South Hennepin News

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Rep. Jerry Hertaus has encouraged constituents with a theme of solidarity.

According to Minnesota House of Representatives, Hertaus urged residents to be cautious about feeding into the hype of the outbreak while still listening to the advice from experts about the severity of the virus. 

“Many view the efforts initiated as leadership while others view it as unnecessary hysteria and panic,” Hertaus said. “Given a legitimate concern for the health, welfare and safety of the general public, leadership at all levels and those who coalesce around resolving the crisis should resist politicizing the problem at hand.”

Hertaus explained that the state legislature has taken steps to come together — both Democrats and Republicans — to offer a well-thought-out approach to addressing COVID-19. 

“Throughout a package of bills which received legislative approval Thursday, there are sunsets, reporting requirements, restrictions, and other guardrails,” Hertaus said. 

In addition to working at the Capitol, Hertaus said, he is also working tirelessly to communicate important information to his constituents. 

One way that Hertaus is keeping his commitment to offering clear communication to constituents is through his Facebook profile. 

In a recent post on March 19, Hertaus once again encouraged locals to be cautious about what information they listen to and how they react to the spread of the virus, calling out leaders who might be want to stir up excitement or divisiveness. 

“We become less safe when the public doubts the decisions being made by its leaders. We become less safe when political gamesmanship interferes with the bi-partisan cooperation needed in crisis,” Hertaus said. 

In particular, Hertaus criticized Gov. Tim Walz who called upon a celebrity to offer his testimony during a press conference and the negative impact that he believes the appearance had.

“Gov. Walz' inclusion of television celebrity Andrew Zimmern's testimony on behalf of an industry during his March 16 press conference started out acceptably but then crossed that line when Zimmern deviated from the message on to other policy issues which only undermined Governor Walz' credibility and begs policymakers to question the governor's future decisions and motives behind his actions,” Hertaus said.