Senate Alters Daily Schedule; Expected To Approve Additional Coronavirus Funding

Legislative leaders are working together today to determine funding that will sufficiently prepare hospitals to care for Minnesotans during this unprecedented time. On the advice of experts, legislators are expected to pass the supplementary support off the floor this evening.

The Senate moved quickly last week to pass emergency funding for combatting COVID-19. Senate File 3813 appropriates $20.899 million to the Public Health Response Emergency Account. The emergency funds have allowed the Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with state and federal officials, to support disease investigation, monitor potential cluster outbreaks, provide information to the public, coordinate statewide response activities, and conduct laboratory analysis.

On Sunday evening, the Minnesota Senate majority reached an agreement with leaders in the legislature to continue to work over the next few weeks, but by alternative means in the wake of COVID-19. The Legislature expects to operate efficiently and safely to aid Minnesotans with COVID-19 preparedness and response, and to continue our work to address other pressing needs of the state.

The Legislative bodies and committees will meet in floor and committee session on an on-call basis from March 17 through April 14. This means there will not be standing floor and committee meetings, but we will meet in the House and Senate Chambers and in committees with advance notice to members and to the public.

“As all Minnesotans are asked to responsibly follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health, the Legislature is altering our schedule to prioritize community health at this time,” said Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth). “A strong bipartisan effort will lead to the passage of substantial funding for our hospitals and the healthcare industry. My colleagues and I are committed and ready to act swiftly as needed to provide excellent care and support to Minnesotans during this time.”

Senator Anderson and staff will be available to work with constituents in accordance with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control. The Capitol and Senate office building will generally be closed to the public, but phone and individual meetings will still take place by appointment. The Senate plans to return to normal activity on April 14 to conduct important business before the constitutional adjournment date of May 18, 2020.

Constituents who have concerns or questions are encouraged to direct them to Senator Anderson’s office at 651-296-9261 or sen.paul.anderson@senate.mn.

As the COVID-19 virus unfolds in Minnesota, there are several resources that individuals can use to stay up to date on the latest information:

Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) represents Senate District 44, which includes the cities of Plymouth, Minnetonka, and Woodland. He is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Finance and Policy and serves on the Taxes and E-12 Education Committees.