Senate approves additional emergency coronavirus funding; extends previously scheduled Easter Recess to protect public from COVID spread

The Minnesota Senate on Monday night passed additional emergency funding of $200 million for hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical professionals on the front lines to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“We passed emergency coronavirus funding last week fully aware it was merely the first phase,” said Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center). “This second round of funding will provide hospitals and long-term care facilities with the resources they badly need to protect Minnesotans during this crisis.”

Last week, 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 extend their previously planned Easter Recess and suspend floor sessions and committee hearings until April 14 in order to protect the public and limit the public spread of COVID-19.

“The health and safety of the public must be our foremost concern,” added Sen. Rosen. “Legislative leadership made the correct decision to temporarily suspend operations, and I beside them. The Legislature may be hitting the pause button, but I will still serve my district and the people I have the privilege of representing. If any constituents have questions or issues they are concerned about, they should continue to contact me as they normally would. I look forward to continuing legislative business in our traditional sense a month from now, but for the time being, safety must come first.”

Residents who have concerns or questions can still direct them to Sen. Rosen at 651-296-5713 or Sen.Julie.Rosen@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: