Beloved Community,
I wish all of you health and wellness in these times. I hope you are all finding ways to stay joyful, connected and safe. I’m busy at the Legislature working to make sure that the most vulnerable in our community can keep their heads above water and make it through this public health crisis.
In all of the conversations about unemployment insurance and emergency assistance and direct cash payments there are people being left out.
Minnesotans who don’t have legal status pay taxes. Sales taxes, property taxes, payroll taxes, social security and Medicare taxes for benefits they can never collect, and on and on.
One of the most frustrating things about the last few weeks has been discovering that there is no funding source, no help from the feds or relief package coming that will replace the lost wages and pay for housing, food, and other necessities that undocumented and mixed-status families will need.
These times are hard and uncertain. Many of us have lost wages or lost jobs and are having to prepare for hard times ahead.
This system is failing people. Those of us who have access to paid sick time and working remotely and high wages and other privileges in this economy, who have not experienced a total loss of income, need to step up for our loved ones and neighbors during this time.
Donating to this fund that will directly support undocumented people is one of the most impactful ways you can spend money right now.
While we work to create systems that reflect our shared humanity, we have to be there for eachother.
Donate to the Mutual Aid fund and share with your networks.
Legislature Passes Workers Compensation Bill
We gathered remotely on Tuesday to pass critical legislation to ensure that healthcare workers, first responders, and home health aides are eligible for workers' compensation if they contract COVID-19 while serving Minnesotans during this public health crisis. You can find bill details here.
Join Me for a Virtual Town Hall
Stay connected and learn more about what we’ve been up to at the capital at a virtual town hall co-hosted by my fellow district 62 Legislators, Rep. Hassan, and Sen. Hayden tomorrow, Thursday, April 9th at 1:00 PM.
We will host the town hall at Rep. Hassan’s Facebook page. If you have any questions you would like to ask us, please email me at rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn.
Fight Discrimination and Hate
Xenophobia and racism targeting Asian Americans and Asian people have no place in society and do nothing to prevent viruses and other illnesses from spreading. In fact, these actions only impair our abilities to work together as a community at a crucial time. Infectious diseases can only be fought through solidarity and cooperation, rather than anxiety, stigmatization, and hostility. If you or someone you know faces discrimination you can call the new discrimination hotline at 1-833-454-0148, run by the MN Department of Human Rights. You can also submit an online form.
Update on Unemployment Insurance
Here is updated unemployment information after the U.S. Congress passed the CARES Act.
- The $600 increase to your benefits will be included once you've requested benefit payments for this week (the week of March 29th), and for every week after this week for which you are eligible for benefits.
- For the 13 week extension of benefits: Just keep requesting weekly benefits, even if the website shows that you have exhausted your benefits. DEED will determine who is eligible.
- For self-employed and contract workers not eligible for regular unemployment, DEED hopes to be able to distribute benefits before the end of April. Here is a special step-by-step guide for self-employed and contract workers to apply for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Info
- Many of our local businesses are struggling to get through this crisis. If you have the means, please try to prioritize patronizing local businesses for your needs. If you own a business that is struggling, please visit here to learn about and apply for disaster loans.
- For the most up to date information on how COVID-19 is affecting Minnesota, visit this dashboard.
Keep In Touch
As always, feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions you have for me! I always appreciate working in partnership with you. You can also follow me on my Facebook page. Everything is moving quickly right now so be sure to stay connected!
In solidarity,
Aisha Gomez
651-296-7152
rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn