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Dear neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones are faring well during this challenging time. I know that folks have questions about what we’re doing to address the COVID-19 pandemic and what the coming days and weeks might look like, so I’m co-hosting a virtual town hall with Rep. Leon Lillie and Sen. Chuck Wiger next week.
The virtual town hall will take place via Facebook Live on Monday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Please submit any questions or comments you’d like us to address during the town hall here. You can RSVP and find more details here.
Extended Stay at Home Order
Yesterday, Governor Walz announced he is extending the stay at home order until May 4 with some modifications. You can find answers to frequently asked questions about what this means for you, your family, and your business here.
I want to acknowledge the sacrifices that Minnesotans are making to help slow the spread of COVID-19. I know staying home isn’t easy, but this gives our state more time to increase the capacity of our health care system and continue key preparations, such as building the supply of ventilators, masks, and other critical equipment. Thank you for doing your part.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
First responders and health care workers put themselves at risk every day to keep us safe and healthy. They deserve to know we have their backs. On Tuesday, the Minnesota House and Senate passed a bill to ensure nurses, firefighters, paramedics, long-term care providers, and other frontline workers will have compensation if they contract COVID-19. The bill establishes a presumption that if these workers contract the virus, they did so during their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation. Our first responders and health care workers are doing a great job taking care of Minnesotans during these trying times, and this legislation will make sure they’re being protected in the process.
Unemployment Benefits Update
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Minnesotans are experiencing economic hardship through no fault of their own. If your employment has been impacted by the pandemic, I encourage you to apply for Unemployment Insurance. You can apply online here.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has designated days for new applicants to apply based on the last digit of their social security number. This will help DEED process record numbers of applications and deliver the benefits workers are depending on quickly and effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put self-employed and contract workers in an especially difficult situation because many of them aren’t eligible for Unemployment Insurance. As a result of federal legislation, unemployment benefits will soon be available to these workers. DEED is working with the U.S. Labor Department to get a new system up and running so these payments can be made. In the meantime, a guide to help self-employed and contract workers apply can be found here.
Discrimination Helpline Now Open
Discrimination is unacceptable in our state. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in these kinds of incidents recently. It’s our responsibility to make it clear that we won’t tolerate discrimination or disrespect towards our Asian American neighbors.
Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights have launched a new Discrimination Helpline to reinforce efforts to protect the civil rights of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you experience or witness discrimination, you can report it to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling 1-833-454-0148 or completing an online form here.
New Guide for Small Businesses
As I’ve mentioned in previous emails, several state and federal programs have been created to help small businesses affected by COVID-19. Different programs make sense for different businesses, so the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) prepared a guide to help small businesses determine which programs might work for them. The guide, which lists all available and soon-to-be-available assistance, is available here.
Helpful Information and Resources
Many people have asked where they can find the latest information about COVID-19 and the resources that are available to Minnesotans. Last week, Governor Walz created a new COVID-19 dashboard to track the spread of the virus and help Minnesotans find information and resources. It also provides information on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing. The dashboard, which is updated daily, is available here.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s website, linked here, is still an excellent source of accurate and up-to-date information. I encourage you to check out MDH’s mental health resources, linked here, as well as those dedicated to physical health.
Governor Walz’s State of the State Address
Governor Walz has been a measured and steadfast leader throughout this public health crisis. On Sunday, he gave the annual State of the State address. This speech is usually given at the Capitol with legislators in attendance, but this year the Governor addressed Minnesotans via video from his home.
During his speech, Governor Walz encouraged Minnesotans to remain hopeful and united while acknowledging the seriousness of this pandemic. He highlighted several examples of people coming together to help each other, including the White Bear Lake hockey community. If you haven’t seen the State of the State address, you can watch it here.
Please call or email me if you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions. Your input is more important than ever.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative
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