Dear Neighbors,

We’re coming up on the last weekend of the legislative session. We’re still working to reach bipartisan consensus on some significant items to protect Minnesotans’ health and give Minnesotans economic security. Here’s an update from the Capitol.

COVID-19 Next Steps

Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that the current stay at home order will expire on May 18. Retail stores and main street businesses that create a safety plan will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity, and a strategy is being developed to allow bars, restaurants, salons and other businesses to reopen, with a target date of June 1. Gatherings of 10 or fewer people are also permitted. The governor’s action is a cautious step as part of his plan to gradually reopen businesses and allow more types of gatherings while keeping Minnesotans safe.

Non-Critical Sector business and retail establishments must have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place to protect the health and safety of their workers, and businesses must follow CDC and OSHA guidance. More information about these requirements is available here. The governor has also issued an executive order protecting Minnesotans who are concerned about the safety of their work environment. It allows workers to raise concerns without fear of discrimination or retaliation and protects those who refuse to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

COVID-19 remains a public health threat to be addressed, and we’re seeing impacts in our own communities. Despite the governor’s new orders, we should all continue to take safety precautions like social distancing, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick. Additionally, people who may be vulnerable – like those with compromised immune systems – should continue to stay home.

Jobs and Local Projects Bill

One major item left to finish this session is a capital investment bonding bill. I’m excited our House Jobs and Local Projects Plan funds so many infrastructure priorities important to our region, including the new Hibbing Mine View, water level mitigation at the Canisteo and Hill Annex Mines, the new wastewater treatment system for Nashwauk and surrounding communities, and Floodwood’s wastewater pond stabilization. We will consider this legislation on the House floor on Saturday, and you can see a full list of the projects included here.

This legislation would not only fund important infrastructure across the state, but will get more folks back to work, which will accelerate our economic recovery. Our communities have demonstrated the needs, now all we need is the bipartisan will to make these projects a reality.

Investments in Broadband

A lack of high-speed broadband in rural areas has posed significant barriers for students, families, and businesses. Distance learning and increasing reliance on telemedicine have further highlighted these challenges. Our House COVID-19 Economic Security Agenda addresses these gaps with significant new investments in broadband development. The legislation also includes loans for small businesses impacted by the pandemic and other priorities. You can read more about this plan here.

The legislation invests $15 million in a new Distance Learning Broadband Access Grant Program to provide students with the equipment necessary to access learning materials on the internet and reimburse school districts for costs to provide broadband access. It also invests $10 million in the state’s Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program to expand high-speed broadband, with the funding targeted to unserved areas. Finally, it invests $2 million in the new Telemedicine Equipment Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse health care providers and counties that purchase and install telemedicine equipment to provide COVID-19-related health care services.

This bill won’t solve our entire problem, and I believe we will ultimately need to establish broadband service as a utility in our state to reach every home and business. Still, these are important investments that will make a difference in student learning, help Minnesotans access telemedicine, and increase economic opportunity in Greater Minnesota.

The state COVID-19 Dashboard is a great source for information about the pandemic, and the Minnesota House webpage outlines steps lawmakers have taken and has links to helpful resources. Also, call me at 651-296-0172 or email me at rep.julie.sandstede@house.mn if I can be of help in any way. These times are challenging, but I truly believe Minnesotans will emerge stronger and more united once this storm passes. Continue to take care of yourself and your family.

Together,

Julie Sandstede
State Representative