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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL)

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Legislative Update – May 16, 2020

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Hello Northlanders,

The final weekend of the legislative session is here and we’re still working on several important items to address both the health impacts of COVID-19 and the economic difficulties folks are facing right now. We must adjourn on Monday, and tomorrow is the last day we can pass bills. Here’s an update on some recent developments.Click to edit this placeholder text.


Stay at Home Order Expiring

This week, Governor Walz announced that on Monday, the Stay at Home order will expire. Retail establishments will be able to open at half capacity and gatherings of 10 or fewer people will be permitted. His plan also aims to allow bars and restaurants to safely open on June 1. I know folks are anxious for life to return to normal, and workers and business owners have been facing tremendous economic hardship due to no fault of their own.

While these next steps will help our economy, the health and safety of Minnesotans needs to remain at the forefront. In order to reopen, any non-Critical Sector business or retail establishment must have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place, and businesses must follow CDC and OSHA guidance. More information about these requirements is available here. When possible, Minnesotans should continue to work from home. I’m glad Governor Walz has empowered workers during this next phase, and employees are explicitly permitted to raise concerns regarding the safety of their work environments without fear of discrimination or retaliation. It also protects workers from loss of income if they refuse to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

These changes are gradual to ensure our health care system has the capacity to treat cases. We all have an important role to play in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Minnesotans should continue to maintain social distancing, wear a mask in public to protect others, and stay home when sick. Additionally, Minnesotans who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, such as those with compromised immune systems, should continue to stay at home. Learn more about the governor’s plan here. Stay safe!


Driver’s License Tests Available Again

Another recent change announced is the ability for driver’s license examinations to resume. Starting May 26, road tests will be available at 16 stations across the state. Priority will be given to those who had their appointments cancelled during the stay at home order, and tests will be given by appointment only. The Driver and Vehicle Services Division of the Department of Public Safety has more information here.


Next Public Health Phase: Contact Tracing

As our COVID-19 testing capacity increases, our next step to effectively address the virus is a contact tracing program. The program will aim to accurately and efficiently identify people who may have been at risk of contracting COVID-19 and allow them to be isolated until the risk of contagion has passed. As many as 4,200 Minnesotans would be required to make this initiative successful and furloughed workers, retirees, and students would all be potential candidates for these roles.

The program would be funded through money received under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The House Ways and Means Committee, of which I’m a member, recently approved a bill to launch this program. Learn more about the plan here.


Request an Absentee Ballot

vote from home

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that every voter feels safe casting a ballot. One of the easiest ways to ensure this is to vote from your own home. Earlier this week, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced that Minnesota voters can now request an absentee ballot to be sent to their home for both the August 11 statewide primary and the November 3 general election.

Request your absentee ballot here on this online tool. The online application will ask for an e-mail address and an identification number, either a Minnesota-issued driver's license, Minnesota ID card, or last 4 digits of Social Security Number. You can check your voter registration status online. You can also register or update your voter registration online.


For up-to-date information about our efforts to fight the pandemic, continue to visit the state COVID-19 Dashboard and the House of Representatives website which also has links to helpful resources. If I can be of help, please contact me at rep.rob.ecklund@house.mn or 651-296-2190.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative