Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week kicked off rapidly changing the face of our country and state. At the Federal level and here in Minnesota everyone has had to react to a threat that is affecting our country in unprecedented ways. We have all had to consider what life may look like for the foreseeable future.
In this Enewsletter is a compilation of all the various work and executive orders that has been done this week. The situation for our State changes rapidly, so I will do my best to keep everyone apprised if and when changes occurs. Despite this virus we are working in all safe ways possible to hold meetings, examine data and make decisions to guide the state through this difficult time. Please feel free to share this to anyone who has questions about what actions have been taken and to get a comprehensive view of how this all affects them and what resources are available.
I hope everyone who reads this is safe. I hope you are with loved ones and that you are taking care of neighbors and yourself. As this continues we will need to band together in different ways to support each other to weather this storm. You can always reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
You are not alone.
Sincerely,
John
New measures adopted at Legislature in response to COVID-19
Responding to the impact of the coronavirus strain COVID-19 this past week became more urgent at both the state level and at the Minnesota Legislature. Governor Walz has made several moves to promote social distancing to “flatten the curve” of the infection rate for the virus, including mandating that restaurants move to takeout- and delivery-only methods and bars be closed for the next two weeks.
Other social gathering spaces such as theaters, bowling alleys, and museums have also been closed. These decisions come as an effort to slow the spread of the infection, so the state’s health care infrastructure isn’t overwhelmed with too many cases at once. DFL legislators and Governor Walz remain committed to aiding those affected negatively by these closures and have helped pass economic support for workers tirelessly fighting this pandemic, as well as those experiencing economic hardships because of it.
The Legislature passed a bill this week to provide an additional $200 million for health care infrastructure and procedures during the response to COVID-19. The legislation was passed unanimously, showing commitment to bipartisanship during this trying time for Minnesota.
Governor Walz has also signed executive orders in recent days, which will:
- Protect residents and staff in Veterans Homes by restricting all visitors and non-essential personnel except for end of life care.
- Exempt emergency relief efforts from certain regulations that restrict their ability to provide assistance, including limits on weight and hours of service. The Order allows for the efficient movement of essential supplies, including food, medical supplies, and household items.
- Provide paid leave for all state employees who are unable to work because of COVID-19.
Staying informed is essential, and if we continue to follow these guidelines, we can flatten the curve and ensure Minnesota continues to operate in response to this pandemic effectively and efficiently. The most up-to-date information on COVID-19 from the MDH can be found here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
The MN Department of Health has set up a COVID-19 public hotline that is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hotline number is 651-201-3920.
A MN Department of Public Safety hotline taking questions regarding community mitigation problems, including school and business impacts, can be found here open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.
MN Legislature passes $200 million COVID-19 funding bill
The Legislature passed a bill appropriating $200 million in funding to support our state’s healthcare system this week, in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Senators worked late into the night to pass this urgent legislation with unanimous, bipartisan support. These resources will be added to the public health response contingency account and used to create a health care response fund for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
From this bill, $150 million is appropriated to MDH to create temporary testing, treatment, and quarantine sites and to make and administer a grant program for health care providers for costs related to COVID-19. Along with hospitals and clinics, providers working in ambulance services, pharmacies, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities are eligible for these grants. We know that Minnesotans in and out of the health care field are concerned with costs associated with COVID-19, which is why as a condition of accepting a grant, the provider must agree not to bill uninsured patients for the cost of COVID-19 screening, testing, or treatment. If a patient is out-of-network, the provider must agree to accept the median network rate as payment in full.
Some of the activities these grants may be used for include:
- Establishment and operation of temporary sites to provide testing services, to provide treatment beds, or to isolate or quarantine affected individuals
- Staff overtime, hiring additional staff, training and orientation
- Purchasing consumable protective or treatment supplies and equipment to protect or treat staff, visitors, and patients
- Development and implementation of screening and testing procedures
- Patient outreach activities
- Additional emergency transportation of patients
- Temporary IT and systems costs to support patient triage, screening, and telemedicine activities
The remaining $50 million will be added to the public health response contingency account. This is in addition to the $20.9 million passed earlier this month. This money can be used for costs relating to planning, preparing, or responding to a pandemic influenza or communicable or infectious disease.
Census Day is approaching
The United States Census will be counting every Minnesotan this year. The end count will guide the distribution of billions of dollars to Minnesota communities across the state, determine the number of elected representatives Minnesota receives, and it will provide necessary data to Minnesota policymakers to help them make legislative decisions.
By April 1, the U.S. Census Bureau will have contacted every household in the country, whether by sending a letter by mail or hand-delivering a census packet. It’s part of a once-a-decade tradition of counting every person living here, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
It’s been 10 years since we’ve done one of these, so it’s time for a reminder: What is the census, and why is it so important?For more information, visit https://mn.gov/admin/2020-census.
Governor closes schools until at least March 27
Governor Tim Walz ordered all Minnesota schools closed from March 18-27 over the weekend. Many schools also closed earlier than March 18, allowing teachers and staff to prepare for distance learning and nutrition and childcare efforts.
School staff are working to provide distance learning options for students and will provide meals for students in varying ways and locations. Childcare will be provided for health care and EMS workers so they can continue to work during the crisis. There have been questions about the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment schedule, which opened on March 8 and ends on May 8. The state is waiting to hear from the federal Department of Education on next steps.
The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is not taking walk-in visitors or phone calls but the office is operating. The staff will continue to respond to emails and process licensure and grant applications. If you have questions about licensure or other issues, email pelsb@state.mn.us. Licensure applications can continue to be mailed to the PELSB’s office at:
The Minnesota Department of Education has detailed information on its website. The COVID-19 guidance can be found here: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/health/covid19.
Nutrition, distance learning, and childcare options vary between districts. Check with your local school district for more information.
Employment and economic development resources during COVID-19
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has developed a website to provide general information to workers and business impacted by the pandemic. The website is being updated as new information becomes available: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid.
Unemployment Benefits: If a business you work for has reduced your hours or terminated your employment in response to the pandemic or for any reason that is no fault of your own, it is likely that you qualify for the unemployment insurance benefits. The agency is encouraging applicants to utilize their website as they are receiving a high volume of calls.
The application to apply is available at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/index.jsp.
Who qualifies: The March 16 executive order makes applicants eligible for unemployment benefits if:
- A healthcare professional or health authority recommended or ordered them to avoid contact with others
- They have been ordered not to come to their workplace due to an outbreak of a communicable disease
- They have received notification from a school district, daycare, or other childcare provider that either classes are canceled or the applicant’s ordinary childcare is unavailable, provided that the applicant made reasonable effort to obtain other childcare and requested time off or other accommodation from the employer and no reasonable accommodation was available.
Waiting period: Governor Walz’s executive order waives the non-payable or “waiting” week to ensure applicants have access to unemployment benefits as quickly as possible.
Work requirement: While all applicants for unemployment benefits must actively seek suitable employment, if you have only been laid off temporarily, you can meet work search requirements by staying in contact with your current employer.
Business owners: Governor Walz’s executive order waives the ordinary five-week benefit limitation for business owners who have become unemployed as a result of COVID-19.
Small Business Assistance: The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is recommending pandemic-impacted small businesses contact the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 for the latest information on its Disaster Loan program. Small business guidance and loan resources can also be found on the SBA’s website: https://www.sba.gov.
Starting soon businesses can apply for SBA low interest loans:We care deeply about your business and are actively working with state and federal partners on measures to assist businesses through this unprecedented time.
DEED is regularly connecting with business leaders from around Minnesota to offer information, hear their questions and ensure we are doing all we can as quickly as we can.
U.S. Small Business Administration loans available soon: One way Minnesota businesses may be able to get assistance is through low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Governor Walz has requested an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration, clearing the way for businesses to apply for loans to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. If you have questions, please call the SBA hotline at 1-800-659-2955. We will share SBA loan application information as soon as it becomes available.
Sales tax grace period: Restaurants, bars and other businesses impacted by the temporary closures now have a 30-day grace period in paying sales and use tax, under a grace period announced yesterday by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. This means that affected businesses with a monthly Sales and Use Tax payment due March 20, 2020 will have until April 20 to make that payment. These customers should still file their return by March 20. Penalties or interest will not be assessed during the grace period. Find out more at the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
Workplace health and safety: We know that many Minnesota businesses have taken extraordinary measures to offer telework, paid leave, and other options to their employees during this time of uncertainty. Businesses and employers can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for help with preparing for and responding to COVID-19.
The U.S. Department of Labor has developed some guidelines for how companies can prepare their workplace for COVID-19.
For information on protecting workers and slowing the spread of COVID-19, refer to guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, measures include telling sick workers to stay home, offering remote work options and increasing space between workers on the job.
If you need to reduce workers’ hours: Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the Unemployment Insurance Shared Work Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs – retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Shared Work Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent. Visit Shared Work Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.
Unemployment Insurance information for employers: If your workers apply for unemployment benefits, we will let you know. Additional Unemployment Insurance information for employers affected by COVID-19
Lost business insurance coverage: Lost business income insurance is subject to the specific terms and conditions of your policy. Contact the broker or agent that sold the policy or your insurance company.
Ongoing updates: When we have more information, we will share it via email and social media, share it online on our COVID-19 Information for Employers page on the DEED site, and work to distribute it through media outlets.
Other resources for businesses, including recommendations for employers who may be laying off large numbers of employees or for those reducing workers’ hours, is available at: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/employers.
Thank you and stay safe!
It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit normally. However, due to the health issues regarding the coronavirus I’d like to inform you of a few changes made at the legislature for the moment.
Currently we are not gathering in the office save for legislative work to protect Minnesota Citizens. I will update you as the situations progresses and changes, but as said above you can still reach out anytime by email and phone.
So stay safe, reach out and tell me what matters to you so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn, phone by 651-296-4154.
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn
Supporting disability services/long-term care providers impacted by COVID-19
As the coronavirus pandemic evolves, disability services and long-term care providers are facing difficult decisions as they work to support Minnesotans who rely on their programs. Providers, advocates, and legislators are working together to provide regulatory flexibility and relief in this time to make sure that Minnesotans with physical and developmental disabilities are not cut off from vital services.
Day services and waiver programs are important resources for adults with disabilities who need services, providing options for community engagement, employment, vocational training, and offering an array of therapies. However, certain licensing rules limit providers’ ability to respond to this pandemic.This also includes Telemedicine supports for mental health providers as well as child care providers.
Through the advocacy of myself and Senator Jim Abeler, supported by providers and citizens from all walks of life the Governor released an executive order that mirrored legislation, MN SF 4200, Senator Abeler and I introduced granting flexibility to the Department of Health and Human services. This flexibility will allow them to ensure that everyone who needs services has an opportunity to receive them so that our most vulnerable do not go without the critical services they need.
Please see and follow responses on the Minnesota Department of Human Services Website. https://mn.gov/dhs/
The Executive order from Governor Walz can be found here:
Preserving Access to Human Services Programs
March 20, 2020 — Executive Order 20-12 allows DHS to temporarily issue waivers or modifications to state requirements to ensure that their services can be delivered to Minnesotans safely and without undue delay.
State, federal income tax deadline remains April 15
Many Minnesotans have had questions about how the current situation will impact the upcoming tax filing deadline. At this time, state and federal tax returns must still be submitted by April 15. Below is important information to help taxpayers navigate the situation:
Has the income tax deadline changed?
No. At this time, federal and Minnesota individual income tax returns are due April 15, 2020. However, the federal Internal Revenue Service extended the deadline this week to pay federal taxes owed to July 15, 2020. This can be confusing, so here are some main points to remember:
State and federal tax returns must still be filed by April 15, 2020
The IRS has extended the deadline for federal income tax payments only to July 15, 2020, for payments due of up to $1 million for individuals and $10 million for corporations. This only applies to federal taxes. Please see the IRS website for full instructions.
Minnesota tax returns and payments remain due April 15, 2020.
What if COVID-19 prevents a taxpayer from filing and paying on time?
Under Minnesota Statute, taxpayers have the ability to request the cancellation of any penalty or interest imposed for failing to file a Minnesota return or pay taxes owed for good cause. If a taxpayer is unable to file and pay on time because of the COVID-19 illness or a related situation, contact the Department. Information on requesting an abatement is on the website.
Are free tax preparation services affected?
To help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota, some free income tax preparation sites have suspended services. Please contact the site for updated hours of operation. View the directory of all VITA sites, along with contact information. Check back periodically to see if the site’s hours of operation have changed.
Some taxpayers may be eligible to file returns electronically for free. View the list of providers to see who qualifies.
Who to contact with questions:
If you have questions, call the Minnesota Department of Revenue at 651-556-3000 or 1-800-657-3666, or use the Department’s email form.
Housing support during COVID-19
If you or your family’s housing is being impacted by COVID-19 or you have other concerns, there are several resources that are available that may help. A good first step is likely contacting your landlord or lender directly to update them on your ability to pay or for other concerns you may have. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency also has a list of resources that might be helpful depending on your unique circumstances. You can access this list here. If your issues are legal in nature, you can contact the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General. Remember, your elected representatives are here to help you find the resources you need.
Metro Transit suspends overnight hours
Metro Transit announced this week it is suspending bus and light rail services between 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Riders are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and limit rides to day and early evening trips and only for essentials such as food or medicine.
Public transit systems nationwide have curtailed services due to the pandemic amid the need to sanitize vehicles and maintain rider safety. Metro Transit ridership is often lowest in the late evening and early morning hours, which reduces the impact of limited hours on users. There is no indication from Metro Transit when services will transition back to normal hours of operation.
Sales tax deadline extended for businesses impacted by closure
Businesses such as bars, restaurants, and salons that were required to temporarily close under this week’s Executive Order will have an extra month to remit February’s sales tax collections. Instead of being due March 20, these businesses now have until April 20 to make the payment, although returns must still be filed by March 20. This only applies for monthly filers and only for the March 20 payment.
Identified businesses can request additional relief from penalties and interest for good cause after April 20. More information may be found on the Department’s website.
Lawmakers are aware there are other tax-related issues, such as upcoming property tax deadlines, that may burden businesses should the closures be prolonged. Legislators are currently working with the Department of Revenue and business groups on potential legislation that could be passed when the Legislature reconvenes. Contact [your office information] if you are an impacted business and have ideas.
This week I was invited out to visit Anoka Community Mission by Doctor/Pastor Jason Berry, who is a constituent in SD 36, with Representative Zack Stephenson to see all of the ways they serve our local communities. Thank you for all that you do! Click the image below to play a shoutout to their work.
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Jason introducing us to the various services provided by the Mission.
The free food offered to families and those in the community who come on Sundays.
Some of the toys and other goods provided to the families they serve.
The Mission’s room of baby through toddler clothes available for families served and the community on Sundays.
Jason telling us the story of how this room had a fire, and how the community and businesses came together to donate supplies, money and work time to make this room better than it started!
What it has taken for all of those involved to not only make the Mission function, but to continually improve what they can offer our community is truly astonishing. Even now they continue to develop so that they can expand their services for families and their children.
Click the link here to see a video about their work and what they provide in more detail.
Information and Resources
State Government
Governor
651.201.3400 | http://mn.gov/governor
Attorney General
651.296.3353 | www.ag.state.mn.us
Representative Melissa Hortman (36B)
651.296.4280
Representative Zack Stephenson (36A)
651.296.5513
Driver’s Licenses
651.297.3298 | drivers-license-information.aspx
MN Energy Assistance Program
800.657.3710
https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp
Election Information
651.215.1440 | https://www.sos.state.mn.us/
Emerald Ash Borer Prevention
and Detection
(MN Dept. of Agriculture)
pestmanagement/eab/eabbiocontrol
651.201.6684
Local Government
City of Champlin 763.421.8100
City of Brooklyn Park 763.424.8000
City of Coon Rapids 763.755.2880
Anoka County 763.421.4760
Federal Government
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
612.727.5220 | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/
U.S. Senator Tina Smith
202.224-5641 | https://www.smith.senate.gov/HomePage
U.S. Congressman Dean Phillips (3rd CD)
202.225.2871 | https://phillips.house.gov/