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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL)

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Outdoor Activities Expanded, Takeout Beer and Wine Approved

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Rep. Noor

Neighbors,

Governor Walz issued his latest Executive Order on Friday to allow for safe outdoor recreation and asking that they follow new guidelines, which include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home. The new provisions went into effect today at 5:00 a.m.

Under Executive Order 20-38, facilities that may reopen or remain open include:

  • Bait shops for live bait
  • Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
  • Public and private parks and trails
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
    • Marina services
    • Dock installation and other lake services
    • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing remain closed.

It is recommended that Minnesotans continue to take part in outdoor activities close to their primary residence. By doing so, this will protect Minnesotans from spreading COVID-19 and will also limit pressure on rural medical facilities and essential supplies.

House approves takeout beer and wine

On Friday, the Minnesota House passed legislation allowing takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legislation allows bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to sell up to 72 ounces – the equivalent of one six-pack – of beer, cider or hard seltzer and up to 750 milliliters of wine – the equivalent of one bottle – with food orders. The alcoholic beverages must be sold in their original, unopened containers.

Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act becomes law

The legislature met remotely this week, this time to approve the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which was then signed into law by Gov. Walz. The legislation establishes an emergency insulin program for the Minnesotans who need it the most and requires insulin manufacturers to financially participate in solving a problem they created. My statement is here.

Read the details of the bill here. A video recording of the floor debate can be viewed here. Video of the bill signing news conference and ceremony can be found here.

Alec Smith Insulin Act Graphics - House Passage

Additional COVID-19 bills approved

During our remote floor session, we also approved our fourth COVID-19 relief package that will help workers, businesses, and families impacted by this unmatched public health crisis.

new

Thirteen-week unemployment insurance extension implemented

Unemployment benefits for eligible applicants have been extended for an additional 13 weeks, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). You can read more here.

Committee Work

We continue to meet remotely in our committees to pass COVID-19 related legislature. I serve as vice-chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Finance Division and this week we received a Presentation from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Deputy Commissioner and Director of Workforce Training on the future needs of workforce development. You can watch the committee here.

I also serve on the Health and Human Services Finance Division and this week we listened to presentations from public health experts on COVID-19 testing. You can view the hearing here.

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Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Rep. Mohamud Noor

State Representative

Rep.Mohamud.Noor@house.mn or 651-296-4257