Ewald at the Capitol/April 24

Walz's Statewide Testing Strategy

This week, Gov. Tim Walz announced a rigorous plan that would allow for the testing of up to 20,000 COVID-19 test samples per day as a result of a $36 million appropriation from the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund to Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. In comparison, the state is currently able to test 8,000 samples per day. The Minnesota Department of Health is now instructing doctors to test every symptomatic person they encounter.

"We have to know who is sick and who is recovered in order to safely reopen the state, and testing is one of the best ways to make sure we’re staying safe. Testing is important not just for the physical health of our citizens, it’s vitally important to the health of the economy," said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, in support.

Focused testing will be conducted on vulnerable populations, staff who serve those populations, health care workers, communities of color and American Indian populations, and the workforce of critical infrastructure sectors.

Walz to Keep Schools Closed, Open Limited Businesses

On Thursday, the governor announced that schools would remain closed for the remainder of the school year. He also announced limited return to business for some entities, with strict guidelines. This announcement comes amid continued calls from the Senate majority, protests and local government petitions to open things up completely. At the same time, public health professionals, his advisors and numerous experts are cautioning against such action as deaths from the virus continue to increase and testing is still ramping up.

Legislative Activity

Both the House and Senate met in committee to hear bills and informational presentations again this week. Staff and members have settled into their new normal, where committees operate via video or phone conference and are streamed live for public consumption. A total of 31 committee hearings were held, the highest number since the Legislature switched to operating remotely.

In addition, the Senate passed the following bills:

SF1098: Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency Act.
SF3358: Minimum age for safe amusement ride operation establishment.
SF3197: Family child care licensing variances and child care center supervision definition modification.

COVID-19 Supplies

One of the first Legislative actions in response to the pandemic was to establish the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund to pay for emergency expenditures. The account was allotted a starting balance of $200 million. Any proposed spending of $1 million or more from the fund must be approved by a 10-member Legislative panel, which must decide based on majority vote within 24 hours.

This fund allows the administration the flexibility to act quickly to protect and maintain state government operations during the outbreak for the duration of the peacetime emergency. So far, about $32 million has been spent to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other critical care products.

"The difference between securing lifesaving equipment and supplies, or losing out to more nimble entities, is often a matter of hours, not days," says Minnesota Management and Budget.

The fund will expire on May 11, 2020, unless the Legislature votes to extend this date. After the fund becomes obsolete, any remaining money will return to the General Fund.

Executive Orders Update

The latest Executive Orders from the office of Gov. Walz:

20-37 expands and extends Executive Order 20-06, which was for relief from some regulations for motor carriers and drivers operating in Minnesota and providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts by transporting essential supplies.
20-38 allows for safe outdoor recreation, which includes hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, hiking, biking, golfing and picnicking, provided that individuals from different households maintain a safe social distance. This Executive Order does not allow for performances, competitions, team events, tournaments, races, rallies organized sports, spectator events, fairs or any other type of event that requires gathering.
20-39 allows flexibility to the Department of Human Rights to allow for certain extended filing deadlines.
20-40 allows for workers in some non-critical sectors to return to work safely. Before opening, businesses must establish and implement an acceptable COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. This is effective upon approval by the Executive Council.
20-41 extends distance learning for public school districts and charter schools through the remainder of the school year.