Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Michelle (Shelly) Christensen (DFL)

Back to profile

New Laws & COVID Tests

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Rep. Christensen

Dear Neighbors, 

Last week, Governor Walz announced a plan that delivers $841 million in federal dollars from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to Minnesota’s counties and cities in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Our local governments are facing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s more crucial than ever to ensure that important services continue for our community. I applaud Governor Walz for heeding our calls to deliver on these funds that will not only help our local governments, but also our small businesses, hospitals, and those who have been impacted by this virus.

Once approved by the Legislative Advisory Commission, the Minnesota Department of Revenue will distribute these funds on a rolling basis this week. Based on a per capita formula and the framework we had established in the Minnesota House, Washington County would receive $31.7 million, Stillwater would receive $1.5 million, Lake Elmo would receive $792,665, and other amounts are available here

 

COVID-19 Tests

Minnesota has reached the important milestone of over 500,000 tests, bringing our testing capacity up to 20,000 tests a day - a crucial factor in our efforts to understand and combat this virus. If you or a loved one are in need of a COVID-19 test, you can find the nearest testing location here. For many in our community, the closest location will be the Curve Crest Clinic in Stillwater.

500,000 Tests

New Laws

Several new laws went into effect yesterday, including the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act and the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act. Finding ways to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible has been and continues to be a top priority for me as your state representative. While I’m glad we made good progress over the last year in this area, there’s more work to do for Minnesotans to ensure they can afford the medication they need.

 

An Age Friendly Minnesota

The AARP has put out a survey to inform the work of the Governor’s Council on an Age Friendly Minnesota, which is working to drive coordinated action across state agencies and move Minnesota toward being a more livable, age friendly state. The full survey can be taken by individual Minnesota residents, age 45+ through July 3, 2020. You can take the survey here

 

Stay Connected

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Dashboard remains a great source for accurate, updated information, and the Stay Safe webpage covers the resources available to the public as we work to reopen Minnesota safely. If you have any questions or comments, you can contact me at rep.shelly.christensen@house.mn, or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4244. I look forward to hearing from you!

Have a safe and healthy 4th of July!

Sincerely, 

 

Representative Shelly Christensen

Recent News for Rep. Michelle (Shelly) Christensen