Ewald at the Capitol/March 27

Stay at Home Ordered

On Wednesday, Gov. Walz released Executive Order 20-20 which is an order to shelter in place for a period of two weeks, beginning at 11:59 p.m. on March 27 and ending at 5 p.m. on April 10. It is Walz’s hope that this period of sheltering in place can buy Minnesota more time to bulk up health care resources and ICU space by pushing the peak of infection out to June.

“The thing that Minnesota is going to do is ensure if you need an ICU, it's there,” said Walz.

Activities listed as exempt from this order include: relocation to ensure safety, health and safety activities (obtain medical services or medications, visit a doctor or veterinarian, etc.), outdoor activities (while remaining at a social distance), obtaining necessary supplies and services (grocery, food delivery or takeout, alcohol, gasoline, etc.), essential intrastate and interstate travel (return home), and for care of others (including pets). Individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as tribal activities and lands, are also exempt from this order.

Industries deemed as part of the “critical sector” will be able to continue operating during this time, but the order states that “all workers who can work from home must do so.” Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove says that nearly 80 percent of Minnesotan jobs are considered essential under the order.

The executive order states, “Any person who willfully violates such an order or rule is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days.”

Additional COVID-19 Bill Passed

The House and Senate convened, at a social distance, in order to pass a $330 million package to address a second wave of COVID-19 concerns. Members on the chamber floor were seated at desks at an appropriate distance from each other, while other members were seated in the galleries and others were at locations outside the physical chamber. When it came time to vote, members did so in shifts in order to remain at a safe distance from each other.

HF4531 provides emergency funding for several purposes: support for stable housing, support to food shelves, grants to veterans and surviving spouses, grants for child care providers, funding for temporary staff to administer and issue driver’s licenses and IDs, small business loans, and for emergency services such as immediate housing needs for the homeless. It also provides an extension to driver’s licenses, permits or disability parking permits that will expire during the peacetime emergency.

Overall, the bill had strong bipartisan support due to the severity of the situation and the urgency to push additional measures through. However, many members voiced concerns about items left out of the bill — such as a previously discussed provision to provide a payment of up to $500 to families who use the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).

“Unlike the partisan bickering in Washington, we here in Minnesota are working together because that’s what we do. We will overcome the COVID-19 crisis,” said House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt.

The bill passed almost unanimously, with only four members in the House voting against it. It has been sent to Gov. Walz for signature. The Legislature is not scheduled to reconvene until April 14, but will come back if necessary to approve additional measures.