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Dear neighbors,
We’re in the final stretch of the legislative session, and there is much more work to be done. My colleagues and I will continue meeting on a daily basis until we adjourn on May 18. If you’d like to stay informed, please check out the resources from House Public Information Services. Session Daily, which provides nonpartisan recaps of legislative action, is a great source of information. You can also follow me on Facebook for more frequent updates.
Passing the COVID-19 Economic Security Act
We need to invest in Minnesotans so they can make it through this public health crisis. Yesterday, I voted for the COVID-19 Economic Security Act, a package of legislation that would help Minnesotans keep a roof over their heads, preserve their small businesses, access broadband, and care for vulnerable people during the pandemic.
The bill includes aid for Minnesotans who are struggling to make rent and mortgage payments through no fault of their own. It provides emergency loans to help small businesses across the state keep operating and funding to expand broadband access. It also includes a temporary wage increase for personal care assistants. You can read more about the COVID-19 Economic Security Act here.
Guaranteeing Pay for Hourly School Workers
Many hourly school workers are facing financial uncertainty because of the transition to distance learning. On Monday, we passed legislation to ensure paraprofessionals, nutrition services staff, bus drivers, and other hourly school employees get paid through the end of the school year. These workers are still providing valuable services and support to our students, and they deserve to be compensated for their work. More information about this bill is available here.
Ensuring Safe and Secure Elections
We also passed a bipartisan bill to protect the health and safety of election officials and voters during this year’s elections. The bill allows our state to use federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds to prepare for increased absentee voting, open new polling locations, purchase sanitation and disinfectant supplies, and provide public outreach. HAVA funds will also be used to protect our election system from hackers and foreign interference. You can find more information about the bill here.
Safely Reopening Businesses and Resuming Elective Surgeries
The stay at home order is still in effect, but it has been modified so retail stores and non-critical businesses can offer curbside pickup and delivery. More information about the stay at home order, which will continue until May 18, is available here. You can read more about the plan to gradually reopen our economy here.
Starting next week, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare workers safe will be able to perform elective surgeries again. On Tuesday, Governor Walz issued an executive order that allows hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers to resume procedures that can keep Minnesotans healthy and improve quality of life. The new executive order can be found here.
As we move to reopening businesses in Minnesota, we must continue our efforts to avoid close contact when out in public. It’s still okay to be Minnesota friendly, just please make sure you're doing so from a safe six-foot distance. We have done the right thing in trying to protect our elders and vulnerable Minnesotans from this new virus, and I ask you to remain vigilant in this effort.
Please take care of yourself and your family.
Sincerely,
John Persell
State Representative
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