Today, Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne), chair of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy Committee, issued the following statement regarding the changes to Senate operations due to the coronavirus:

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented public health emergency. In response, the Minnesota Senate will pass later today legislation that provides emergency funding to hospitals and long-term care facilities – critical links in our care chain that are preparing for COVID-19 cases.

“Public health officials are advising us to temporarily avoid large gatherings and limit public contact. I believe it would be wise to follow that guidance. As such, later today, the Minnesota Senate will be suspending all meetings until Tuesday, April 14. I want to assure my constituents that my office will remain open in a limited, safe manner. Please contact my office by e-mail or by phone.

“I intend to continue to work on bills I have introduced, gathering data, visiting with those who have questions, and trying to work out any opposition. My office has already been in touch with the House Agriculture Committee Chair to work on the omnibus policy bill that was just introduced last Thursday, and of which non-controversial bills can be agreed to for inclusion.

“This is truly a period of uncertainty. For more information on the spread of the coronavirus in Minnesota and the best preventive measures, visit the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.”

Senator Bill Weber, of Luverne, represents Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone Redwood, and Rock counties in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy Committee.