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Dear neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Here’s a brief update on where things stand, including actions taken by the Governor:
Action from Governor Walz
Governor Walz has issued a series of executive orders to address the COVID-19 pandemic and help Minnesotans navigate this public health crisis. On Friday, he issued a price gouging ban in response to reports of essential goods being sold at excessive and prohibitive prices. If you see instances of price gouging, you can report them by calling 800-657-3787.
This afternoon, the Governor signed an executive order that suspends evictions, providing housing stability for Minnesotans who are experiencing financial uncertainty, and ordered the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to establish a Small Business Emergency Loan program. He also addressed a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by directing non-hospital entities to conduct an inventory of their PPE, ventilators, respirators, and anesthesia machines and report the results to the state.
Support for Small Businesses
Many small businesses are experiencing sudden financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Last week, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota’s small businesses are now eligible to apply for disaster assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides loans to small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Small businesses can apply for a loan at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
MNsure Special Enrollment Period
All Minnesotans deserve access to health insurance during this uncertain time. Today is the first day of a 30-day special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. Minnesotans who are seeking health care coverage can visit MNsure.org to complete an application and enroll.
MNsure has a statewide network of expert assisters that help people apply and enroll for free. Click here for more information. You can also call the MNsure Contact Center at 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873 if you need assistance. The Contact Center is open Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
I’ll continue sharing updates as I receive more information. Please keep in touch!
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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