At Issue: April 26 — Minnesota ramps up COVID-19 testing and new round of stimulus funding

News that Minnesota’s school buildings will remain closed while some businesses begin to reopen tops “At Issue” this week.

Students will be forced to finish the school year using distance learning — and all spring sports and activities were officially canceled. Meanwhile, the state launched a partnership with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota to ramp up COVID-19 testing. The goal is 20,000 tests per day.

Tom talked with Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) about the latest economic stimulus package meant to help small businesses and hospitals. Congress sent the $480 billion package to President Donald Trump on Thursday, and he signed it Friday.

Our political analysts dissect the president’s comments about spraying disinfectant in people’s lungs as a means to combat the coronavirus. They also break down Gov. Tim Walz’s new initiative to ramp up testing.