Peacetime Emergency Childcare Grants
The third round of Peacetime Emergency Childcare Grants is now open; applications will be accepted until June 15th. An additional $10 million from the CARES Act has been added to this month’s allotment, meaning there is nearly $20 million available for providers this round. Eligibility for grants has also been expanded to include certain certified child care centers that serve families with older children. Applications and more information can be found here.
New Family Food Benefits
The USDA recently approved Minnesota’s application for Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) to help families replace the meals their children lost because schools are closed. This federal initiative is a temporary program to provide a one-time lump sum benefit to families for groceries ($325/student). Some families need to apply by June 30th to receive this benefit.
Families with children ages 5-18 may be eligible for P-EBT benefits if their child’s school is closed due to COVID-19 and:
- They were receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits as of 3/18/20; or
- Their child was receiving free or reduced-price meals during the 2019-2020 school year; or
- Their child is enrolled in a school that offers free meals to all students.
Families who receive free or reduced-price meals or attend a school that offers free meals, but who were not receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits as of March 18th, need to apply for P-EBT before June 30th. Families already on SNAP or MFIP do not need to apply and should have already had the $325/child loaded on their EBT card.
Apply here: https://mn.p-ebt.org/en/
Individuals in need of assistance accessing or using these benefits can contact the P-EBT hotline at 651-431-4050 or 800-657-3698, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information can be found at:
- https://mn.p-ebt.org/en/
- Hunger Solutions MN: https://www.hungersolutions.org/2020/06/05/p-ebt-available-to-help-feed-kids/
Free COVID-19 Testing in Minneapolis/St. Paul
Over the next few weeks, the State of MN will be offering free COVID-19 testing to people living in communities impacted by recent large gatherings in the Twin Cities area. These community sites are specifically designed to serve those who live in most impacted neighborhoods and the immediate surrounding community. For those not living in these neighborhoods, testing at their local clinic is encouraged in case capacity issues arise. Find COVID-19 Testing Locations here.
Twin Cities COVID-19 Community Testing
Eligibility:
- Open to everyone, symptoms or no symptoms
- Free, no insurance needed
Dates & Time:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: June 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24
- Time: 12-6 p.m.
Locations:
Minneapolis
- Holy Trinity Church (walk up)
2730 East 31st Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406 - Sabathani Community Center (drive up, limited walk up)
310 East 38th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55409 - New Salem Baptist Church (walk up)
2507 Bryant Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Saint Paul
- Jimmy Lee Recreation Center (drive up, limited walk up)
270 Lexington Parkway North
St. Paul, MN 44104
Sign-Up
It’s recommended that you sign-up for an appointment in advance. Schedule your appointment here or call 1-800-657-3903.
For more information on these community testing events, including a FAQ on testing, visit: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites.html
Special Session
Governor Walz has called the legislature back to a special session which will begin at noon on Friday, June 12th. The session will most likely focus on statewide bonding, an extension of the Governor’s executive orders, legislation relating to the COVID-19 virus, and a response to the recent events in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It is possible other pending legislation will be brought up for debate and a vote as well.
If you have any questions or wish to unsubscribe from this Newsletter please feel free to contact my office at 651-296-2556 or by email at sen.jerry.newton@senate.mn.
Be well and stay safe,
Jerry Newton
State Senator
District 37