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Senate Report by Dan Sparks

 

Minnesota received good news this week in our response to COVID-19 and our next phase in addressing this crisis. On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that we would be able to begin testing up to 20,000 cases a day. This is a huge step forward and will make it possible for us to test every symptomatic case in the state.

Limitations on testing capacity have been the biggest challenge facing the state in moving on from the prolonged Stay at Home Order. This was made possible thanks to a public-private partnership between the state, the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and the health care systems throughout the state.

Now with sufficient testing capacity, we will be able to take more steps towards opening up. Governor Walz has already taken additional measures towards opening up by signing an executive order reopening certain businesses, focused on non-customer facing businesses such as manufacturing, industrial, and office settings. These businesses have to create a plan demonstrating strong employee hygiene processes and cleaning and disinfecting practices. They will still be encouraged to allow employees to work from home, and sick employees must stay at home.

The legislature is continuing to respond to COVID-19. With less than four weeks until adjournment, we know there remains a lot of work to do. One important piece of information we will soon be hearing is a budget update from the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget. Our budget situation has changed drastically from where we were in February, and we are still waiting for guidance on how federal funds can be used. This information will be crucial for decisions we need to make before adjournment.

While COVID-19 has in many ways upended the 2020 Legislative Session, it has not changed the fact that one of our must-do bills this year is a bonding bill. In fact, it’s more important than ever that we get one done. Investing in economic development, key infrastructure, and Minnesota’s public assets would help create jobs and grow the economy. The state’s economic fundamentals were strong before COVID-19, and a robust bonding bill will create jobs throughout the summer and fall. Let’s get it done.

District 27 Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, represents all or portions of Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower and Steele counties.