Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: March 27, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are now entering a “Shelter-At-Home” order by Governor Walz to slow the spread of COVID-19 and give us a chance to be ready with all of the medical equipment and beds at hospitals we will need. This is a major move to make and I know it can be intimidating for so many people affected.

Working with Senator Abeler and the Governor, my goal is to lessen the impact this has caused. We want to change the narrative from work that is “necessary” to what businesses can operate “safely” to ensure people can take care of themselves and their families.

We are also working to ensure that emergency funds go to the services the serve our vulnerable populations, our people with disabilities, elderly and children. While we have approved emergency funding ensuring that it reaches those critical services is among our top priorities, and that all required services for our vulnerable stay open and available. This is going to take all of us, Democrats, Republicans setting aside politics and working together as indicated in the ECM News https://www.hometownsource.com/abc_newspapers/free/column-bipartisan-cooperation-in-crisis/article_b2bd3f14-6fa9-11ea-af85-8f010e44e75f.html 

SF 4200 has not passed into legislation yet, the bill introduced by Senator Abeler and I to grant DHS the flexibility to ensure people receive needed services. The Governor did address the immediate need through executive order. This is not done however, as we want this to be an ability during any emergency and encoded in statue so as to be unchallenged in the future.

I want to thank everyone who has practiced safe behaviors and hopefully soon people will be able to work safely and continue providing what they need for their families to navigate this unprecedented challenge before us.

Stay safe and keep in touch,

John

Governor delivers “Stay-at-Home Minnesota” executive order

Governor Walz announced a Stay-at-Home Executive Order this week directing Minnesotans to limit activity outside of their homes to essential needs, extending from Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. to Friday, April 10 at 5:00 p.m.

Modeling by the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota predicts that more than 70,000 Minnesotans could die from COVID-19 if no action is taken. Further limiting of social interactions in the next two weeks will slow the spread of COVID-19, buying more time to prepare for anticipated heavy demands on the health care sector as the virus sweeps through the state in the coming weeks and months. This will help prevent Minnesota’s health care system from becoming overwhelmed, and by doing so, save lives. Key preparations include building hospital capacity, increasing access to ventilators, more testing, planning for the care of vulnerable populations, and assessing public health data to plan for smart mitigation strategies.

What does this mean for Minnesotans?

Minnesotans may leave their homes for any of the following activities, provided they practice appropriate social distancing (staying 6 feet away from people who don’t live them).

  • Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies
  • Outdoor activities, such as walking pets, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing
  • Getting necessary supplies and services, such as groceries, gas, or carry-out food
  • Essential and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside of Minnesota
  • Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household
  • Displacement, such as moving between emergency or homeless shelters for those without a home
  • Relocation to ensure safety, such as moving to a different location if a home is unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or essential operations reasons
  • Tribal activities, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their tribal reservation

What is an essential business?

While jobs are shut down for a large segment of Minnesota’s workers, those employed in critical sectors are exempt from the stay-at-home order. These include essential workers in health care, law enforcement and first responders, childcare facilities, grocery stores, take-out restaurant service, farmers and other agricultural workers, news organizations, power, gas and water service, wastewater treatment and other sanitation or public works, critical manufacturing, transportation and logistics, construction and trades, financial services, and others.

The exemptions for essential workers are based on federal guidance from the Cyber-security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security, with some Minnesota-specific additions. The Department of Employment and Economic Development estimates that 78% of the jobs in Minnesota are in critical industries as defined by the executive order, 28% of people in Minnesota will be “temporarily jobless” during the two-week leave, and 59% of people not working will have access to some form of paid leave.

The most effective resource for employers or employees trying to determine how they are impacted by Executive Order 20-20 is through Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/business-exemptions/. On this website, businesses may search their industry in various forms to determine whether they are essential, including:

What stays open?

The executive order allows many businesses to remain open, including grocery stores, gas stations, emergency medical services, pharmacies, hardware stores, banks, food shelves, convenience stores, liquor stores, restaurants providing take-out, and funeral homes.

Schools, Restaurants and Bars

Governor Walz’ order to close K-12 schools is extended to May 4, and the commissioner of education is authorized to implement a Distance Learning Period for Minnesota’s students from March 30 through May 4, 2020. The Governor’s order to close bars, restaurants and other public gathering places is extended to May 1, 2020.

What about enforcement?

Under the executive order, individuals who willfully violate the rules may be guilty of a misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 90 days in prison. Nevertheless, Governor Walz says the order requires voluntary social compliance, to a large part, and he is more focused on educating people to stay at home rather than using law enforcement to keep Minnesotans from gathering.

Legislature returns to pass COVID-19 relief package

For the first time since the adoption of an “on-call” posture, the Senate met in session this week passing new measures strengthening Minnesota’s response to the spread of COVID-19. The measures included a relief package of $331.5 million to help families, businesses, and state agencies respond to the growing effects of COVID-19 on the state’s economy, as well as policy changes necessary to help provide economic security and safety for Minnesotans.

Approximately $200 million of the funding will be going to the newly created COVID-19 Minnesota Fund. The money in the fund will be available for the Commissioner of Management and Budget, who can transfer it to agencies as necessary to protect Minnesotans from the COVID-19 outbreak and to maintain the operations of government during the peacetime emergency. For example, the fund could be used to pay for increased healthcare and staffing costs in prison facilities, staffing and overtime in direct care and treatment, and resources for potential response activities by the Minnesota National Guard.

Minnesota Department of Health situation update on COVID-19

Minnesota Update as of 3/26

  • Total of 346 confirmed cases in Minnesota – up from 287 Wednesday
  • We confirmed a second COVID-19 death, once again a Ramsey County resident in their 80s.
  • Since the start of the outbreak, 44 COVID-19 patients in Minnesota have been hospitalized. The rest of the patients have been recovering at home
    • There are 31 patients currently hospitalized, 13 in intensive care
  • This total of 346 lab-confirmed cases reflects only results from laboratory testing. There are more cases in Minnesota, and the virus is circulating in communities. It is important for everyone to follow community mitigation and social distancing guidance reduce transmission

Global/National Update as of 3/26

  • Global total as of Thursday morning was more than 487,600 cases and 22,000 deaths
  • S. reporting 69,197 confirmed cases (33,033 in NY; 4,407 in NJ; 3,169 in CA; 2,600 in WA; 2,295 in MI; 1,978 in FL; 1,870 in IL; 1,795 in Louisiana)
  • S. reporting 1,046 deaths

Sweeping federal stimulus bill passes US Senate

The White House and legislative leaders from both parties came together this week to work on the largest economic stimulus bill in this country’s history. The legislation, totaling two trillion dollars in aid, comes amidst the beginnings of a recession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that two trillion dollars, $150 billion is set aside for local, state, and tribal governments. Of that $150 billion, Minnesota is estimated to receive approximately $2.2 billion in aid. In addition to the $150 billion:

  • $30 billion will go into what is called an Education Stabilization Fund, for education-related costs incurred by the coronavirus
  • $45 billion will be placed in the Disaster Relief Fund for immediate availability to states who incur costs related to their coronavirus response
  • An extra $4.3 billion will be routed through the Center for Disease Control to aid in public health agencies’ response to COVID-19
  • A $500 billion dollar lending fund will be created for businesses, cities, and states

On an individual basis, a direct payment of $1,200 will be made to every American earning up to $75,000 a year with an additional $500 for each dependent child. The stimulus package seeks to patch the economy during the coronavirus response and represents a wide-reaching bipartisan effort to pass this urgently needed legislation quickly. Negotiations were tense and round the clock for several straight days, but the result is a stimulus package which will benefit businesses, local governments, and individual Americans across the board.

Schools to stay closed until May 2; distance learning to continue

Governor Walz announced on March 25 that Minnesota schools would remain closed until May 4, requiring the Minnesota Department of Education to assist schools in distance learning. Districts will continue to provide childcare options and meals for students during the school closures, with local districts providing direction on the administration of these services.

The Minnesota Department of Education continues to provide guidance to school districts on how to provide online resources for schools. Local school websites will carry information for distance learning, so parents should consult those for up-to-date information and lessons.

The federal Department of Education has authorized waivers of statewide assessments for this year; MDE has already applied for that waiver, and the public can provide feedback here. The comment period ends at 4 pm on March 27.

Here are some tips about how parents can help their kids learn at home:

  • Work on one or two subjects each day. Don’t try to replicate the structure of a six-hour school day
  • Learn alongside your kids. Use some of the many online resources. Don’t worry if you feel rusty in algebra or don’t speak a second language
  • Find a rhythm that works for you and the kids. At the end of the day, talk about the highs and lows and adjust as needed
  • Plan in daily brain and activity breaks, as well as things to look forward to each day
  • Relationships come first. Then assignments. If kids are anxious, becoming a drill sergeant won’t work
  • Help your kids find their passions. The idea is to spark a love of learning. Does your child love animals? Look up documentaries on lions or penguins and ask them to do a presentation for the family. Have younger kids draw pictures and tell a story, while older kids can design a PowerPoint presentation

Talking to children now about the corona virus is also crucial and can be difficult. The Centers for Disease Control has a link to ways to discuss with and reassure children. Check the link here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html.

As the School Closure Executive Order continues, the latest updates from the Department of Education are available here: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/health/covid19/. For other information, contact the Minnesota Department of Health: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools.html

Legislature passes emergency childcare grants

The Legislature passed nearly $30 million for emergency childcare grants for programs who can prioritize space for emergency workers and are being strained by enrollment fluctuations and increased operating costs due to COVID-19. The goal is to distribute these funds equitably across the state and among providers based on the local need for childcare services during the peacetime emergency and whether the provider would be financially at risk without receiving a grant through this program.

Legislature passes funding for food security

The Legislature passed emergency funding for food shelf programs this week, in response to growing demands placed on the system as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the emergency funding, SNAP benefits have also been expanded to include toilet paper and diapers. The Food Security budget package addresses the need for continued funding for food systems across the state as the COVID-19 situation develops over the coming days and weeks.

Resources:

Legislature passes homelessness and housing support package

The Legislature passed over $32 million in funding this week to support housing and shelter options for low-income Minnesotans and Minnesotans experiencing homelessness in response to COVID-19. In the bill, $5.53 million will be used to support group homes in the Housing Support program through a temporary 15% rate increase, and $26.53 million in funding will go to emergency services grants for organizations who provide shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness.

Keeping calm amidst the chaos of COVID

Many Minnesotans are practicing social distancing in the face of COVID-19 and have begun limiting their interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. This move is essential to “flattening the curve” and ensuring our hospitals are not overwhelmed, but it’s important to remember one’s mental health is just as important – especially while facing the stress of self-isolating.

School closures keeping children at home can be overwhelming for both children and the adults. Luckily despite being physically isolated from one another, many individuals and organizations have stepped up with resources to help keep your and your family’s mental health in top shape while we face COVID-19.

The CDC has on its website a guide to managing stress and anxiety during isolation, which includes signs of stress to look out for and recommended ways you can support yourself during this time. Additional resources for talking through COVID with your children are below, as well as a few resources for practicing mindfulness and meditation to de-stress.

Talking to teens and tweens about Coronavirus, available from The New York Times.

A comic exploring the new coronavirus for children, available from National Public Radio.

For mindfulness and meditation, Ten Percent Happier is offering free podcasts and videos online, with an option to tune in live every day, and the Los Angeles Times published a handful of tips for practicing mindfulness and meditation during the COVID pandemic.

Mindfulness phone applications for children:

  • Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame (useful for children ages 2-5)
  • Stop, Breathe, and Think Kids (a fun and easy way for children to identify and process their emotions) BONUS: there is a version of this app for adults
  • Super Stretch Yoga (teaches yoga and breathing techniques to children)
  • Relax Melodies (listen to over 52 different relaxing sounds)

Protecting our most vulnerable from COVID-19

The Center for Disease Control has identified older people as being more at risk for serious complications from COVID-19. Group home and care settings are also hot spots for COVID-19, which makes older Minnesotans living in nursing homes more at risk.

Nursing homes across the state have placed their residents in quarantine as a result, with some banning visitors with few exceptions, closing down communal dining, and cancelling community programs as we aim to protect our most vulnerable Minnesotans. Facilities are also screening employees before they start work to ensure no one is working while sick.

I will continue the advocacy I started to ensure that our vulnerable individuals have the services and funding they need for the proper care. This is an ongoing work but one of utmost importance.

Executive orders for business and workers put in session law

The Legislature put several of Governor Walz’s Executive Orders in bill language for his signature, which passed both chambers this week. The programs that were included in legislation are as follows:

Small Business Guarantee Loan Program Approved

A Minnesota based small business loan program was appropriated $10 million. It was part of Governor Walz’s proposal to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 but do not qualify for an SBA disaster assistance loan. The proposal guarantees 80% of loans up to $200,000. A small business is defined as employing no more than 250 full-time equivalent employees. The loans can be used for machinery or equipment purchases, maintenance, or repair. Additionally, loans can be used for working capital if it is secured by fixed assets when possible. (HF 4531)

Statewide extension for drivers’ licenses

Minnesotans with drivers’ licenses or ID cards scheduled to expire during the COVID-19 outbreak will receive an extension through a bill passed this week. 147 DMV offices have either closed or reduced services across the state to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Drivers with a currently valid license will be allowed to continue driving with an expired date on their license during the peacetime emergency and the two consecutive months following the end of the emergency before they must renew their license.

Work to support and protect veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic

Governor Walz recently signed an executive order placing restrictions on visitation of the veterans at Minnesota’s Veterans Home in response to the growing threat posed by the COVID-19 virus to Minnesotans.

The restrictions ban in-person visits and instructs the Commissioner to find ways to replace visits with phone calls, video conferencing, or other methods of communicating with friends, family, and other would-be visitors. The ban does not apply in end-of-life situations and to state and federal nursing home regulatory authorities when requesting access to Minnesota veterans’ homes. No admittance of new residents or entry by employees, volunteers, or others will be allowed without screening for signs or symptoms of COVID-19. These restrictions went into effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is doing everything in its power to balance the safety of residents and staff while finding new alternatives that will allow friends, family, and fellow veterans to connect and stay in touch.

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

Information and Contacts for questions/services

Executive Order Timeline:

(Includes legislation signed into law allocating $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic)

March 25: Executive Order 20-20 directs Minnesotans to Stay at Home

March 25: Executive Order 20-19 directs the Commissioner of Education to Implement a distant learning program until May 4.

March 25: Executive Order 20-18 continues the closure of bars and restaurants until May 1

March 23: Executive Order 20-17 clarifies the application of unnecessary medical and dental procedures to veterinary surgeries and procedures.

March 23: Executive Order 20-16 directs non-hospital entities to preserve vital medical equipment for possible redistribution

March 23: Executive Order 20-15 provides immediate relief to small businesses

March 23: Executive order 20-14 Suspending Evictions

March 21: Executive order 20-13 to help address the critically low supply of PPE in Minnesota’s hospitals and health care facilities, as well as the delivery delays from the federal government’s Strategic National Stockpile. Activation of the Minnesota National Guard has already begun and is active through the duration of the COVID-19 peacetime emergency.

March 20:  Executive Order 20-10 combatting price gouging. Under this order, all persons are prohibited from selling, offering to sell, or causing to sell in this state any essential consumer goods or services for an amount that represents an unconscionably excessive price.

March 20:  Executive Order 20-11 securing Federal authority to continue human services programs.

March 20:  Executive Order 20-12 preserving access to human services programs.

March 19:  Executive Order 20-09 to delay elective surgeries and procedures in order to conserve health care resources and reduce contact between patients and providers.

March 18: Governor Walz took action to support businesses affected by COVID-19 by announcing a 30-day Sales and Use Tax grace period for businesses identified in Executive Order 20-04.

March 18:  Executive Order 20-08 clarifying the types of businesses and places of public accommodation subject to closure per Executive Order 20-04. The executive order clarifies that the closure order applies to salons, barbershops, and other similar establishments.

March 17:  Executive Order 20-07 providing paid leave for state employees who are not able to work for reasons related to COVID-19 and suspended the waiting period for insurance coverage for new employees.

March 17:  Executive Order 20-06 to exempt vehicles and drivers providing direct assistance for emergency relief efforts in response to COVID-19 from certain regulations including provisions on weight and hours of service.

March 17:  Ch. 70 S.F. 4334 into law, allocating $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 16:  Executive Order 20-05 to strengthen Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and ensure that workers who are not able to work as a result of COVID-19 have benefits available. Specifically, this Executive Order waives the employer surcharge and allows the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to pay unemployment benefits immediately, providing fast relief to employees who need it.

March 16:  Executive Order 20-04 to order the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers. He also ordered the temporary closure of other places of public accommodation and amusement, including theaters, museums, fitness centers, and community clubs.

March 16: Executive Order 20-03 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota’s Veterans Homes. This executive order allows Veterans Homes to protect residents and staff by temporarily restricting visitors, reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread among residents.

March 15:  Executive Order 20-02 authorizing the temporary closure of Minnesota K-12 public schools to students for school administrators and teachers to make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 13:  Executive Order 20-01 declaring a peacetime emergency in Minnesota and unveiled legislative proposals to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Worker and employer help in response to COVID-19

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic industries across the state and world have been impacted. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is updating its website with resources being made available to workers and employers throughout the state. The website includes information on loans/grants for businesses, unemployment insurance resources for workers, and health resources for businesses and employees. Workers are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance using the unemployment insurance website as the phone lines are receiving a high volume of calls.

Questions for workers and employers: 651-259-7114 or 800-657-3858
Visit www.mn.gov/deed

Click here for questions about unemployment insurance.

For jobseekers: DEED noted the top job vacancies right now: transportation/material moving, sales and grocery, office/computer, healthcare. The state’s career force network is important for people trying to find work and will be moving to virtual service model (remote services, video conferencing) beginning tomorrow. Careerforcemn.com.

Small business loan program: Established via Executive Order 20-15

  • Minnesota businesses can apply for zero-interest loans of between $2,500 – $35,000. Businesses are still encouraged to apply for loans through the SBA (below); however, these state-backed loans are meant to provide working capital that could be available more quickly than federal funds.

Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loans

  • Governor Walz requested an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration earlier this week and the SBA opened applications online March 20. Businesses can apply for loans to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

It is likely more help is on the way as the state and federal government monitors the economy. Early this week Congress found agreement on an economic package that will impact workers and employers across the country. The US Senate has passed the bill and the House is expected to take it up soon.

It is also important for workers and employers to be in contact with their lenders if you anticipate financial difficulty. A lender and others you have bills with may work with you or have programs available that may assist you.

Business Guidance for the Stay at Home Executive Order

The most effective resource for employers or employees trying to determine how they are impacted by Executive Order 20-20 (Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home) is through Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/business-exemptions/. On this website, businesses may search their industry in various forms to determine whether they are essential, including:

Businesses Helping in COVID Response

Businesses across the state are helping health care workers and people in their community. Businesses who would like to offer resources, supplies, or personnel to COVID-19 response efforts should complete this distribution form or email hsem.ppp@state.mn.us. Submissions will be reviewed by personnel in the State Emergency Operations Center. Businesses will be contacted if there is a need for the identified resources.

School and child care questions:
Call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7am-7pm daily)
Visit www.education.mn.gov
*Childcare providers with questions should call 1-888-234-1268

Meals for kids: MDE announced a new app/website that can be used to locate free meals for kids, in addition to what districts are doing: www.hungerimpactpartners.org.

For job-seekers: DEED noted the top job vacancies right now: transportation/material moving, sales and grocery, office/computer, healthcare. The state’s career force network is important for people trying to find work and will be moving to virtual service model (remote services, video conferencing) beginning tomorrow. Careerforcemn.com.

Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7am-7pm daily)
Visit https://www.health.state.mn.us

Questions for workers and employers:
651-259-7114 or 800-657-3858
Visit www.mn.gov/deed

Click here for questions about unemployment insurance.

Information for Minnesotans who use Metro Transit: http://metrotransit.org/health

MDH coronavirus webpage (Hmong)

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/hmong 

MDH coronavirus webpage (Spanish)https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/spanish

MDH coronavirus webpage (Somali)https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/somali

Information in other non-English languages:
COVID-19 in Amharic (PDF)
COVID-19 in Arabic (PDF)
COVID-19 in Chinese (PDF)
COVID-19 in Hmong (PDF)
COVID-19 in Karen (PDF)
COVID-19 in Russian (PDF)
COVID-19 in Somali (PDF)
COVID-19 in Spanish (PDF)
COVID-19 in Vietnamese (PDF)  

Metro Transit reduces services

Metro Transit announced this week that services will be reduced by 40% based on fewer riders, the need to keep the public and drivers safe, and the need to more extensively clean buses and trains due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Metro Transit last week announced the suspension of transit services between the hours of 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.

With the governor’s shelter-in-place executive order starting Friday, March 27, riders should limit their use of public transit to essential trips for basic needs. The result of reduced Metro Transit service means most buses and trains will operate at levels typically reserved for the weekend. There is no indication from Metro Transit when services will transition back to normal hours and higher frequency of operations.

There has been some concern with the regularity and thoroughness of the sanitation of buses and LRTs since the COVID-19 outbreak. It is hoped that reduced services will provide Metro Transit with the ability to more frequently disinfect public infrastructure before buses and trains must go back into circulation.

Riders should remember to exit buses and trains from the rear door and maintain social distancing guidelines at all times.

State park and recreation areas

State parks, recreation areas, campgrounds, and other public lands remain open to the public for people to enjoy; however, visitors will experience some changes in services available. State park visitor centers, contact stations, and other ancillary buildings will be closed. With contact stations closed, visitors will pay through self-pay and informational kiosks located at each facility. Visitors are also encouraged to purchase daily and annual park passes through the online portal before they visit.

For the time being, state parks naturalist programs are canceled. The DNR is working to determine which of these programs are compatible with social distancing and will resume naturalist programing to the extent possible. State park bathrooms, vault toilets, and shower buildings that are currently open will remain open, with increased cleaning protocols.

Online and phone options

The DNR urges the public to do business with them by phone, email, or online. Here are the options:

Postponed events
Here are events that are postponed at this time:

  • Safety education training, including firearms safety training
  • Deer open houses
  • Elk input meetings in northwest Minnesota

This is an evolving situation, so please check with your meeting contact or the DNR website for additions and modifications to this list.

Questions?
You can contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-MINNDNR (646-6367), or email the DNR at info.dnr@state.mn.us.

National parks, recreation areas, and monuments:

The National Park Service is striving to ensure the safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners, coordinating closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health authorities, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Here is the latest information about Minnesota’s national parks and facilities:

  • Voyageurs National Park – The park remains open; Rainy Lake Visitor Center and Park Headquarters are temporarily closed. These closures will be evaluated continually as conditions evolve.
  • Grand Portage National Monument – The Grand Portage National Monument is temporarily closed.
  • Mississippi National River and Recreation Area – The Mississippi River Visitor Center is temporarily closed.
  • Pipestone National Monument – The Visitor Center is temporarily closed, but the grounds remain open so that visitors may access the trail.
  • Updates will be posted at nps.gov/coronavirus.com — check with individual parks for specific details.

MNsure Special Open Enrollment Begins

MNsure announced a special 30-day enrollment period beginning March 23 and ending April 21. This open enrollment period is available for individuals without insurance currently and is available as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 virus. Eligible Minnesotans include those without insurance currently, as well as anybody who is on COBRA-type plans due to recent loss of employment. You do not have to be sick to qualify. It is also important to remember that an offer of insurance from an employer does not disqualify you from MNsure application or coverage. Minnesota is committed to ensuring our citizens stay healthy and covered during this crisis and anybody eligible for MNsure is encouraged to apply today.

To begin enrollment, go here: https://www.mnsure.org/new-customers/enrollment-deadlines/special-enrollment/covid19-sep.jsp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery

If you need assistance from an expert, a directory is available here: https://www.mnsure.org/help/find-assister/find-assister.jsp

The MNsure Contact Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and can be reached via phone at 651-539-2099 (855-366-7873outside the Twin Cities).

Stay Home MN

In the midst of the COVID-19, it is crucial that Minnesotans stay home and practice social distancing – especially for those who can’t. Our first responders, health care providers, childcare providers, grocers, and many other Minnesotans are on the frontline ensuring the safety for our families and communities. We can do our part by staying home.

When we stay home, we save lives. COVID-19 is increasing in Minnesotans at a rapid pace and although you might be healthy, vulnerable individuals with underlying health conditions have difficulties fighting COVID-19. It is possible to still feel healthy with COVID-19 and unknowingly pass the virus on to other vulnerable individuals. When we stay home, we slow down the spread of COVID-19, relieving our health care facilities and health care providers who are operating at max capacity.

Stay home, Minnesota – for yourself, for your friends, for your neighbors, for your community.

Encourage those you know to stay home by sharing your story with the hashtag #StayHomeMN, and change your Facebook profile to include the “Stay Home MN” frame, which can be found here.

Resources for families:

  • Emergency workers with children should call 1-888-291-9811 to be directed to available providers.
  • Visit https://mn.gov/childcare/ for updated information for families and providers, including a map of childcare options for emergency workers.
  • Call the State Emergency Operations Center hotline for questions related to businesses, school closing and child care, open from 7am-7pm: 651-297-1304 or toll-free at 800-657-3504.

Resources for child care providers:

at 1-888-234-1268.

  • The six Minnesota Initiative Foundations have created an Emergency Child Care Grant program to support licensed child care providers in Greater Minnesota, find more information here.
    • Think Small MN will be providing a similar grant opportunity to providers within the seven-county metropolitan area. Contact Think Small for more information.

Resources for employers:

  • Employers are encouraged to consider purchasing care from existing providers or encouraging employees to pay for care through available providers before attempting to stand up temporary child care. Available providers can be found here: https://mn.gov/childcare/
  • See Governor Walz’s letter to employers regarding child care for more information.

Income tax deadlines moved to July 15

The Department of Revenue officially announced that Minnesota’s income tax filing and payment deadline is now July 15, 2020, to align with recent federal changes. Taxpayers have until July 15 to file and pay 2019 individual income taxes that otherwise would be due April 15, without accruing any penalties or interest.

All taxpayers can keep up with tax-related updates at the Department of Revenue’s website: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/our-response-covid-19. Updates on federal tax issues may be found at the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/.

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/