Dear Neighbors,
Here’s a rundown on legislative activity that has taken place this week.
Resolution to End Governor Walz’s Peacetime Emergency Powers
On Tuesday, House Republicans forced the first vote since the COVID-19 crisis began to end Governor Walz’s peacetime emergency powers, and begin the process of safely reopening Minnesota’s economy by continuing social distancing and prioritizing health and safety, especially for the most vulnerable Minnesotans.
Our approach aims to keep in place important measures to protect veterans, small businesses, and law enforcement as our response to COVID-19 continues. Simply ending the Governor's Emergency Declaration would cause significant disruption and it's clear that we need to do it in a way that's smart and recognizes that this crisis has not come to an end.
I voted in favor of the resolution. Sadly, the resolution did not pass due to the House Democrat majority’s opposition.
We all share a common goal of protecting the health and safety of Minnesotans. The Governor’s own modeling suggests we can take responsible steps to start getting Minnesotans back to work while continuing social distancing efforts and protecting vulnerable folks, without the economic devastation of there more weeks of a Stay-At-Home order.
It's time to have a serious, honest discussion about how we can get folks back to work while also making sure Minnesotans are protected.
I will continue pushing for common sense and transparency in Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak so that we chart the best path to overcome the pandemic and expedite a safe return to work.
House Approves Emergency Insulin Program
After months of work, the legislature came to a compromise agreement that makes insulin more affordable for Minnesotans, and ensures that insulin is available in emergency situations. This bill ensures that insulin affordability programs will remain in place and provides life-saving assistance for those in emergency situations.
I was proud to support this important bill.
Additional COVID-19 Legislation
The legislature continued to respond to the COVID-19 crisis by passing a bill that makes a variety of minor changes so everyday events can continue even during these unprecedented circumstances, and taking additional steps to ensure Minnesotans are protected during the pandemic.
- Protecting Minnesotans: This bill helps protect struggling farmers, expands access to telemedicine, and ensures that Minnesotans are covered as they normally would be if they receive care at an alternate treatment site.
- Flexibility During COVID Crisis: This bill includes changes to allow Minnesotans to apply for a marriage license remotely, ensures public officials can participate in remote meetings or hearings (similar to current law for military members), and eases certain deadlines in response to COVID-19. It also will ensure Commercial Drivers Licenses and out-of-state licenses will continue to be valid while in-person appointments are restricted.
- Implementing the CARES Act: The CARES Act passed at the federal level includes a number of provisions aimed at helping Minnesota respond to COVID-19. This bill implements provisions of the CARES Act including coverage of COVID-19 testing as part of our ongoing response to the pandemic.
Please contact me if you have any legislative questions, concerns, or ideas. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-5356 or via email at rep.john.poston@house.mn.
Have a good day,
John