Beloved community,
While our efforts to flatten the curve have worked, we still have a long way to go before we can return to normal. A lot of people in our community are struggling right now and they’re going to need sustained support to make it through this crisis. If you are able to share some of your stimulus with folks in need or an admirable local organization I encourage you to do so.
Governor Walz Extends Stay at Home Order
Yesterday, Governor Walz announced the extension of the “Stay at Home” Executive Order by an additional two weeks, currently setting the end date as Monday, May 18. This includes extending the closures of bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation. You can read today’s Executive Order here.
However, this doesn’t mean that we aren’t making progress towards opening things up. Thanks to all of your hard work to stay home and slow the virus the governor also announced that on May 4th, certain retail stores will be able to open up for curbside pick up and delivery options. Keep up your hard work and dedication and soon we will be able to interact safely with our loved ones.
Unemployment for Self-Employed Minnesotans
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced that pandemic unemployment assistance payments are available for self-employed, contract, and other workers. If you are an eligible worker in these categories whose employment has been interrupted as a result of COVID-19, you can find instructions for how to apply for unemployment, and you can submit your application for unemployment insurance benefits, here.
DFL Taking Action to Ensure Economic Security for all Minnesotans
The House and Senate DFL outlined our COVID-19 economic security agenda this week, which focuses on the following priority. Follow along at the #WhoCaresForUs hashtag to see the stories of how many of these priorities would lift up the Minnesotans who are keeping the state running:
- Keeping Minnesotans safe in their homes with a $100 million investment in housing assistance
- Providing economic security for our education professionals by ensuring full pay for our hourly school employees
- Providing economic security for the personal care assistants who care for vulnerable Minnesotans through a well-deserved and long-overdue wage increase
- Keeping Minnesotans connected by ensuring all Minnesotans have access to the broadband they need to go online
Helping families make ends meet by using available federal funding to boost payments for low-income working Minnesotans in the Minnesota Family Investment Program
Community Resources and Resources for Undocumented Immigrants
- I encourage you to contribute to this fundraiser run by Unidos MN. Undocumented people are especially vulnerable right now because they aren’t receiving help from the government.
- The Immigrant Law Center has created a list of resources for immigrants and the community at large.
- Here is a link to the Southside Mutual Aid spreadsheet where our community is coming together to help one another out. There are sections for requests, offers, and ideas. Please add what you can.
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