Legislative Update- April 9, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you and yours well as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. With all the daily disruptions this virus has brought to our state, I have to say, I am so proud of our Rosemount, Coates, and Apple Valley communities and the resiliency they have shown through these challenging times. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Here’s an update on where things stand at the legislature and our continued efforts to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to COVID-19:

Guidance on Additional $600 UI Payments from the Feds

I've received several questions about the additional $600 payments in unemployment insurance from the federal government. Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development received final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor to be one of the first states to make these payments. Click here to learn more about what this means for Minnesotans.

Securing Workers’ Compensation for our First Responders 

On Tuesday, the Legislature passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp. Front-line workers covered in the bill include doctors and nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police, long-term care workers, home health workers, correctional officers, and child care providers. This was long overdue, but glad the Senate joined us in the House in getting this across the finish line. You can read my full statement here. Governor Walz signed the bill into law on Wednesday.

Stay at Home Order Extended

Governor Walz announced this week the Stay at Home order has been extended until May 4. Minnesota is rising to the challenge and following public health guidelines -- and it’s making a big difference to keep people healthy. This extension will also allow Minnesota to build new hospital capacity and buy ventilators and masks, plan for how to protect those most at risk, expand testing, and free up time for health care giants like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus. Read more about what this means for you and your family here.

#MinnesotaProud

• Minnesota leads the nation in the Census 2020 response rate at 55%. The nationwide average is 46%. Check out the fun and interactive response tracker here. Have you filled out your census form yet? By now, you should have received information in the mail with a code that allows you to respond quickly online. Another option includes calling in at 844-330-2020. 12 non-English language phone options posted here. You can also fill out a paper questionnaire, which will be mailed in mid-April to households that have not yet responded online or by phone.
• Minnesota Ranks #1 in Curbside Patronage. Find the story here.

Keep in Touch

Please keep reaching out with questions or input anytime at rep.john.huot@house.mn. Check out my official Facebook Page for additional updates.

Have a blessed Passover or Easter this weekend.

Sincerely,

John