Dear Neighbor,
Daily operations at the Capitol have been altered amid the COVID-19 outbreak, but please know that I will continue doing all I can to assist the people of District 12B as we combat this virus.
The House and Senate formally will remain in session as the state addresses the pressing public health issue surrounding COVID-19, but meetings and floor sessions will take place on an on-call basis until April 14.
This plan will allow the House to respond to the needs of Minnesotans, while also fully complying with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines including social distancing, limiting large gatherings, telework, and increased cleaning measures necessitated by COVID-19.
Most of us living today have never experienced what is happening in the world right now. The reaction to Coronavirus has altered the lives of nearly everyone. And it has occurred with amazing speed as we work to slow down and lower the incidence curve of COVID-19.
MDH hotlines are available to assist Minnesotans, including a public line (651) 201-3920 and a line for questions specifically related to schools and/or childcare (651) 297-1304. Several online resources also are available to help individuals stay up to date:
No one knows for sure how widespread this situation will become. The measures discussed above are meant to slow down and mitigate the spread of the virus. I've talked with some who say we are over-reacting and that the virus is like contracting a cold.
But, to repeat, no one knows for sure. These measures are prudent and in the best interest of all. At last report, Minnesota had 54 diagnosed cases. Those who are 70 and over, or people of any age with underlying health conditions are asked to stay home and avoid gatherings or other situations of potential exposure.
This outbreak is coming with great consequences for workers and business owners. The governor has issued an executive order to ensure workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have full access to unemployment benefits. According to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, the executive order makes applicants eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if:
- A healthcare professional or health authority recommended or ordered them to avoid contact with others.
- They have been ordered not to come to their workplace due to an outbreak of a communicable disease.
- They have received notification from a school district, daycare, or other childcare provider that either classes are canceled or the applicant’s ordinary childcare is unavailable, provided that the applicant made reasonable effort to obtain other childcare and requested time off or other accommodation from the employer and no reasonable accommodation was available.
The executive order also eliminates the one week waiting period to ensure applicants have access to unemployment benefits as quickly as possible, and assures business owners that benefits paid as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will not increase their future unemployment tax rate.
If your employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the department urges you to apply for unemployment benefits online. Visit the Unemployment Insurance Program website at www.uimn.org to learn more.
Please let me know if there is any way I can be of assistance on this issue.
Sincerely,
Paul