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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sandy Layman (R)

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News From Representative Layman 3-13-2020

Friday, March 13, 2020

Dear Friends,

I hope you are enjoying the extra hour of daylight we’ve had in the evenings this week. Here’s a quick update with the latest from the Capitol, starting with the obvious.

COVID-19 Response

Earlier this week, the legislature voted unanimously in the House and Senate to approve emergency funding for the Department of Health to continue their response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The bill was signed by the governor and includes protections for taxpayers by requiring money to be paid back to the general fund if it goes unspent.

The legislature is considering additional steps to ensure our state and health care system can respond as quickly and effectively as possible — Minnesotans should have confidence that legislators, the governor, and state agencies are working closely based on the expert recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.

As this situation unfolds, social media could be filled with misinformation so please continue to rely only on information from trusted sources. Your best sources for up-to-date information are the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) websites:

MDH: COVID-19 Home Page

MDH: Prepare and Prevent COVID-19

MDH: Situation Update for COVID-19

CDC: COVID-19 Home Page

CDC: COVID-19 FAQ

MDH also has a hotline for people to call with any questions at: 651-201-3920. Please continue to take precautions in order to protect you and your family and help prevent the spread of this outbreak.

Governor’s Supplemental Budget

On Thursday, Governor Walz released his supplemental budget for the 2020 legislative session. The governor is proposing to bank $1.2 billion of our state’s $1.5 billion budget surplus due to economic uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. Given the significant economic impacts caused by coronavirus, it’s important the legislature consider adjusting the way we approach this surplus – how we spend it, and how much tax relief can realistically be provided. It’s important we ensure Minnesota remains in sound fiscal shape and can respond to this developing situation as necessary.

Harris Township Bill

Among the bills I have introduced addressing local issues is a piece of legislation to allow Itasca County to authorize Harris Township to expand their political boundaries to include a small portion of land at the end of Stony Point on Lake Pokegama. This area is currently unorganized but is landlocked by Harris Township. This move simply makes sense, as Harris Township has been maintaining the road that runs around the point and serving its few year-round and seasonal residents. Because this annexation has local support, I’m happy to help our local government units obtain the authority necessary to make this happen.

Local Visitors

Visitor numbers at the Capitol have been reduced as precautionary measures are causing the cancellation of large group gatherings and events.  This week, however, I did get to visit with a few folks from home pictured here.

Please Contact Me

As mentioned above, large group assemblies at the capitol are being cancelled by the group leaders.  But, as always, you can contact me on any legislative matter. I value your opinion and you can best reach me at 651-296-4936 or rep.sandy.layman@house.mn.

Talk to you soon,

Sandy