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Dear Neighbors,
Early this morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously approved emergency COVID-19 health care funding, which provides $200 million in investments for a health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health response contingency account. This legislation will ensure Minnesotans can access the care they need and our providers are equipped to provide it.
We’re still working on solutions to many of the problems this condition is presenting. For instance, legislation has been introduced to place a statewide moratorium on evictions as well as provide emergency housing assistance to thousands of Minnesotans who may face housing instability. We’re also working on measures to ban price gouging, deliver assistance for child care providers, ensure hourly educators and other school district workers receive compensation, and more.
Resources are available in this uncertain time. The Minnesota Department of Education has set up a hotline at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 if you have questions regarding child care or school. Their website also has a COVID-19 section. You can also call Child Care Aware of MN at 1-888- 291-9811 or go to www.parentaware.org to search on-line for child care options. Childcare providers with questions should call 1-888-234-1268 or see this information from the Department of Human Services.
The Minnesota Department of Health’s website has a great deal of information, and a hotline is also available if you have questions at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety now also has a hotline to field questions about the issues associated with community mitigation, including school and business impacts at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is working on approval for a Disaster Loan assistance program. This program would program provide small businesses and private nonprofits loans of up to $2 million to provide vital economic support to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. For the latest information, call the SBA's disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 or visit the COVID-19 section of their website.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has resources for displaced workers as well as information for employers on their website. To apply for unemployment insurance benefits, visit uimn.org. Resources with information about how to access help regarding food and housing are also available.
I will provide new information as it becomes available. Please contact my office if you are having trouble finding answers to your questions or receiving the help you need. My email is rep.liz.olson@house.mn and you can reach me by phone at 651-296-4246. I will respond to your messages as soon as possible. Minnesotans care about one another, and I’m confident that by looking out for neighbors, friends, and family members, we can help ensure everyone can remain safe and healthy, and ultimately overcome this challenge.
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative
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