Legislative Update: Preparing for COVID-19

Dear Neighbors,

With the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) taking place in Minnesota, our work at the State Capitol has been to ensure that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has the resources it needs to swiftly respond to the virus and stop the spread. To that end, the Minnesota House and Senate unanimously passed legislation on Monday to invest $20.9 million in reinforcing MDH’s efforts, and Governor Walz signed the bill into law yesterday.

This was just our initial legislative step in combating this virus, and more action may be necessary as the situation evolves. MDH’s labs are prepared and actively testing patients for the condition, and up-to-date information can be found on their website. A public hotline is also available to answer questions related to COVID-19. The hotline is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 651-201-3920.

This is an issue I take seriously, and I will continue to update our community as we receive more information from MDH.

REAL ID

In one of my previous updates, I gave a brief overview of the necessary documents for applying for a REAL ID, the required form of identification that’ll be needed to board an airplane or access certain federal buildings starting October 1, 2020. Recent numbers show that only 13% of Minnesotans have received a REAL ID, and with the deadline coming up soon, Minnesotans should be proactive about updating their ID, if needed.

An enhanced driver’s license, a passport, or other acceptable documents can be used in lieu of a REAL ID for air travel, but for many Minnesotans a REAL ID may be the most convenient option. In order to receive a REAL ID by the October 1 deadline, Minnesotans are encouraged to apply no later than June 15.

Minnesotans who have questions or concerns about the status of their license or ID card can contact DVS at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us or 651-297-3298. Include your full name and date of birth with your question in the email. To save time and make sure you have everything you need before you visit a driver’s license office, you can pre-apply online at realid.dps.mn.gov. 

Paid Family & Medical Leave

Everyone deserves to bond with a newborn, care for a family member, or deal with their own illness without risking their paycheck. I joined my colleagues on the House floor last week in passing the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act because too many hard-working Minnesotans don’t have the economic security to do just that. You can watch my remarks on the House floor here.

This would provide Minnesotans with up to 12 weeks of leave, and would work similar to unemployment insurance. Workers with qualifying family events and medical conditions could apply for leave to take care of a family member or get medical attention for themselves. They would receive a percentage of their regular wages while on leave. This has become a topical issue across the nation, with President Trump even speaking in favor of paid family leave during the recent State of the Union address. My hope is that Republicans in the Senate can come to the table this year to discuss how we can deliver this resource to Minnesotans.

You can read more about this bill and this issue here.

Other Legislation

While floor debates take up much of the news cycle, there are several pieces of legislation I’m carrying that have had recent committee hearings, or will be heard soon:

• HF 3654, the Personal Care Assistants Reform Bill, would establish better support for Minnesota’s PCAs. Our PCAs provide the valuable service of caring for people with disabilities and older adults, and the position being severely underpaid has resulted in a shortage that puts already vulnerable groups at risk. You can watch the committee hearing on this bill here.
• HF 3489 would set required goals for carbon sequestration in public and private forests. Supported by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this bill is one of many solutions that could help lead to a stable climate.

• HF 3739 is a concrete response to the farm crisis.  This creates a grant program to pay the loan fees for farmers who are in mediation and are restructuring debt into a federally backed loan.  We want to provide more tools to mediators and more support for farmers so that we keep more farmers on the farm.  

Stay Connected

Our work at the Legislature can move quickly at times, especially with multiple important issues to cover this year. To stay connected on our work at the State Capitol, feel free to “like” my official Facebook page, “follow” me on twitter, or subscribe and share these email updates. You can also reach out with any questions or comments you may have on the legislative process. I can be reached at (651) 296-0171 or rep.todd.lippert@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

Todd Lippert