Two weeks ago, when the State Legislature agreed to a compromise, and passed a bill to replenish the unemployment insurance trust fund while doubling the pool for Covid frontline worker bonuses, there was quite a bit of grumbling among Democrats that the Republicans had gotten the better part of the deal.
Senate Republicans wanted $2.7 Billion to replenish the UI fund, which was more than the state owed, but Republicans said the extra money was necessary. After a period of non-negotiations, the Democrats finally offered the Republicans the money they were asking for, hoping that the GOP would meet them in the middle and offer the additional $750 million the DFL wanted for the frontline bonuses.
The final deal that was struck did pay the $2.7 billion to unemployment, but the frontline pool was increased to $500 million and not the $1 billion dollars Democrats had wanted, and members of the DFL registered their disappointment with the arrangement.
Republican State Senator Rich Draheim, however sees things differently. He said the Republicans had tried mightily to replenish the Unemployment trust fund, but it was only through trickery and having to “buy” the support of the Democrat controlled House that they were able to do so.
The Senate passed their version of the bill much earlier in the session, based on suggestions made by Governor Walz, and in an attempt to avoid paying $50,000 every day to the federal government in interest. Democrats said they saw the UI situation tied to the frontline bonuses, so nothing happened until late April.
“The Senate took the Governor’s proposal and ran with it,” said Draheim. “Because we thought that would be the quickest way to get this done. But they fooled us.”
Draheim sees the provisions for the bonuses and a $180 million covid response fund to be used by the Governor, if necessary, as the price of support by the Democrats.
“So, that is how the UI bill got done. It cost us $3.7 million in interest, which is pocket change compared to the half-a-billion we had to pay in frontline workers, and then the $190 million in Covid response money to the governor for him to use how he wishes.”
With less than two weeks left, Draheim said he saw the UI agreement as the bellwether for the session, and that nothing could get done until that agreement was made. He is hopeful now that more agreements can be made before the legislature adjourns on May 23rd.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Senator Rich Draheim can be heard here
NH+C offers guidance on antiviral treatments
As Covid-19 cases begin to rise once again, Northfield Hospital + Clinics is advising people on new antiviral treatments. A
statement issued by NH+C said the information on how and when to seek this treatment is complicated, and the window for receiving effective treatment can be short.
Dr. Jennifer Fischer, NH+C’s Director of Emergency Medicine said antiviral treatments like Paxlovid can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization from Covid.
Dr. Fischer said that not everyone needs treatment like Paxlovid, which is three pills taken twice a day for five days. Those who are under 65 and are healthy with no chronic medical conditions are at a low risk of developing serious illness. The antiviral treatment is for those over 65, or those who do have a continuing medical issue. NH+C has put together a list of conditions that would qualify for the treatment. They include obesity, pregnancy, Diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, neurodevelopment disorders, immunosuppressive disease or treatment, or a dependence on medical related technology.
For those who are at high risk, Fischer said this antiviral medication can reduce that risk by nearly 90%. Because these treatments prevent people from getting severely ill and needing hospitalization, they must be taken before that level of care is required. The window to begin effective treatment is quite small, within five days of showing symptoms. Those who qualify should act quickly, Fischer said. A positive test requires action, even if that person does not feel sick.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed or does begin to feel symptoms should get tested immediately. Fischer advised that those who test negative at home, but still feel sick should get a PCR test. She also stressed the best protection against Covid is vaccination.
For more information on antiviral treatment and Covid-19 in general, visit northfieldhospital.org.
Love Our City Day seeks volunteers to help clean the city up this spring
The annual Love Our City Day is fast approaching, and volunteer registration is now open. 
The event, which brings people together to work on municipal gardening and maintenance projects, is a collaboration between Northfield Shares, the City of Northfield, several participating churches and other community partners.
This year the event is set for May 21st, from 9am-noon.
Volunteer opportunities include cleaning up branches, brush and garbage in city parks, planting at the parklets on Division Street, planting trees, or weeding and mulching along 2nd Street, 7th Street, or along the Riverwalk.
In a statement, Carrie Carroll, the Northfield Shares Executive Director said, “We believe that as people serve alongside one another we are building a more connected, safe, and healthy community. ‘Love Our City’ is a tangible way we can meet the needs of our city.
Check-in will be at 8:30am on the 21st at the Riverside/Lions Park shelter.
For more information, or to volunteer, visit northfieldshares.org.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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