Dear Neighbors,
I hope everyone is staying healthy and staying home. I know it hasn’t been easy, but it’s something we’re all working through together. With distance learning officially starting this week, I know some households in our community are now working around their entire family conducting their normal day from makeshift offices in their living rooms and kitchens.
We’re all adapting, and our work in the legislature is no different.
Yesterday I took part in a virtual town hall on the need for renter’s assistance in Minnesota. As we continue to ask people to stay home, more than 250,000 Minnesotans and facing unemployment and an uncertain financial future. We need to make sure renters can pay their rent and landlords can pay their mortgage.My colleagues on the Housing committee, as well as advocates and stakeholders, joined me in calling for a $100 million investment in rental assistance. We outlined this need for renters, landlords and small businesses, and then took questions from the press. You can watch our virtual press conference here.
2020 Census
Despite the pandemic, the 2020 U.S. Census continues, though there are changes being made in response to COVID-19. By now, most of you should have received instructions in the mail on how to self-respond. If you haven’t done so yet, you’ve got time. The self-responding deadline has recently been extended to August 14, but I recommend completing it as soon as possible.
For a little competitive inspiration, the only state beating Minnesota in self-responding right now is Wisconsin, and we know we can’t have that.
You can complete the Census and find more information at my2020Census.gov, or by calling their offices at (844) 330-2020. Non-English phone options are available here
State of the State Address
Through all the challenges that Minnesota has faced so far, I’m extremely grateful that we have Governor Tim Walz and his administration leading with empathy and clarity. I know many of you have been tuning in for the daily updates with Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health as they go over the impacts of COVID-19 and our state’s latest efforts, which you can catch at 2pm on his Facebook page or local news.
Governor Walz will deliver this year’s State of the State Address this Sunday, April 5, at 7:00 PM. He’ll speak live, from the Governor’s Mansion, as he continues his self-quarantine after coming in contact with an individual with COVID-19. You’ll be able to view the address on YouTube Live and participating media outlets Sunday evening.
Stay Connected, Stay Kind
This is the time to check in with an email, text or phone call to our neighbors, family and friends who may be elderly, isolated or ill. Since we cannot gather or see each other in person, reaching out can help ensure everyone is safe and will let them know you’re concerned about them at this difficult time.
If you have any questions about our work in the legislature or the resources available to our community, feel free to reach out to me via phone, (651) 296-7158, or email, rep.michael.howard@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.
Be kind to one another (from a recommended 6 feet) and wash your hands.
In partnership,
Michael Howard