Hello Northlanders,

I hope you and your family are doing well and folks close to you are safe and healthy. I also want to offer best wishes as we have some holidays which are important to many of us. While we’d typically be gathering with friends and family during this time of year, it’s critically important that we all maintain social distancing. I get it; this is hard. But as much as we want to see loved ones, it’s better for everyone’s safety to stay apart from one another and help prevent this spread of this illness.

Here are some updates from the Capitol

Stay at Home Order Extended, Modified

Yesterday in an executive order, Governor Walz announced that he has extended the current stay at home order – with some modifications – until May 4. In making the announcement, he recognized Minnesotans’ commitment to social distancing and preventing further spread of COVID-19, but illustrated how we need to buy more time to increase capacity within our health care system, particularly as it relates to hospital beds and ventilators. In our rural areas, ICU availability is extremely limited and it’s important to ensure those who need care are able to receive it.

There were several notable changes compared to the first order, and businesses in certain industries can resume operations like lawn care and landscaping, agricultural equipment repair, and garden centers and nurseries. The Governor reiterated that as the situation evolves and other industries could be added as well if it’s determined they can operate safely.

A set of frequently asked questions about the order is available here. All of us have a role to play in overcoming this pandemic. Please: unless it’s an essential trip, stay at home.

Workers’ Compensation for Frontline Workers

The Legislature continues to address this evolving crisis in a bipartisan fashion. On Wednesday, the House and Senate approved legislation strengthening workers’ compensation benefits for health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. In particular, the bill provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp. Considering the high level of exposure these folks encounter, if they become afflicted with COVID-19, it could be extremely difficult to prove how they got the condition.

Occupations covered by the presumption in the bill include firefighters, peace officers, paramedics, EMTs, health care workers, correctional officers, and child care providers who are caring for children of first responders and health care workers under the Governor’s executive orders. I was proud to support this critical legislation that will protect so many of our front line workers who are putting themselves at risk to keep us safe and healthy. Yesterday, Governor Walz signed the bill into law.

Grants for Veterans

In in the COVID-19 response package lawmakers recently passed, $6.2 million in aid was dedicated for veterans or their surviving spouses who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Applications are now open for these grants through the State Soldiers' Assistance Program. To apply, contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) or MDVA Field Operations Representative at FO.MDVA@state.mn.us OR apply online at MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief.

The Governor has launched a COVID-19 dashboard with comprehensive data, information about actions to address the pandemic, and helpful resources for Minnesotans. The dashboard, which will be updated daily, includes information on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, and more. This data will help drive decisions to address the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 in Minnesota. The Minnesota House website also has a COVID-19 section with the latest from the Legislature and links to helpful resources.

Wishing health, safety, and wellness to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative