Legislative Update- April 9, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well. I continue to be amazed by the resilience and kindness of our community as neighbors help neighbors. A friend here in Maple Grove mentioned she was preparing meals to deliver to struggling families and without skipping a beat, another friend asked if she could cook food and deliver additional meals to feed more families. My heart bursts with pride.

Surprise Easter deliveries and care packages to neighbors are one of my favorite small acts of kindness. In a time of isolation, the joy of doing this for others makes my cup runneth over. I can’t pass the opportunity to spread this cheer, while I miss spending my favorite holiday of the year with my own family. For me it is not the same without the heavenly scent of Easter lilies, which I adore and a chance to sing my favorite hymn, “My Redeemer Lives”. (Yes, I have a favorite hymn!)

For our Jewish community celebrating Passover, it is indeed bittersweet, a time to celebrate the triumph over oppression and safety of loved ones from a distance. A blessed Passover to you all.

Here’s an update on where things stand at the legislature and our continued efforts to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to COVID-19:

Securing Workers’ Compensation for our First Responders

On Tuesday, the Legislature passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp. Front-line workers covered in the bill include doctors and nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police, long-term care workers, home health workers, correctional officers, and child care providers. You can read my full statement here. I am grateful to the leadership of Governor Walz who signed the bill into law on Wednesday and grateful for first responders and critical workers caring for us each day selflessly.

Stay at Home Order Extended

Governor Walz extended the Stay at Home Executive Order this week until May 4. We see the impact making a difference, keep up the amazing work!  Check my official Facebook page for updates on what this means for you.

I’m grateful the Governor is committed to balancing protecting the health of Minnesotans’ with our state’s economic livelihood, he continues to be an tremendous partner during this crisis.

Many of you wrote to me about making smart common sense adjustments to the “Stay at Home” order for small businesses. I am proud to announce that our advocacy on behalf of small businesses in our community paid off. The Governor announced additional occupations to the “Critical Sector Descriptions” that are now exempt from the Order and can work immediately. These include the following workers and employers:

• Lawncare and landscaping workers;
• Workers supporting garden centers or stores, provided that such centers or stores adhere to guidance provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture;
• Workers supporting florists for the sale for delivery only of perishable plant stock. Workers delivering perishable plant stock are strongly encouraged to drop off product at the front door of nursing homes and hospitals to avoid contact with vulnerable populations.

Guidance on Additional $600 UI Payments

I've received several questions about the additional $600 payments in unemployment insurance from the federal government. Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development received final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor to make Minnesota one of the first states to make these payments. Click here to learn more about what this means for Minnesotans.

Virtual Coffee with Kristin

You’re invited! Every Saturday in April at 10:00 a.m., I host a virtual Facebook Live coffee chat with constituents. It’s a great way to connect with your neighbors and ask any questions you may have about issues in our community.

Stay in Touch

Please contact me anytime to let me know how I can help you and your family during these challenging times. Follow me on my official Facebook page for additional updates.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Passover or Easter.

Until next week, be safe, be healthy, be well and keep your loved ones close.

Sincerely,

Kristin Bahner

Your State Representative