Legislative leaders worked together on Monday, March 16, to determine funding to sufficiently prepare hospitals to care for Minnesotans during this unprecedented time.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee, along with legislative leaders, worked quickly to pass SF 4334 which provides $200 million for the state healthcare system’s needs for hospitals, eldercare facilities, EMS, clinics, and pharmacies. Representatives from each facility have been a part of the conversation to decide the dollar amount.

“It was important that we appropriate this extra funding to our hospitals so they are prepared for whatever the coronavirus brings,” said Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo). “There are many unknowns at this time, and we are ready to support the healthcare industry as they provide services to countless Minnesotans in the coming weeks. We are incredibly thankful for their service to our state.”

The Senate moved quickly last week to pass emergency funding for combatting COVID-19, a strain of the Coronavirus. Senate File 3813 appropriates $20.899 million to the Public Health Response Emergency Account. The emergency funds have allowed 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.