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Dear Neighbors,
We’re in the final stretch of the regular legislative session, constitutionally required to end on Monday, May 18. My colleagues and I are meeting daily to ensure Minnesota has the resources needed to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic challenges. We’re working on legislation to address other issues, including rising prescription drug prices and the increasing number of young people using tobacco products.
If you would like to keep an eye on our work, you can watch House floor sessions and committee hearings here. House Public Information Services, which is linked here, is a great nonpartisan source for legislative news. You can also follow me on Facebook here for more frequent updates.
Protecting Minnesotans’ Economic Security
Last week, we passed the COVID-19 Economic Security Act, a package of legislation that includes $100 million in aid for homeowners and renters, a major extension of broadband service, an increase in wages for personal care assistants, and small business loans. This bill is an investment in Minnesota—providing services that have been neglected for too long and provisions for those who need and deserve help. It will help Minnesotans keep a roof over their heads, expand internet access, provide economic security for those who take care of the most vulnerable in our society, and support small businesses across the state. More information about the COVID-19 Economic Security Act is available here.
On Saturday, we approved a bill that uses available federal funding to boost payments for low-income working Minnesotans in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). The families in this program are among those most challenged by the economic hardships that the pandemic has caused. This assistance will help them make ends meet. You can read more about this bill here.
Guaranteeing Pay for Hourly School Workers
Many hourly school employees are facing financial uncertainty because of the transition to distance learning. These workers are vital to our students and education system, and they deserve to have economic security—especially during these difficult times. We recently passed legislation to ensure paraprofessionals, nutrition services staff, bus drivers, and other hourly school workers get paid through the end of the school year. You can find more information here.
Ensuring Safe and Secure Elections
Last week, we passed a bipartisan bill to protect the health and safety of voters and volunteers during upcoming elections. The bill allows election officials to use federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds to prepare for increased absentee voting, open new polling locations, purchase sanitation and disinfectant supplies, and provide public outreach. HAVA funds will also be used to protect our election system from hackers and foreign interference. More information is available here.
Addressing Rising Prescription Drug Prices
All Minnesotans deserve access to the prescription medication that they need to survive and thrive. On Saturday, we passed the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, which requires drug manufacturers to report pricing information for drugs with prices that exceed certain thresholds or increase by a certain percentage over a 12- or 24-month period. The information will be posted on a public website in a clear and easily accessible format. The legislation is an important first step in driving down the cost of health care. You can learn more about it here.
Preventing Youth Tobacco Use
Minnesota has been a leader at curbing youth tobacco use and access to tobacco, and we have seen incredible results. Unfortunately, we are starting to lose ground to Big Tobacco. Tobacco companies have used predatory marketing campaigns, kid-friendly flavors, and misinformation to get a new generation addicted to their products. This weekend, a proposal to raise the tobacco sales age to 21 received bipartisan support in the Minnesota House. Tobacco 21 will help combat youth tobacco use and keep children and young adults healthy. You can find more information about Tobacco 21 here.
Safely Reopening Businesses and Resuming Elective Surgeries
The stay at home order will remain in effect until May 18, but it has been modified so retail stores and non-critical businesses can offer curbside pickup and delivery. You can read about plans to safely and gradually get more Minnesotans back to work and reopen our economy here. More information about the stay at home order is available here.
Starting tomorrow, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare workers safe will be able to resume elective surgeries. Governor Walz recently issued an executive order that allows hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers to perform procedures that can keep Minnesotans healthy and improve quality of life. The executive order can be found here.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Available
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits are now available for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who aren’t eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance. If you’ve already applied for regular unemployment benefits, you don’t need to do anything extra to qualify for PUA. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will contact you if you’re eligible for these benefits. If you haven’t applied yet, special instructions for self-employed people and independent contractors are available here. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found here.
Please take care of yourself and your family. If you have questions, feedback, or need assistance, feel free to contact me. You can reach me at rep.steve.sandell@house.mn or 651-296-1147. I appreciate your interest and concern.
Sincerely,
Steve Sandell
State Representative
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