As we approach the Easter weekend, it’s clear that this will be a unique holiday. Many have experienced major life changes surrounding their work and social life, family members will likely travel less, and there’s concern for our much-loved elderly family members.
The resources and information from the Capitol are constantly changing. I want to give a few updates as we enter this long weekend.
Governor Walz has extended the Stay at Home Order through May 4th. There are added exceptions for certain business, like landscaping, but the majority will remain closed. This is undoubtedly bad news for many people, and I urge the Governor to alter his order as soon as possible to incorporate relaxed restrictions for rural communities. Our neighboring midwestern states, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa have yet to order state-wide “Stay at Home” restrictions, because their Governors do not believe in “one size fits all” responses. Instead, they have issued orders based on population density directed towards vulnerable citizens. We should be modeling our response to COVID-19 after these states. Like Minnesota, these neighboring states (ND, SD, and IA) have urban centers, as well as rural regions. Their Governors understand that rural and urban communities shouldn’t have the same restrictions as they are inherently different. For rural communities to function, we must re-open soon.
The Legislature recently passed a lengthy bill, Senate File 4531, that allocates $330 million to support MN businesses, childcare providers, farmers, the recently unemployed, and others. A few highlights from the bill include:
- Peacetime emergency childcare grants: MN DHS has been granted authority to administer Child Care Aware emergency grants from April 1st to December 31st, 2020.
- Food Shelves: An appropriation of funds to food shelves to support growing demand. Included in this is funding for transportation for the elderly, so they will not have to enter food shelves if they are uncomfortable about their risk level.
- Unemployment Insurance: UI will be more attainable for those impacted by COVID-19. They have temporarily removed barriers such as waiting periods and job search requirements. The phone lines have been stalled due to heavy call numbers, so online application is encouraged. DEED is currently working on a solution for wait times.
- DEED State Loan Guarantee Program: A small business program (under 250 employees) loan program. The loans can be used for machinery or equipment purchases, maintenance, or repair, among other expenses.
This legislation is by no means the final answer to the problems caused by the “Stay at Home” Order, but it is a good first step. Along those lines, the Senate has established a COVID-19 Response Working Group, with Republican and Democrat members, to publicly discuss various issues related to the pandemic. They meet over a video chat, which is livestreamed for public viewing on the Senate website and Facebook. Transparency is a priority, even when the legislature does not physically meet.
Additionally, on April 7th, the Senate passed a resolution that will allow us to hold committee hearings remotely. This, too, will allow us to return to public discussion of legislation and a partially normal legislative session. The goal is to continue to work and be accessible, no matter the circumstances.
Minnesota has a new website with compiled data on the pandemic situation in our state. It includes what to do if you are sick, the state response, and most recent data on hospital numbers, etc. Please visit mn.gov/covid19/, if you’re interested. By all accounts, Minnesota’s infection numbers are lagging behind the rest of the country and we are in relatively good shape.
The joy of this season and the progression into spring should not be overshadowed by our troubles as they stand now. I have been greatly encouraged by the way our communities have rallied to help neighbors, schools have stepped up and innovated, and even our hurting restaurants have provided meals to the needy. We have a fighting spirit, the weather is warming, and we have a cessation of emergency measures on the horizon.
It is my hope that we will see a return to normal, everyday life as soon as possible. Our hospitals are well-funded and prepared; there is no need to panic at this point in time. I continue working for my constituents as much as ever, so please feel free to contact me at sen.paul.utke@senate.mn or 651-296-9651. For more detailed information and regular updates, please send an email to the above address requesting your name be added to my newsletter list.
I wish everyone a Happy Easter!