Rep. Haley - Keeping you informed about the pandemic response
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented action across our nation and the world. My goal, as your State Representative, is to keep you informed on how your state and community is responding to this healthcare crisis and share helpful resources with you, which can be found on my Facebook site www.facebook.com/RepBarbHaley/ or by signing up for my email updates at house.leg.state.mn.us/21A.
The House formally remains in session, but in a “recess” as Minnesota addresses the pressing public health issue surrounding COVID-19 with on-call meetings and floor sessions until April 14. I’m continuing to work from home utilizing telephone and video conferencing to work on policy and fiscal measures needed to support our community during this crisis. A lot has happened in the past two weeks, but here are the most significant actions we’ve taken.
A pair of COVID-19 emergency funding bills have been approved that ensures our hospitals, health care providers, and our state, county, and local health care agencies have the funds they need to respond. I want to recognize the amazing dedication from all of our health care workers during this crisis. Thank you all for your expertise, commitment, and hard work in the weeks ahead.
The bills include protections for taxpayers including legislative oversight, penalties for unauthorized fund use, and stringent reporting requirements. Any funds not used will cancel back to the general fund in February.
Governor Walz issued an executive order to ensure workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have full access to unemployment benefits. If your employment has been affected, visit the Unemployment Insurance Program website at www.uimn.org to learn more about applying for unemployment benefits online, or to seek answers to your questions. We’re also working on possible unemployment benefits for independent contractors and those who don’t quality for traditional UI benefits.
One way Minnesota businesses may be able to get assistance is through low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Businesses can apply for loans to pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills due to this disaster’s impact. If you have questions, please call the SBA hotline at 1-800-659-2955.
We’ve established a state-based loan program for small businesses hurt by COVID-19. To qualify for a loan, the business must demonstrate that it was directly and adversely affected by the COVID-19 orders (such as restaurant, bar, gym, salon, and other business closure). The minimum loan is $2,500 and the maximum is $35,000. Additionally, a small business loan guarantee program is being considered and may have been finalized after this column went to press. Learn more on both programs at mn.gov/deed.
We’re certainly living in uncertain times and navigating unchartered waters. The COVID-19 pandemic is very real and it’s important for us to follow CDC and Department of Health guidelines. Wash your hands frequently, avoid unnecessary trips, cover your cough, disinfect surfaces like door knobs, faucets and countertops, and maintain a six foot distance from others if you must be out in public. Doing so not only protects yourself but helps stop the community spread of this dangerous virus.
The House, Senate, and Governor’s office have been working closely together to respond to this community health emergency. We’ll continue communicating with you as things change. As always, you can reach me at 651-296-8635 or rep.barb.haley@house.mn.
We have the strength of will and grounding of faith to get through this. Our state and communities have a long history of coming together to tackle problems and this situation should be no different. We are blessed to live in close-knit communities where we know our neighbors and families can rely on each other for help and support. I encourage you to look after the elderly and the most vulnerable in your neighborhoods and check to ensure they have food and supplies. If anyone you know is struggling and cannot access resources, please call and I will assist in any way I can.
I want to ensure that you are well informed so that you can make the best decisions to keep you and your families safe.
Be well!