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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL)

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Legislative Update - "Stay at Home" Extended to May 18

Friday, May 1, 2020

Rep. Wolgamott

Dear Granite City Neighbors, 

This week saw the extension of the “Stay at Home” order to May 18, as well as the gradual opening of some of Minnesota’s business sectors, including the announcement that retail stores will be able to start curbside pick-up and delivery starting on Monday. Having to wait longer to completely open our state is frustrating, but it’s also necessary. The time we’ve bought by staying at home has allowed our hospitals to better prepare for the peak of the virus, and it’s also led to a breakthrough in testing for COVID-19. 

It can be difficult to see from the isolation of our homes, but our efforts continue to save lives. You can watch Governor Walz’s COVID-19 briefing from this week here.

Extended Order

#WhoCaresForUs

Today, and really for the remainder of the legislative session, my colleagues and I in the DFL will be lifting up and fighting for the Minnesotans who go to work every day to keep our state running. These are the grocery store workers, janitors, caregivers, nurses, educators, and other frontline workers that are helping us weather this storm, and we in turn need to make sure they’re supported.

#WhoCaresForUs

Follow along with the #WhoCaresForUs hashtag to see the stories and experiences of these Minnesotans shared by legislators, advocates, and organizations. We won’t just be sharing these stories, we’ll be crafting and pushing legislation that helps not only these frontline workers, but all Minnesotans. 

In the Minnesota House, committees have already passed legislation that establishes rent and mortgage assistance, increases wages for personal care assistants, protects essential school workers, increases broadband internet access, funds the Minnesota Family Investment Program, ratifies state workers’ contracts, produces more small business loans, and expands our vote-by-mail infrastructure in anticipation of the upcoming elections.

 

Unemployment Insurance for Self-Employed Minnesotans

DEED has begun making Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments for self-employed, contract, and other workers. The program was enacted under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Here’s what you need to know when applying for PUA payments:

  • If you have already applied for regular unemployment benefits, you do not need to do anything extra to qualify for PUA. DEED will automatically establish a PUA benefit account for you if you are eligible.
  • If you have not applied for unemployment benefits yet, special instructions for self-employed and 1099 workers are available here. These instructions include steps you can take to make your account easily identifiable as potentially eligible for PUA.
    • If you applied for unemployment benefits without following those instructions, don’t worry – you don’t need to change anything. Your account will still be reviewed for PUA eligibility.
  • You will receive information about PUA benefits in your online account, by email, and by postal mail.
  • Applicants who receive PUA benefits will also receive the $600/week additional payment authorized by the CARES Act.
  • PUA benefits will be backdated to whenever you first became eligible due to COVID-19.

Additional information, including answers to many commonly asked questions, can be found here: COVID-19 information for self-employed people and independent contractors.

 

Stay Connected, Stay Informed

With warmer weather here, remember that the “Stay at Home” order doesn’t lock us in our homes. You’re encouraged to get out and get some fresh air (while adhering to social distancing). Many forms of outdoor recreation are still available during the public health crisis, such as state parks and trails, golf courses, and the businesses that support fishing and boating. You can read more in the Executive Order on available outdoor activities here. 

For the latest news and up-to-date information, please visit the state’s COVID-19 Dashboard. The Minnesota House website also has a COVID-19 section with information and links to helpful resources. As always, feel free to reach out to me at (651) 296-6612, or email me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn. I’ll also be posting frequent updates on my Facebook page.  We’re going to get through this together, and I look forward to hearing from you.  

Sincerely,

 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott
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