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Dear neighbors,
Governor Walz recently announced that the stay at home order will expire on May 18. Starting Monday, Minnesotans can gather with family and friends in groups of 10 people or less. Retail stores, malls, and other main street businesses will be allowed to open if they have a safety plan and operate at no more than 50 percent occupancy. Restaurants, bars, salons, and gyms will remain closed, but Governor Walz and his team are working with business owners and workers to find ways for these venues to reopen as soon as June 1.
Governor Walz is gradually “turning the dials,” but that doesn’t mean things will return to the way they were before the pandemic. Minnesotans should continue social distancing, wearing masks in public, and staying home when sick. We all have a responsibility to keep our neighbors safe and healthy.
Governor Walz also issued an executive order to protect Minnesotans who are concerned about the safety of their workplace. The order ensures workers can raise concerns without fear of discrimination or retaliation and protects those who refuse to work under unsafe conditions. If you don’t feel safe at your job, you can call the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at 651-284-5050.
Jobs and Local Projects Bill
Today, my colleagues and I are considering the House Jobs and Local Projects Plan, a bonding bill that invests $2.52 billion in renovating, repairing, and replacing public assets across the state. These investments will go towards higher education institutions, clean water infrastructure, correctional facilities, roads and bridges, parks and trails, municipal buildings, and more. The bill also gets more people back to work, which will help our economy recover. I’m pleased to report that the bill funds many projects that are important to our area, including a new water treatment plant for Bemidji and sewer and water system improvements for Deer River. You can read a full list of projects here.
These are challenging times, but I’m confident that we can weather this storm together. Please continue to take care of yourself and your family. If I can be of help, please contact me at rep.john.persell@house.mn or 651-296-5516.
Sincerely,
John Persell
State Representative
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