| Greetings District 10!
Here’s the latest update from St. Paul. Please continue to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have and I will work to get answers to you as quickly as possible. Governor’s Emergency Executive Order 20-20 Governor Walz issued a “Stay at Home” order this week, the Stay at Home order will last two weeks and will limit movement outside homes beyond essential trips. Many of you have already written asking “what does this mean for me and my family?” Here’s a link to the governor’s site for FAQ. The Governor also extended current closures:
What’s OPEN: Hospitals, clinics, grocery stores, food shelves, pharmacies, convenience stores, liquor stores, child care facilities, news organizations, funeral homes, banks, hardware stores, post office, etc. Under the Stay at Home order: Minnesotans are allowed to leave their residence to perform activities. This is not a comprehensive list (examples): health/safety activities, doctor appointments, outdoor activities, purchasing supplies & services like groceries & medicine, relocation to ensure safety, essential interstate travel and care of others. Many business owners have sent inquiries asking if they are an “essential or critical business” and can they remain operational during this time. I refer you to the DEED website for guidance. If your business is currently considered non-essential and you would like to request an exemption from the “Stay at Home” order, please submit a request to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development here. I am including a link to the Governor’s full order that explains all the details and provides answers to many of the questions you probably have. MN Senate Passed 3rd Coronavirus Relief Package |
The MN Senate passed a third COVID-19 response bill yesterday, allocating an additional $331 million to help Minnesotans withstand the effects of this global pandemic. The bill passed unanimously, 67-0.
Yesterday’s action establishes a dedicated COVID-19 Minnesota Fund that will be used by the Walz administration to keep Minnesotans safe during this emergency. The package also includes funding for childcare providers, college students, small businesses, veterans, homeless shelters and food shelves. Previous COVID-19 bills passed by the legislature allocated $221 million in funding for medical needs, bringing the total to $552 million this year to address the Coronavirus pandemic in Minnesota.
“The fight against COVID-19 is taking a toll on families, businesses, and our economy,” said Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point). “We have listened to your concerns and your requests and responded accordingly, taking steps to help mitigate the impact recent changes will have on all Minnesotans. We will keep doing everything we can to support you during this time. I am confident we will come through this together.”
The COVID-19 Minnesota Fund can only be used for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency as declared by Executive Order 20-01 to maintain operations of government. Examples of increased costs would be additional healthcare and staffing needs in prison facilities, staffing and overtime for direct care and treatment, and resources for activities by the national guard in response to COVID-19, among other expenses incurred by state government.
| I understand these continue to be difficult and overwhelming times – we will work through this together. If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook, and follow me on Twitter.
As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn. Stay well! |