Today Senate Republicans announced the formation of a COVID-19 Response Working Group. The working group’s purpose is to review and discuss the state’s response to COVID-19, and to vet requests by the Governor and proposals by the legislature to address COVID-19 needs and resources. The working group will also review the previously passed funding and bills to provide oversight.
“It’s clear these times call for focus and for speed. Establishing a working group gives the Senate a place to discuss the state’s current response and future needs,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka. “As a working group, there are no votes expected, rather it’s intent is to utilize online resources to make COVID-19 discussions available to the public. We hope to find opportunities for testimony from the public, expert witnesses, and document the engagement between Senators as we review bills and proposals to address the COVID-19 threat.”
The working group of 11 members will be chaired by Senator Gazelka. There will be four additional permanent Republican members including Senator Michelle Benson, Senator Roger Chamberlain, Senator Eric Pratt, and Senator Julie Rosen. Four permanent Democrats will also serve on the working group. Two rotating members, one Republican and one Democrat, will be added to the working group during designated meetings to provide additional input.
The first meeting of the COVID-19 Working Group is planned for Thursday, April 2nd with testimony from the Minnesota Hospital Association and the Minnesota Department of Health. Additional details for timing and access will be released when they are available.