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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Alice Mann (DFL)

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Working Hard to Fight COVID

Monday, April 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

These last several days have been incredibly busy for me. On one hand, I have been putting hours in at the ER to treat Minnesotans directly. On the other hand, I’ve been busy at the legislature helping to pass legislation that will save lives. We all need to continue doing our part, large or small to continue to flatten the curve and ensure that this pandemic does not get out of control.

House Passes Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act 

Last week, the house voted to pass the Alec Smith Affordability Act. I’m deeply grateful for the tireless advocacy of those who suffered the most at the hands of the pharmaceutical companies, and who kept up the pressure on lawmakers to get this across the finish line. The final version of the bill ensures those who urgently need a supply of insulin can get one and will require pharmaceutical manufacturers – who have made enormous profits off of the drug as its price has skyrocketed – to reimburse pharmacies for these emergency supplies. The legislation also provides relief to those who need assistance on a longer-term basis by requiring drug makers to create a patient assistance program. If they don’t comply, the companies could be fined up to $3.6 million for the first year, doubling in the second year. You can read the legislation here.

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House Passes Bill Allowing Liquor Sales Along with Takeout Orders

Last week, I also voted with my colleagues to approve legislation to allow restaurants with on-sale liquor licenses to sell certain alcoholic beverages with takeout food orders during the current COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Diners can purchase beverages limited to a 750ml bottle of wine or six-pack of beer, wine, cider, or hard seltzer in their unopened, original packaging along with their meal. While there’s more to do for our small businesses and restaurants, I hope that this new law can help ease some of the financial burden restaurants are facing, and provide all of you with more flexibility with your take out options.

Governor Walz Opens Some Activities

Governor Walz signed an executive order aimed at easing some of the strain of the stay at home order. This order will allow Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking, as long as they follow outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home. COVID-19 cases are still increasing and we are far from being out of the woods. So please stay safe if you are going to partake in these activities. Other facilities that may reopen or remain open include:

  • Bait shops for live bait
  • Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
  • Public and private parks and trails
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
    • Marina services
    • Dock installation and other lake services
    • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing remain closed.

As the weather starts to get nicer I hope you can find some time to get outside and enjoy all that Minnesota has to offer.

Unemployment Update

Minnesotans are now eligible for an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance if they have reached the end of their benefits. All you have to do is log in to your unemployment insurance account, and indicate that you are still unemployed. Here is the unemployment website.

For unemployment insurance for self-employed and contract workers, accessibility to unemployment will likely be up and running by the end of April. No states have implemented these changes yet, and an entirely new state system needs to be built in order to make these benefits accessible. People who are self-employed and contract workers should sign up for benefits now, even though the system will show that you are currently ineligible--signing up now will result in quicker receipt of your unemployment benefits when the system is finished being built. DEED will reach out to you as soon as your benefits are available.

Fight Discrimination and Hate

Xenophobia and racism targeting Asian Americans and our Asian neighbors have no place in society and do nothing to prevent viruses and other illnesses from spreading. In fact, these actions only impair our abilities to work together as a community at a crucial time. Infectious diseases can only be fought through solidarity and cooperation, rather than anxiety, stigmatization, and hostility. If you or someone you know faces discrimination you can call the new discrimination hotline at 1-833-454-0148, run by the MN Department of Human Rights. You can also submit an online form.

Keep in touch!

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. It is very important that we work together to ensure that the best information is getting out to our communities. You can find my full contact information online at www.house.mn/56B

Sincerely,

Rep. Alice Mann