Dear Neighbors,
This week, Governor Walz announced an extension of his Stay at Home executive order to continue until May 4. This extension will allow Minnesota to build new hospital capacity, buy ventilators and masks, plan for how to protect those most at risk, expand testing, and free up time for health care entities like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus. You can read more about what this means for you, your family, and business here.
As our health care workers continue the daily battle against COVID-19, Allina Health is seeking additional donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). They are asking for:
- factory-made N95 and ear loop masks
- hand-sewn ear loop masks (instructions for hand-sewn masks are online here)
- headbands with three secure buttons per side (used to attach an ear loop mask for ear protection)
- surgical mask strap extenders, including those made with 3D printers
- isolation gowns
- Nitrile exam gloves
- PAPR hood/shroud
- safety glasses/goggles
- face shields, including those made with 3D printers
- must extend 3 inches below chin to cover mask/respirator
- front is clear plastic and fastens in the back
- shoe covers
- commercial disinfectants including Quat-based sanitizers, bleach and hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants and unopened disinfectant wipes
Donations can be dropped off at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids at the Mercy Specialty Center main entrance, inside the pharmacy on right.
Protecting our First Responders
I am very excited to share that the Minnesota Legislature passed a measure to ensure that our first responders are protected if they contract COVID-19. Our police, firefighters, nurses, EMTs, and many others have put their personal safety at risk to protect our community. The bill we approved Tuesday will make sure that they are able to get the worker’s compensation they are due if they are sickened while working. While I wish we could have passed this bill weeks ago, I am thrilled that we finally reached a bipartisan agreement to get it done.
Next Steps for Additional $600 UI Payments
I’ve received several questions about the additional $600 payments in unemployment insurance from the federal government. Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development received final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor to be one of the first states to make these payments. Click hereto learn more about what this means for Minnesotans.
COVID-19 Grants for Minnesota Veterans
This week, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota veterans and surviving spouses impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications from Minnesota veterans who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find out how to apply here.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me on my cell phone at 763-370-9000 or by email at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn to ask questions or let me know how I can be of help during these challenging times.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Passover or Easter this weekend.
Thank you for the honor representing our Champlin and Coon Rapids neighborhoods at the state legislature.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative