Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones are doing well during this challenging time. My colleagues and I know that many Minnesotans are struggling right now, and we’re doing what we can to help.
Extended Stay at Home Order
As you may have heard, Governor Walz has extended the stay at home order until May 4. This extension will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and give our state more time to increase the capacity of the health care system. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about what this means for you, your family, and your business.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
We need to protect the Minnesotans on the front lines of this pandemic. On Tuesday, we passed a bill to ensure first responders and health care workers will be covered by workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19. The bill establishes a presumption that if these workers contract the virus, they did so during their employment and are covered by workers’ comp. Frontline workers covered in the bill include doctors, nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, long-term care workers, home health care workers, correctional officers, and child care providers.
Like many Minnesotans, legislators are finding new and sometimes unusual ways to get our work done while maintaining social distancing. Many of my colleagues and I voted for the workers’ comp bill from the rooftop of a parking ramp next to the Capitol.
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.
Be Counted in the 2020 Census
By now, you should have received a postcard with instructions on how to be counted in the 2020 Census. If you haven’t responded yet, please take a few minutes to do so here. Your response helps ensure Minnesota receives our fair share of federal funding for schools, hospitals, roads and bridges, and other services we all rely on.
It’s more important than ever to reach out to family, friends, and neighbors who might need support, particularly those who are elderly, isolated, or ill. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance during this challenging time. The best way to reach me is by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mm or by phone at 651-296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative