Dear Neighbors,
Updates Return
With the campaign season ending we can return to our regular email updates covering everything happening at the Legislature and around Minnesota. While I won’t be serving you for another term, I plan to serve and inform you diligently for these last couple of months.
New Covid-19 Rules as Virus Reaches Record Levels
Unfortunately, Covid is spreading at record levels throughout the country, including here in Minnesota where we have reached our capacity to manage the virus. Governor Walz has announced a number of new actions designed to reign in the virus.
Yesterday, Governor Walz announced the following restrictions:
This is a challenging time for everyone in our community, including our restaurants. If you are able, I encourage you to join me in ordering take-out from our community restaurants. They are going to need your help more than ever over the next four weeks. No one wants to see increased restrictions; we are all fatigued by the ongoing fight against COVID-19. But these restrictions are necessary to help mitigate the growing spread of this virus and save lives. We aren’t at a point where we can return to normal. I understand that this is difficult, but we must remain diligent when it comes to managing this virus. For everyone's sake, please continue to limit gatherings, wear masks, and social distance.
It is increasingly clear that Minnesota needs federal assistance. We need immediate action on a new COVID relief package, and an extension on flexibility to utilize resources allocated to state and local governments in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Our state and local governments can’t combat this devastating virus alone, we must come together as a nation to fight for one another.
Actions Taken to Increase Testing and Provide Financial Relief
Last Week, Governor Walz announced the addition of more than a dozen new testing locations opening across the state over the next two weeks. All of the new testing sites will continue to offer free, “no barrier” COVID-19 testing. Testing will be free and available to anyone who wants to be tested, whether they have symptoms or not, and it will not require insurance. These sites will be open at least through the end of the year with logistical aid provided by the National Guard. It is critical that we test as much as possible so we can trace how the virus is spreading and implement the necessary isolation.For more information on how and where to receive a COVID-19 test, visit mn.gov/covid19/. An updated list of community testing sites is available here.
Lastly, Governor Walz announced $10 million in Small Business Relief Grants to support businesses that are struggling as they do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19. This funding will support an additional 1,000 businesses that have applied for the grant program.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime with questions, input, or ideas. You can reach me on my Facebook page, by phone at 651-296-4212, or by email (preferred and quickest response) at rep.hunter.cantrell@house.mn. Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any assistance!
Sincerely,
Hunter Cantrell
Your Neighbor and State Representative