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Neighbors and Friends,
Governor Walz’s Stay at Home Executive Order took effect one week ago and many of you had already been practicing the directive. Thank you for doing your part to help everyone get through this crisis. Stay home, stay safe.
In the last few minutes, Gov. Walz unveiled the new COVID-19 data dashboard, which tracks the virus in Minnesota and will provide the latest data available on ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment and testing. The site will be updated daily and can be found here.
Housing Assistance Virtual News Conference
On Wednesday, leaders of the Housing Finance and Policy Division, which I chair, were joined by renters, landlords and housing advocates to call for $100 million in rental assistance to address the struggles faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We heard compelling stories from renters and landlords about the economic hardships they are facing form the ripple effect of the pandemic. You can watch the unique virtual news conference here. Click here to read the news release.
Health plans waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment
Minnesota’s health plans have agreed to waive cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19. This move comes in response to the Governor’s Commissioners of Health and Commerce sending a letter on March 13 urging the health plans to remove barriers to coverage during the pandemic.
As a result, Minnesotans with commercial insurance — including individuals, small businesses, and some large businesses — are now eligible for the following benefits:
- Minnesotans will have no cost-sharing charges for COVID testing.
- Minnesotans who are hospitalized will have no cost-sharing charges for in-network hospitalization.
- Minnesotans will have expanded access to telemedicine services. This will help people to stay home and access care if they need it.
State of the State Address
Governor Walz will deliver his State of the State address this Sunday evening, April 5 from the Governor’s Residence, beginning at 7:00 p.m. You can watch on You Tube Live in addition to radio and television broadcasts.
Unemployment Insurance
Many in our communities have lost their jobs because of the necessary safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A helpful resource that’s currently available is Minnesota’s unemployment insurance (UI) program, which can be applied for here.
As part of the recently enacted federal stimulus bill, the federal government is making unemployment benefits available for self-employed individuals.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has created a new guide for small businesses needing help during this unprecedented public health crisis. Click here for the most up-to-date and accurate information about financial assistance for small businesses.
House Operations – Remote Committee Hearing
Also this week, the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee held a virtual hearing to discuss and approve the new House remote committee process. When the House met in floor session last Thursday, we approved alternate processes for member debate and voting. We set processes in place to continue the work of the House that is safe and accessible to the public. I encourage you to watch proceedings when they happen at www.house.mn.
Answers to your COVID-19 Questions
COVID-19 Hotlines:
Interpreters available
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Schools and childcare questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Census
Your participation in the 2020 Census helps direct federal funds to our communities for schools, roads and other public services. Results will also be used to determine the number of seats Minnesota will have in Congress. It just takes a few minutes!
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I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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