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Dear neighbors,
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced he is extending the stay at home order until May 4. Answers to frequently asked questions about what this could mean for you, your family, and your business can be found here.
I know that staying at home is challenging not just because we can’t go anywhere, but also because it has huge consequences for many people, families, and business owners. People are struggling to stay employed, pay their bills, provide for their family, maintain housing, and make ends meet. However, this is a necessary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. I will continue to do my best to bring up issues experienced by Minnesotans and to support measures to help people and families during this pandemic.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Every day, first responders and health care workers put themselves at risk to help keep Minnesotans safe and healthy. They deserve to know we have their backs. This week, we passed a bill to ensure nurses, firefighters, paramedics, and other frontline workers are covered by workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19. The bill establishes a presumption that if these workers contract the virus, they did so on the job and are eligible for workers’ comp.
Discrimination Helpline
In response to increasing reports of discrimination against our Asian American community, Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights have launched a new Discrimination Helpline to help protect the civil rights of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesotans who experience or witness bias or discrimination can report it by calling 1-833-454-0148 or completing an online form here.
Additional Unemployment Benefits
As a result of federal legislation, Minnesotans who are eligible for unemployment benefits will start receiving an additional $600 per week. If you’re collecting these benefits, you’ll automatically receive the additional payment for every week you remain eligible. More details are available here.
Helpful Information and Resources
Last week, Governor Walz launched a new COVID-19 dashboard to track the spread of the virus and help Minnesotans find information and resources. It also provides information on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing. The dashboard, which is updated daily, is available here.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s website, linked here, is another good source of information. I encourage you to check out MDH’s mental health resources, linked here, as well as those dedicated to physical health.
Stay Connected
Like many Minnesotans, legislators are finding new ways to connect with others and get our work done while following public health guidelines. This week, I attended two remote committee hearings and joined Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative for a remote discussion with over two dozen people. It was really nice to be able to see peoples’ faces and to hear their opinions on the challenges in front of us.
Despite the need to be physically apart, it’s more important than ever to look out for one another. I hope you’re able to stay connected to family, friends, and neighbors and to reach out to others who might need support.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance during this challenging time. You can reach me by email at rep.kaohly.her@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-8799.
Sincerely,
Rep. Kaohly Her
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