Dakota Times

Minnesota lawmakers are trying to sure-up the state’s response to the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus by infusing hundreds of millions of dollars into the health care system.

Gov. Tim Walz signed a $200-million aid package on March 17 to support health care operations and long-term care facilities as the state grapples with COVID-19.

The bipartisan measure received praise and support from lawmakers who voted in the early morning on March 17 to advance the legislation to the governor’s desk.

“This emergency funding will ensure our hospitals, health care providers, and our state, county and local health care agencies have the funds they need to respond to this global pandemic,” state Rep. Tony Jurgens posted to his Facebook page following the House vote.

The approved bill would allocate $50 million to the state’s public health response contingency account. The remaining $150 million would provide grants to respond to the pandemic.

“Our health care facilities are Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19,” Walz said in a statement. “I am proud of this urgent, bipartisan action to support our state’s health care infrastructure during this unprecedented public health event.”

Minnesota, like many states, has curbed daily life to help slow the COVID-19 spread including closing schools. As of March 18, the state reports 2,762 tests conducted with 77 positive results.