News From Representative Layman 3-17-2020

Dear Friends, ? 

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the legislature’s daily operations have been altered. Despite this, I wanted to let you know I will continue working for our community and encourage you to keep contacting me with questions or concerns. 

As all legislators and staff are now working from home, the best way to reach me is via email at rep.sandy.layman@house.mn. 

The House formally remains in session, but meetings and floor sessions will only take place on an on-call basis and when needed until at least April 14. This new way of doing business allows legislators to respond to citizens’ needs, while fully complying with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines including social distancing, limiting large gatherings, telework, and increased cleaning measures. 

Emergency Health Care Funding 

Early this morning, as an emergency measure before going into recess, legislators unanimously approved $200 million in additional funding to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill provides $50 million to the Public Health Response Contingency Account for providers, ambulance services, health care clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. It also allocates $150 million to the newly created Health Care Response Fund for grants to providers for costs necessary for COVID-19 response.? 

Helpful Contacts 

I encourage you to take advantage of MDH hotlines, including a public line (651-201-3920) and a line for questions specifically related to schools or childcare (651-297-1304). 

 Online resources are also available at the links below to keep you up to date: 

• MDH’s COVID-19 page? 
• Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 page 

• CDC COVID-19 page 

Local School district information including childcare services: 

• Grand Rapids Schools 
• Deer River Schools 
• Greenway Schools 

• Northland Community Schools 
• Pine River-Backus Schools 
• Walker Hackensack Akeley Schools 

Businesses and workers 

The outbreak also brings severe economic consequences for workers and business owners. Minnesota and our federal partners in Washington are working to protect our workforce and ensure our employers remain viable. The situation is fluid and constantly changing. This morning we heard proposals out of Washington regarding a large federal stimulus package as well as the prospect of direct checks to Americans to cushion the impacts of the outbreak. 

Here are a few noteworthy items I can share with you right now: 

• Minnesota has received federal guidance that provides states with additional flexibility to amend Unemployment Insurance (UI) laws to provide UI benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19. 

• The Governor has issued an executive order making changes to the state’s unemployment insurance system waiving fees for businesses to participate and eliminating the one-week waiting period before employees are eligible to receive benefits.? 
  • If your job is affected, you are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits online. Visit www.uimn.org to check eligibility and learn more. 

• Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has created a website with extensive information and resources for workers and employers who have been effected by the pandemic. This includes a listing of current MN UI policies for COVID-19. 
• The U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan program will be able to provide Disaster Assistance Loans for small businesses impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19). You can follow the link for more information on accessing SBA’s COVID-19 Disaster Relief Lending.? 

• Finally, please remember how this virus impacts those at the highest risk and continue following the advice of experts. Together we can get through these uncertain times. 

Sincerely, 

Sandy