Rep. Phillips: How has coronavirus impacted YOU?

Dear Neighbors,

I know that times are tough. As Congress crafts our next round of coronavirus legislation, I want to make sure I’m fighting for the relief that Minnesotans need most. Will you take a moment to tell me how the pandemic is impacting you?

So far, both parties have come together to provide relief – while I’m encouraged by our progress so far, our job isn’t done. We need to provide more relief for local and state governments, workers, and families. We need widespread testing. And we need to protect the vote in November. This has been the most significant distribution of taxpayer dollars in human history, and as members of Congress we have a responsibility to put partisanship aside and ensure that money flows to the communities, families, and small businesses which need it most.

I’ve got your back, and I promise to keep fighting for you in Washington no matter what comes next. I also wanted to share some resources, updates, and helpful information:

• Check your eligibility and the status of your economic impact payment. The website is updated once per day, with payments being sent out once a week
• The deadline for SSI beneficiaries to file for the $500 Economic Impact Payment for dependents is May 5th. Click here for information and to file
• You can apply for unemployment, find answers to commonly asked questions, or contact the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development here
• To find food assistance near you, you can call the USDA National Hunger Hotline 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE
• For housing support, call the Minnesota COVID-19 Housing Hotline at 651-296-8215 (single family residences) or 651-297-4455 (multi-family residences)
• For domestic violence survivors, avoiding public spaces and working remotely may be incredibly dangerous. If you need immediate support the National Domestic Violence Hotline will answer your call 24/7. Their number is 1-800-799-7233. If you can’t speak safely, visit thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522
• The Smithsonian and the Library of Congress have put together digital resources for students. Additionally, the Library of Congress has lesson plans and educational videos, including concerts, drawing tutorials, and short stories
• Visit the small business resource page on my website for up-to-date information, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to resources
• If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a federal agency or you aren’t getting an answer about your benefits, we will do our best to get you a response
• Send a thank you card to the COVID-19 heroes in our community

Finally, this week I hosted my third Dial-In with Dean. If you missed our conversation, or if you just want to listen again, you can find a recording here:

Keep the faith, and stay safe,

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress