Hello Northlanders,

Today the House is in session and due to social distancing guidelines, remote voting has been implemented, so I’m up in International Falls. I had some visitors who appeared interested in the bills we were passing.

Outdoor Recreation Expanded; Beer and Wine To-Go Allowed

I wanted to share an update from Governor Walz’s office that should be welcome news. He issued an executive order which expands outdoor recreational activities allowed during the current COVID-19 peacetime emergency. The changes will allow Minnesotans 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.

Many of us live in this great state because of the abundant opportunities to get outside in each of our four seasons. Governor Walz has had to make some extremely difficult decisions to protect our health and safety, and I’m grateful that he’s found some ways to allow Minnesotans to enjoy summer activities while responsibly practicing social distancing. This decision will also offer a hand-up to many businesses and their employees who have been facing an uncertain future.

Through continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, I hope we can move past this public health crisis soon and Minnesotans can take full advantage of our numerous outdoor activities. But we need to do so thoughtfully and responsibly to maintain our progress in flattening the curve and ensuring our health care system has the capacity it needs to care for Minnesotans when they need it.

Also today, the Minnesota House approved legislation to temporarily allow restaurants with on-sale liquor licenses to sell alcoholic beverages with a takeout food order during the current COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Customers will be able to buy a 750 ml bottle of wine or six-pack of beer, wine, cider, or hard seltzer to go with their to-go meal. Beverages must be kept in their unopened, original packaging. Our restaurants were hit suddenly by this crisis and owners and employees alike are experiencing tremendous economic pain. While I know this won’t solve the entire problem they are facing, I hope this will help boost revenues during this challenging time.   

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.

Too many Minnesotans with diabetes struggle to afford their insulin, often making them face horrendous options like rationing, as Alec was forced to do. In cases like Alec’s, this has had tragic consequences that no family should experience.

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 the implementation of a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance benefits, authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). 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 any assistance, contact me directly at rep.rob.ecklund@house.mn or call me at 651-296-2190. Please also like or follow my Facebook page here. For up-to-date information, visit the state’s COVID-19 dashboard and the Minnesota House website also has a COVID-19 section with information on legislative actions and links to helpful resources.

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

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative