Tag: HD44B

Dear Neighbors,

On Wednesday, Governor Walz outlined the next steps in Minnesota’s response to COVID-19. On May 18, the stay at home order will expire and be replaced by a new “stay safe” order. Family and friends will be able to gather in groups of 10 or less while maintaining social distancing, and retail stores and main street businesses will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity once they create a safety plan. The Walz Administration will work with restaurants, bars, salons, and gyms to create a plan that allows these venues to open as soon as June 1.

Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: May 15, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

This week, my colleagues and I approved a package of legislation to help Minnesotans make it through the pandemic. The cornerstone of the bill is a $100 million investment in housing assistance. This funding would help Minnesotans make payments on rent, mortgages, utility bills, and property taxes so they can remain safely in their homes. The bill also invests $55 million in the Small Business Emergency Loan Program, which provides forgivable loans for businesses across the state. Many businesses need this support to keep operating as part of their communities.

The legislation includes targeted funding to bring broadband to unserved communities, provide students with the equipment they need to access online learning materials, and reimburse health care providers and counties that purchase telemedicine equipment. This would help provide more Minnesotans with a reliable internet connection so they can access vital services and stay in touch with others during the pandemic.

Finally, the bill increases wages for personal care attendants (PCAs) who care for people with disabilities, seniors, and other vulnerable Minnesotans. COVID-19 has created new challenges for PCAs, most of whom were already overworked and underpaid. They deserve our support more than ever before. You can find more information about this bill here. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: May 9, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Governor Walz announced yesterday that the stay at home order will remain in effect until Monday, May 18. The extended order has been modified to get more Minnesotans safely back to work. Starting on May 4, retail shops and non-critical businesses can start offering curbside pickup and delivery. More details are available here.

Our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working. People are staying home, staying safe, and giving public health officials time to prepare for the worst of the pandemic. We need to stick with it while increasing our state’s ability to test, trace, and isolate cases. This is the best way to keep Minnesotans safe as we start reopening parts of our economy and society.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Available

Unemployment assistance is now available for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who aren’t eligible for regular unemployment benefits. Last week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) finished implementing the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and began making payments to eligible workers.

If you’ve already applied for regular unemployment benefits, you don’t need to do anything extra to qualify for PUA. DEED will contact you if you’re eligible for these benefits. If you haven’t applied yet, special instructions for self-employed people and independent contractors are available here. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found here.

Share Your Input on Resuming Elective Surgeries

Necessary surgeries and treatment have continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, but elective procedures have been put on hold. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has been working hard to allow elective surgeries to resume while preserving personal protective equipment (PPE) and hospital capacity. MDH is asking Minnesotans to provide feedback as they develop guidance for elective procedures. You can share your input here until Saturday, May 2.

Mask Drive Update

Minnesotans donated more than 137,430 masks during the statewide drive that I mentioned in my last email! These masks will be delivered to local congregate living facilities across the state.

I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Patty Acomb
State Representative

Dear Neighbors,

This afternoon, the Minnesota House and Senate passed important legislation focused on helping Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the bipartisan package of legislation includes loans for small businesses, Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who can’t work, funding for a state COVID-19 fund, support for food and housing security, grants for child care providers who care for the children of health care professionals and other emergency workers, and financial assistance for veterans. More information is available here.

Today’s vote will provide much-needed relief for Minnesotans who are struggling, but there are more issues that we’ll need to address in the coming days, weeks, and months. My colleagues and I are already looking ahead at options to address the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay at Home Order

Yesterday, Governor Walz issued an executive order directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit movements outside their homes. The order takes effect on Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. and ends on Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 26, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

My colleagues and I are working around the clock with the Governor and public health officials to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please stay tuned.

School Cancellations and Temporary Closures

Over the weekend, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools will be temporarily closed so school administrators and teachers can make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools will be closed from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27, though most of the schools in our area decided to close earlier. During this time, schools will continue providing meals to students in need, mental health services, and care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job. If you have any questions about school and child care, you can visit www.education.mn.gov or call a state hotline at 651-297-1304.

Yesterday, Governor Walz ordered the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars. Starting today at 5 p.m., dine-in customers will not be permitted. Takeout and curbside pickup will still be available at many places. Other venues, such as gyms, movie theaters, and museums, will close as well. The Governor is encouraging grocery stores and pharmacies to stay open so Minnesotans can still get the items they need. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 17, 2020”