Dear Neighbors,

Here’s a reminder that today at noon, I’m holding a Virtual Town Hall Meeting (using the web conferencing program Zoom) to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic with Duluth community members. At noon or just before, click here to join; you’ll be prompted to download a free app which only takes a second or two to install. I look forward to seeing you and having a conversation about this unprecedented situation. If you have a question you’d like us to address, please email it to me ahead of time at rep.jennifer.schultz@house.mn.

WHAT: Virtual Town Hall Meeting

WHEN: Friday, March 27, 2020; noon

WHO: Rep. Jen Schultz, Duluth neighbors

WHERE: Zoom, Meeting ID 180-758-449

COVID-19 Legislative Aid Package

Yesterday, legislators returned to the State Capitol – practicing physical distancing guidelines the entire time – to enact a bipartisan, comprehensive package of legislation addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill created a new $200 million COVID-19 Fund in the state treasury to enable state agencies to respond to COVID-19 related challenges. It also included $9 million to the Department of Human Services for food security, $26.5 million for the Emergency Service Grants program to provide shelter for Minnesota’s homeless population, $30 million in one-time grants to child care providers, $10 million for small business loans, financial relief for displaced workers, and the necessary flexibility for state agencies to respond to the pandemic.

Assembling a bill as complex as this one under physical distancing guidelines wasn’t easy, but I’m pleased legislators approved this with broad, bipartisan support so our state can continue our efforts to combat this crisis. You can access the bill here and read a recap from nonpartisan House Public Information Services here.

These are challenging times for Minnesotans. If I can be of assistance in any way, contact me via email at rep.jennifer.schultz@house.mn or call 651-296-2228. I also publish updates to my Facebook page here. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Jen Schultz
State Representative