Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you and yours well.
On Sunday, Governor Walz will give his State of the State address remotely from his residence. While this is unusual, I appreciate he’s keeping up with the tradition to provide an update to Minnesotans now, especially under these challenging circumstances with COVID-19. You can stream it on his YouTube Channel or watch on any local news station.
Today, the Governor launched a dashboard that serves as a central hub for Minnesotans to track confirmed cases by county, and provides the latest data on supplies, like ventilators and personal protective equipment. You can check it out here.
Unemployment Update
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has been working hard to quickly and effectively process thousands of unemployment insurance applications for folks in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, DEED has processed more unemployment applications over the past two weeks than they have in the past two years.
To assist in this process, DEED has now designated certain days for Minnesotans who are applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits for the first time based on the last digit of their social security number. With applications coming in at an unmatched pace, this will ensure displaced workers can get faster, more effective services and the benefits they are depending on. To enroll or find more information, visit www.uimn.org.
New Guide for Small Business Owners
Several state and federal programs have been created to help small businesses affected by COVID-19. Different programs make sense for different businesses, so the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has posted a guide that details all of the assistance available in one spot. This information can help small businesses determine which programs might work for them, including the ones I authored that were included in the emergency COVID-19 aid package. Click here to view the guide.
Child Care Grants Available
Governor Walz this week announced that the application process for emergency grants for child care providers impacted by COVID-19 is open. This funding was a part of the comprehensive COVID-19 emergency package of bills we passed last week. There are approximately 420,000 children under the age of 12 who live in a household of an essential worker within a critical sector. Of these, the state estimates that during this peacetime emergency, about 270,000 children will need care and approximately 120,000 are likely to need care from licensed child care settings. Visit this webpage to learn more about grant availability
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out to let me know how I can of assistance. I am always happy to answer questions, and help navigate any of these state or federal programs. Contact me on my cell at 763-370-9000 or by email at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.
It’s an honor to serve you at the state legislature.
Take care,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative