Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 6, 2020

W

August 6, 2020

Updates from the Governor

With the expiration of the $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan today visited the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties (CAP-RW) to highlight state benefits and assistance programs that remain available to Minnesotans.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If Washington won’t lead, Minnesota will,” said Governor Tim Walz. “While Congress continues to hammer out a deal to extend assistance to those financially impacted by COVID-19, the State of Minnesota is offering a range of emergency assistance that have already helped thousands of Minnesotans.”

“We have said from the beginning that COVID-19 will fall hardest on Minnesotans who are already in crisis,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Every Minnesotan deserves a roof over their head, food on the table, and the resources they need to thrive. But we know there are thousands of Minnesotans who have never interacted with unemployment insurance or the myriad of services offered by the state to help make ends meet. During this incredibly challenging time, it’s our job to highlight the support that is available and to help folks access that support.”

The Governor and Lt. Governor put $100 million in CARES Act funding toward housing assistance. Renters and homeowners who have unpaid housing related bills like rent, mortgage, or utilities will be able to apply for housing assistance through local administrators to help them get caught up on their bills and keep them stably housed. The program will open to individual applicants in mid-August.

The State’s Food Security Workgroup has been helping Minnesotans buy food while their budgets are tight. They have made it easier to purchase food items by allowing those on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy food items online. Since April, the state has also increased the number of fully functional food shelves and provided support to those food shelves under strain. These food shelves are located all across the state.

The State of Minnesota is also focused on connecting Minnesotans who need work with the employers who need them. More information for career seekers on resources and training to find and apply for in demand jobs is available through the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

If you need help with food or child care, employment resources, or connections for health care or housing assistance, please visit ApplyMN. If you need emergency assistance, contact the county human services or tribal agency where you live. For more information on state and community services and resources visit uimn.org/gethelp or mn.gov/covid19/gethelp.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic. Wearing a mask helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

Resources

Coverage