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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I wanted to give you all an update on the activity at the legislature and how you can stay informed during this trying time.
Even during this unprecedented time, the people’s work must continue. The most important thing right now is to make sure our constituents and public health and safety officials have the resources they need. I will continue to make sure my constituents have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families.
The House formally will remain in session as the state addresses the pressing public health issue surrounding COVID-19, with meetings and floor sessions taking place on an on-call basis until April 14. Alternate means of working will allow the House to respond to the needs of Minnesotans, while also fully complying with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines including social distancing, limiting large gatherings, telework, and increased cleaning measures necessitated by COVID-19
During this uncertain time, please continue to listen to the advice of experts and be sure to wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, cover your cough, and practice social distancing. Don’t become a vector to your family, friends, and community. We will do this together!
Hotlines are available to assist Minnesotans, including a public line (651) 201-3920 and a line for questions specifically related to schools and/or childcare (651) 297-1304. Several online resources also are available to help individuals stay up to date:
I’ve received many emails about adding flexibility to providing services. Given the need to expand the use of telehealth to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House, HHS Office for Civil Rights, and the State of Minnesota have revised rules associated with the practice. We will continue to work on additional ways to provide options and flexibility to address the needs in our communities.
I can be reached at (651) 296-9236 or at email hidden; JavaScript is required
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Restaurant, Bar, And Other Places Of Public Accommodation Closed
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On March 16, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-04 ordering the closure of all restaurants, bars, clubs, gyms, and other similar spaces. Grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and others will remain open. Delivery and curbside pickup for restaurants will remain available.
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Beginning March 17 at 5:00 PM, continuing until March 27, at 5:00 PM, these facilities cannot have food or drink consumed, or otherwise be occupied for on-premise consumption.
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Food and Beverage service venues are encouraged to offer delivery, take out, window, walk or drive-up service. Five members of the public are allowed on-premises to pick up their orders if they are six feet apart while picking up their orders.
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Violation of this Executive Order is a misdemeanor punished by a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail.
Due to Governor Walz’s declaration of Peacetime Emergency under Minnesota State Statute Chapter 12.32, these orders and rules issued by the governor have the power of law. This step by Governor Walz was both dramatic and in line with steps being taken by other governors across the country. This is a difficult decision but is aimed at “flattening the curve” of the outbreak in hopes of averting the situation we’ve seen in countries like Italy where health systems have been overwhelmed.
If you or a loved one has lost their job or had their hours reduced as a result of these closings, please encourage them to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. You can find more information at www.uimn.org.
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Early Tuesday morning, the legislature unanimously approved in the House and Senate $200 million in additional funding to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
This funding adds to the $21 million passed last week to assist the Department of Health and local health agencies, making resources available to hospitals, providers, ambulance services, long-term care facilities, and other entities who will be involved in the response to this outbreak.
There are taxpayer protections in the bill including legislative oversight, consequences for unauthorized use of funds, and returning money that goes unspent back to the general fund. |
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced a 30 day sales tax payment extension for businesses impacted by Executive Order 20-04. Please share this with any businesses you are aware of that were closed and have a monthly Sales and Use Tax Payment due March 20. More info: mnhouse.gop/2TYvutw
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COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
On March 16, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order to ensure workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have full access to unemployment benefits. According to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, the executive order makes applicants eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if:
- A healthcare professional or health authority recommended or ordered them to avoid contact with others.
- They have been ordered not to come to their workplace due to an outbreak of a communicable disease.
- They have received notification from a school district, daycare, or other childcare provider that either classes are canceled or the applicant’s ordinary childcare is unavailable, provided that the applicant made reasonable effort to obtain other childcare and requested time off or other accommodation from the employer and no reasonable accommodation was available.
The executive order also eliminates the one week waiting period to ensure applicants have access to unemployment benefits as quickly as possible, and assures business owners that benefits paid as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will not increase their future unemployment tax rate.
If your employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the department urges you to apply for unemployment benefits online. Visit the Unemployment Insurance Program website at www.uimn.org to learn more.
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Please Stay in Touch
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-9236 or you can email me at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Stay safe and we can get through this together,
Duane
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247 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.9236
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