Update from Rep. Tabke: State of the State Address

Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz delivered the State of the State Address from the Governor’s Residence as Minnesotans continue to adhere to the “Stay at Home” order. In his address, Governor Walz highlighted the difficulties our state will continue to face while also emphasizing the strength and determination of Minnesotans.

COVID-19 has impacted the life of everyone in our community in some form, but we’re all stepping up to do our part to slow the spread of the virus and keep Minnesota strong. Governor Walz likened the pandemic to a long, harsh winter, but Minnesotans are making the sacrifices necessary because we care about our neighbors, and we know that we’ll be better for it. It’s not difficult to look around at the leaders across the country and see that a huge part of our successes in Minnesota are thanks to the incredible work done by Governor Walz and his administration.

A recording of the governor’s address is available here. A state COVID-19 dashboard of data and resources is available here. 

Unemployment Insurance

The most recent numbers show 342,343 Minnesotans have filed for unemployment insurance since March 15, about 11% of our state’s workforce. Due to the large volume of applicants, the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program has implemented a schedule for those calling in with questions. 

There are also step-by-step instructions, with screenshots, for the application process. These PDF files are available for general applicants, and self-employed applicants. 

The unemployment insurance website also has detailed information, including FAQs, about the benefits and application process, which you can access here. 

Grants for Veterans Impacted by COVID-19

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota veterans impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance grants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. The $6.2 million in funds was part of the most recent package of legislation passed by the Minnesota Legislature. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will award one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000.

Eligible applicants must be:

1. A veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran
2. A Minnesota resident
3. Negatively financially impacted by COVID-19.

To apply for the grant, contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) or Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Field Operations Representative at FO.MDVA@state.mn.us or apply online.

The Shakopee Podcast

For those of you that weren’t able to join us last week for our Virtual Town Hall with Congresswoman Angie Craig, we were able to include our conversation with Congresswoman Craig in our latest episode of the Shakopee Podcast. You can listen on Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Excited to share that an agreement has been reached on delivering workers’ compensation benefits for health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19. We’ll be voting on this legislation tomorrow in the Minnesota House at noon (which you can watch here), followed by the Senate. It’s anticipated to pass with little pushback, and would soon after be signed by Governor Walz. This is a great step in granting peace of mind to the Minnesotans that continue to go to work every day to keep our community healthy and safe. 

If you have any other questions about our work in the Minnesota House, please feel free to contact our office.

Brad Tabke, State Representative|Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn

Eric Petersen, Legislative Assistant|Eric.Petersen@house.mn