Dear neighbors,
This week, my colleagues and I approved a package of legislation to help Minnesotans make it through the current public health crisis. It invests in housing assistance, emergency loans for small businesses, broadband access, and a wage increase for personal care assistants.
The largest investment in the bill is $100 million in assistance for renters and homeowners. This funding would help Minnesotans make payments on rent, mortgages, utility bills, and property taxes so they can remain safely in their homes. The bill also invests $55 million in the Small Business Emergency Loan Program, which provides forgivable loans for businesses across the state. Many businesses need this support to keep operating.
The legislation includes targeted funding to provide students with the equipment they need to access online learning materials and to reimburse health care providers and counties that purchase telemedicine equipment. It would also help bring broadband to communities that still don’t have adequate access to it.
Finally, the bill increases wages for personal care attendants (PCAs) who care for people with disabilities, seniors, and other vulnerable Minnesotans. PCAs are overworked, underpaid, and facing new challenges due to COVID-19. This wage increase is much needed and long overdue. You can find more information about the entire package of legislation here.
Guaranteeing Pay for Hourly School Workers
Paraprofessionals, nutrition services staff, child care workers, bus drivers, and other hourly school employees work hard to meet the needs of Minnesota students. The services and support that they provide are more important than ever. On Monday, we approved a bill to ensure these workers continue to get paid through the end of the school year. You can read more about it here.
Ensuring Safe and Secure Elections
We also approved a bipartisan bill to make sure Minnesota’s elections remain safe and secure. This legislation establishes special procedures to protect voters and poll workers during this year’s elections and allows state election officials to utilize federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds. These funds will be used to improve election accessibility and cybersecurity. More information about the bill is available here.
Stay at Home Order Extended
As you may have heard, Governor Walz recently announced that the stay at home order will remain in effect until Monday, May 18. The order has been modified so retail stores and non-critical businesses can safely begin curbside pick-up and delivery. You can find more details about the extended stay at home order here.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Available
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits are now available for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who aren’t eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance. If you’ve already applied for regular unemployment benefits, you don’t need to do anything extra to qualify for PUA. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will contact you if you’re eligible for these benefits. If you haven’t applied yet, special instructions for self-employed people and independent contractors are available here. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found here.
Please continue sharing your questions, feedback, and suggestions. You can reach me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn or 651-296-5363.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative