Dear Neighbors,
As we approach the peak of the holiday season I know that many folks are facing difficult financial decisions, especially with our tumultuous economy. That’s why the House DFL and I have been hard at work to provide what assistance we can to those who need it most.
House Passes New Covid-19 Economic Assistance Package
On Monday, we met for our 7th special session of the year to pass an assistance package that will help our most vulnerable neighbors, and local businesses stay afloat during this ongoing crisis. The DFL led the way in designing this package and had to fight hard for this aid, particularly the unemployment aid extension, as GOP Senators wanted to put corporations before the average worker. True to our bipartisan nature we managed to find a path that works for both sides of the aisle while also being a victory for our entire state.Here are a few of the key pieces of the Covid-19 Economic Assistance Package:
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- Extend Unemployment Benefits: Provides up to 13 additional weeks in unemployment benefits for MN workers who have exhausted all federal and state benefits. There are an estimated 100,000 MN workers who could qualify for this extension, showing how needed this extension is.
- Business Assistance Grants: Provides $216.5 million from the General Fund in grants to restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters and many other entities directly affected by the executive orders and the pandemic. It is estimated that these grants will be able to assist over 6,000 businesses that have been hurt by Covid-19.
- Certain Fees Waived for Hospitality Industry: This is another straight-forward practical action we can take to help ease the financial burden our local businesses are facing. While this is a smaller portion of the total relief, it should go a long way towards helping these vulnerable businesses.
This aid is a much needed lifeline for many in our state, but it won’t help everyone who needs it. While this certainly is a win, our state, and the entire nation, desperately need congressional Republicans to come to the table and agree to deliver federal aid before it is too late.
Modified Public Health Measures
Governor Walz announced the next steps in our state’s fight against COVID-19 this afternoon. The goal is to get kids back in school and support Minnesotans’ quality of life while preserving hospital capacity, which is still a significant concern. Several existing restrictions have been modified. Some of the most significant changes are:
- Starting January 18, elementary schools across the state may choose to operate in-person as long as they’re able to implement additional safety measures.
- Indoor gatherings still aren’t recommended, but starting this Saturday, people can gather with one other household indoors and two other households outdoors. Masks and social distancing are highly encouraged for all social gatherings.
- Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to reopen for individual exercise. Masks and physical distancing are required.
- Youth and adult sports can resume practices on January 4.
- Bars, restaurants, and breweries can reopen for outdoor dining, although indoor service will remain paused.
You can find more information about these public health guidelines here.
People of Color and Indigenous Caucus
Over the weekend I was elected to be the next chair of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus. Our state’s growing diversity must be reflected at the Minnesota Legislature, and for the first time our growing caucus of 16 POCI legislators is at the level of representation we have never seen before. The disparities in our state are stark, in order to create a stronger Minnesota we must work tirelessly to bring justice and equity to all people. I’m excited to lead this caucus with Vice Chair, Representative Hodan Hassan, to further all our communities for the State of Minnesota.
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or please contact my legislative assistant Josh, josh.kilgard@house.mn. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn