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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL)

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Legislative Update-Unemployment Insurance Resources

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Rep. Davnie

 

Dear Neighbors,

Last night, Governor Walz signed 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 effective tomorrow-Friday, March 27. Take-out and curbside pickup will still operate at most locations. The Governor is encouraging grocery stores and pharmacies to stay open so Minnesotans can still get the items they need.

In an effort to support the many Minnesotans affected by these closures, the Governor signed 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 will waive the employer surcharge and allow the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to pay unemployment benefits immediately, providing fast relief to employees who need it.

I’ve compiled information with resources for service industry employees, and other workers who are impacted amid the COVID-19 spread. Click here to learn more and here for a Q&A about eligibility.


Minnesota House Passes Emergency Health Care Funding

Early this morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously passed emergency COVID-19 health care funding, which provides $200 million in investments for a health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health response contingency account. The Senate has also approved the companion legislation. These funds will help ensure Minnesotans can get the care they need and providers are equipped to deliver it.

I’ll continue to reach out with more information as it becomes available.

Contact me anytime with questions.

Sincerely,

Jim Davnie

State Representative