Today, Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), chair of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, issued the following statement regarding changes to Senate operations due to the coronavirus:

“As we confront this unprecedented public health emergency, we must take action. As such, later today, the Minnesota Senate will pass legislation for emergency funding that will give hospitals and long-term care facilities the resources they need to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

“The Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health are urging us to avoid large gatherings and drastically cut down on public contact. In light of this guidance, the Minnesota Senate will be recessing until Tuesday, April 14. There will generally be no committee hearings or meetings during that time without public notice.

“My office will be open on a limited basis to ensure the safety of my staff. Please contact my office by e-mail or by phone if you need assistance. Amid this uncertainty, I want to assure my constituents that essential services remain uninterrupted, but we must listen to the advice of public health officials. I fully intend to resume regular operations on April 14 or when appropriate to respond to the ongoing health and other needs of the people of my district Minnesota.”

Senator Scott Newman, of Hutchinson, represents McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, and Wright counties in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.