food orders. Many business owners, workers, and customers have asked for this change since these businesses closed to dine-in customers, and I’m glad we were able to deliver. More information about the bill is available here.
COVID-19 Response Legislation
We also approved our fourth COVID-19 response bill. This legislation provides needed flexibility and assistance to Minnesotans. It allows local governments to meet remotely, suspends certain deadlines and expiration dates, expands use of telemedicine, gives the Department of Health authority to set up alternative health care facilities, allows marriage applications to be submitted without the need to appear in person, and more. More details are available here.
Expanded Recreation Opportunities
This morning, Governor Walz issued an executive order to expand outdoor recreational activities. Thanks to these changes, Minnesotans will be able to continue spending time outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public and private parks and trails, bait shops, outdoor shooting ranges, golf courses and driving ranges, and boating and off-highway vehicle services will be allowed to reopen or remain open. However, we should all stay close to home, avoid crowded areas, and maintain a six-foot distance from others while enjoying the outdoors. You can read the new executive order here.
Extended Unemployment Benefits
Minnesota was one of the first states in the nation to implement the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides a 13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits for eligible workers. If you’ve exhausted or will soon exhaust your unemployment benefits, you can find step-by-step instructions to apply for the extended benefits here or within your online account.
Additional Unemployment Benefits
As a result of federal legislation, Minnesotans who are eligible for unemployment benefits will receive an additional $600 per week. If you’re already receiving these benefits, you’ll automatically receive the additional payment for every week you remain eligible. More information about these $600 payments is available here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance. You can reach me by email at rep.john.persell@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5516.
Sincerely,
John Persell
State Representative
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