Dear Neighbors,
From my family to yours, Happy Easter! While so many people are hurting during this uncertain time, I hope that you take time to reflect on what the hopeful message and promise of salvation through our Savior Jesus Christ that comes with the Easter weekend.
Please continue to reach out to your neighbors and care for one another as we navigate the coming weeks together. Things will return to normal and keep the faith!
Governor Walz Extends Stay at Home Order
On Wednesday, Governor Walz extended the state’s “Stay at Home” order until May 4th.
I understand that this order has created a tremendous amount of uncertainty for businesses, employees, and all Minnesotans. Please reach out to my office or visit the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website for information regarding loans available for small businesses.
If you were recently laid off, please visit https://www.uimn.org/ to apply for unemployment.
Finally, if you have any questions about the executive order, please click here: https://mn.gov/covid19/faq/.
Please know that legislators have been pushing the administration on a daily basis asking for exemptions, flexibility and common sense. If there are businesses that can protect the safety of employees and customers, we should allow them to do so.
Workers Compensation for Front-Line Workers
On Tuesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation to provide presumptive workers compensation insurance to front-line workers who contract COVID-19.
The bill was a compromise agreement made by legislators from all four House and Senate caucuses, and advocates from labor and business groups.
As a volunteer EMT, I understand the importance of Tuesday’s legislation that provides additional protections for front-line workers. I am hopeful that our vote gives these workers some peace of mind that Minnesota has their backs and that we will make sure that they are well taken care of. The entire community thanks them for working so hard to keep us safe and healthy.
Disaster Loans for Farmers
The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Loan Program is now accessible to farmers who are suffering financial damages related to the COVID-19 outbreak after the Legislature expanded access to the funds.
Legislative approval of a bill on March 26th increased program flexibility, providing a resource to farmers for expenses not covered by insurance.
This additional flexibility will help farmers deal with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 outbreak. I encourage farmers to reach out to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to find out if they’re eligible. Our rural, farming communities are resilient, and I am confident that we will get through this crisis together.
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), program dollars can be used to “replace livestock or flocks, make building improvements, or cover the loss of revenue. Loan proceeds may also be used to repair or replace septic and water systems, and replace destroyed agricultural buildings.
Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/34iQkYd
Assistance for Veterans and their Families
Veterans and surviving spouses who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are now able to access a pair of state programs created to provide them with financial assistance.
On March 26, the Minnesota Legislature created two new programs to assist Veterans who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 Specific Programs have been activated specifically in response to mitigate the economic effects COVID-19 is having on our Veterans and their families.
The Legislature also approved COVID-19 Disaster relief grants, which are designed to mitigate the negative effects and economic impact COVID-19 has had on Veterans and their families by providing a one-time financial relief grant in the amount of $1,000.
Applications for the disaster relief grant must be dated no earlier than March 13, 2020. A closing date for the disaster relief grant has yet to be determined and will depend on the length of the peacetime emergency declared by the Governor of the State of Minnesota and the availability of funding.
To qualify for the COVID-19 Special Needs Grant, applicants must be:
- A Veteran or the surviving spouse (who has not remarried) of a deceased veteran as defined by MN Statute 197.447, and
- A Minnesota Resident, and
- Have been negatively financial impacted by COVID-19. * Note: Two Veterans married to each other are both authorized to apply for and receive the disaster relief grant.
Full information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at https://mn.gov/mdva/
Staying in Touch
Please continue to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 701-361-1909 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Be well and Happy Easter,
Jeff