Senate Approves Additional Coronavirus Funding

Extends previously scheduled Easter Recess to protect public from COVID spread

(St. Paul) –On Monday night, the Minnesota Senate will pass additional emergency funding for hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical professionals on the front lines to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The bill will lift the cap for e-learning to give more flexibility to schools. Additionally, the legislature has decided to extend the regularly scheduled Easter/Passover recess by two weeks.

“I will continue monitoring the outbreak in collaboration with health professionals and making sure our healthcare systems are prepared to care for Minnesotans,” said Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake). “This response is unprecedented, but widespread sickness is not. The decision to limit Capitol activity is best for limiting the public’s unnecessary exposure and will aid us in emerging out of this situation stronger than ever. I will take meetings by phone as constituents contact me by either phone or email.”

March 9th, the legislature unanimously approved $21 million for emergency funding to combat COVID-19. The emergency funds will allow the Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with state and federal officials, to support disease investigation, monitor potential cluster outbreaks, provide information to the public, coordinate statewide response activities, and conduct laboratory analysis.

Leaders of the Minnesota Legislature have also announced that beginning Tuesday, March 17, the House and Senate will alter their operations and suspend all legislative business until April 14 in order to protect the public and limit the public spread of COVID-19.

Residents who have concerns or questions can still direct them to Sen. Benson’s office at 651-296-3219 or sen.michelle.benson@senate.mn.

As the COVID-19 virus unfolds in Minnesota, there are several resources that individuals can use to stay up to date on the latest information: