Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are safe and healthy during this uncertain time. It’s difficult for all of us to one degree or another, and not knowing when this will end only makes it worse. Continue to check the state’s COVID-19 Dashboard for the latest accurate, up-to-date information about the pandemic as well as our state’s response. Also, the Minnesota House website’s COVID-19 section has information about legislative actions to date, as well as links to helpful resources.

Changes to Outdoor Activities; Beer/Wine Sales To-Go

Governor Walz has made several important decisions to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy. Another key aspect to our physical and mental health is the ability to get outside and with summer on the way, Governor Walz announced some changes to the current Stay at Home order which will allow folks to engage in a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking, as long as they follow new outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home.

Businesses allowed to open include:

• Bait shops for live bait
• Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
• Public and private parks and trails
• Golf courses and driving ranges
• Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
  • Marina services
  • Dock installation and other lake services
  • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Also today, the Minnesota House approved legislation to temporarily allow restaurants with on-sale liquor licenses to sell certain alcoholic beverages with a takeout food order during the current COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Diners can purchase beverages limited to a 750 ml bottle of wine or six-pack of beer, wine, cider, or hard seltzer in their unopened, original packaging along with a meal.

Restaurants throughout the state are hurting right now, and owners, management, and employees are struggling with this economic crisis they’ve found themselves in due to no fault of their own. This legislation isn’t the answer to the whole problem, but I hope it will help boost revenues to help them with their curbside and takeout business. Our mom-and-pop local eateries are facing the biggest challenge to weather this storm, and I hope folks will make an extra effort to patronize them if they are able to during this situation.

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act Now Law

Earlier this week, the Minnesota House approved the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which will improve emergency access to insulin for those who need it and help Minnesotans access affordable insulin in the long-term. The landmark legislation was named after a young Minnesotan who tragically passed away after rationing his insulin because he couldn’t afford a refill at his pharmacy. After the Senate approved the bill, Governor Walz signed it into law.

This bipartisan consensus was the result of many months of work on the part of not just lawmakers, but dedicated advocates – like Alec’s parents – who deserve all the credit for us getting this across the finish line. Especially during a pandemic like the one we’re in now with many folks experiencing economic hardship, this is a solution that will give some peace of mind to those who need it. This bill is just one part of our effort to reduce the outrageous cost of prescription drugs Minnesotans must pay to live healthy lives.

New COVID-19 Legislative Package Approved

This week the House also passed our fourth package of COVID-19 response legislation. The bill contains several proposals to provide needed flexibility and assistance to Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill helps Minnesotans execute wills, allows local governments to meet remotely, suspends certain deadlines and expiration dates, allows marriage applications to be submitted without the need to appear in person, expands use of telemedicine, gives the Department of Health authority to set up alternative health care facilities, and more. Read more about the legislation here.

Unemployment Insurance Extended

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance benefits, authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), has been authorized. Prior to this authorization, DEED estimates about 8,000 people have exhausted or will soon exhaust their Minnesota unemployment insurance benefits. On top of the $600 additional weekly payments, this extension will deliver more economic security to Minnesotans in this uncertain time.

Another component of the CARES Act still to be implemented is the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. The PUA will provide unemployment benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others earning a living in the “gig economy” who wouldn’t previously be eligible for unemployment benefits. DEED expects to have this program up and running by the end of April, and applications are open now at www.uimn.org. Don’t be alarmed if the system says your application is denied; DEED will flag your account and follow up with you when the PUA program is ready. A step-by-step guide is available here.

If I can be of help in any way, contact me at rep.jack.considine@house.mn or call me at 651-296-3248. Continue taking all the safe, responsible steps including social distancing; evidence shows they are working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will all get through this crisis together.

Sincerely,

Jack Considine
State Representative