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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL)

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Legislative Update - COVID-19 Assistance Bill

Friday, March 27, 2020

Rep. Wazlawik

Dear neighbors,

Yesterday, we passed legislation to help protect Minnesotans’ health and economic well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the legislation includes emergency loans for small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue, grants to help child care providers continue caring for the children of emergency workers, support for food shelves, and funding for housing security. More details are available here.

The bill will help alleviate some of the challenges that Minnesotans are facing, but there are more issues that we’ll need to address in the coming days, weeks, and months. My colleagues and I will continue pushing for pay for hourly workers at Minnesota schools, workers compensation for health and public safety workers, and other policies to help people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related disruptions.


Stay at Home Order Takes Effect Today

As I mentioned in my last email, Governor Walz recently issued an executive order directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit activities outside their homes. The order takes effect today at 11:59 p.m.

Stay at Home

You will be able to leave your home for essential activities such as buying groceries, seeking medical care, or taking a walk, but you should keep a six-foot distance between yourself and others while doing so. You shouldn’t go to work unless you work in a critical sector that is exempt from the stay at home order. Resources to help you determine if you’re eligible for an exemption are available here.

More information about the stay at home order is available here.


Make Your Voice Heard

I know that many of you have questions about what the coming days and weeks might look like. While an in-person gathering isn’t possible at this time, I’m planning to hold a virtual town hall to answer questions about the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues. Please stay tuned for more details.


Please take care and let me know if I can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Ami Wazlawik
State Representative