Monday night, the Minnesota Senate passed a large additional emergency funding bill for hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical professionals on the front lines to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The bill also lifts the cap for e-learning to give more flexibility to schools. Additionally, the Senate has decided to extend the regularly scheduled Easter Recess two weeks to flatten the curve of coronavirus spread.
Deviating from usual operations was not my preference, but it is the situation we are in. Despite these circumstances, I am going to keep working hard for my constituents and will continue to be available to meet at the Capitol, in the district, by phone, and through email. Concerns will still be addressed, and I will do my best to continue to work hard for residents in District 15.
March 9, 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 alter their operations and suspend all legislative business until April 14 in order to protect the public and limit the public spread of COVID-19.
Residents who have concerns or questions can still direct them to Sen. Mathews’ office at 651-296-8075 or sen.andrew.mathews@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:
MDH’s COVID-19 page: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html.
MDH’s COVID-19 prevention tips: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/prevention.html.
MDH’s COVID-19 Situation Update: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/situation.html.
Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 page: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-caus...
CDC COVID-19 page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
CDC COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.
More from Sen. Mathews
In a press conference Monday, Gov. Walz announced the closure of bars and restaurants, limited to only carryout and drive thru, starting March 17 through March 27th, as which time it will be re-evaluated.
I understand Gov. Walz wants to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and I appreciate that end goal. Until this point, the measures that Gov. Walz has taken have just affected the public sector. Today, it reached into the private sector, hitting the families employed at small businesses all over the district. Unilateral decisions rule out options for businesses and owners to make satisfactory adjustments on their own. The Legislature should have bipartisan input into executive decisions when they impact the lives of so many people. If this is limited to just 10 days, perhaps the majority of small businesses could hang on and survive. If this drags on for weeks or months, I wonder if these actions will cause lasting damage.
