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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Linda Runbeck (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Linda Runbeck

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well and that you and your family are feeling healthy and strong. This email is intended to bring you several important reminders and useful resources.

House Approves COVID-19 Legislation

Last Thursday, the Minnesota Legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill that will help the state better respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Since this crisis began, legislators on both sides of the aisle have been working around the clock to ensure Minnesota is prepared for this public health crisis.

This bill helps every Minnesotan in some way and provides assistance in particular to small businesses and their employees, farmers, childcare providers, veterans, and many others.

Click here to read the bill: https://bit.ly/3aDqxfL

Resources for Business Owners

Over the past few weeks, several state and federal programs have been built to assist small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have issues with your application, or questions about whether your business is eligible for a program, please contact DEED using the resources available on their website for the fastest and most accurate answers. In addition, programs passed by the federal government may not yet be available — please keep checking the federal program websites for updates.

Different programs make sense for different businesses, so DEED is providing this summary guide to help small businesses quickly see which programs might be right for their situation.

Beware of Scammers

Please be aware of scammers that may be trying to take advantage of fear and uncertainty. If something seems too good to be true, or if someone is coming to you with a sense of urgency regarding an investment, please take extra care. The Minnesota Department of Commerce encourages investors to contact the agency with any concerns or questions 651-539-1638 and online at?securities.commerce@state.mn.us

U.S. Census

Yesterday was Census Day. While it is not technically a deadline, I still encourage all of you to complete the Census sometime today or this week if you have time to do so. Filling out the Census online is a small but concrete way you can both save taxpayers money and contribute to public health by eliminating the need for Census workers to knock on your door.

You can respond online now at www.my2020Census.gov.  

Other options for completing the Census include via phone at 844-330-2020 or by mail. The Census Bureau will mail a paper questionnaire to households in mid-April that have not responded online or by phone.

Your responses matter. Census data are used to inform where billions in federal funds are spent and our representation in government. Remember that everyone counts in your household.

Visit the links below for more information:

Mayo Clinic

We are so lucky to have world-class medical organizations based right here in Minnesota.

Minnesota Public Radio reports that researchers at Mayo Clinic expect to release a test that would tell whether a person has had and recovered from COVID-19 on Monday.

The tests would help public health officials understand the scope of the outbreak and identify people who could safely be in public to help with relief efforts. They could also help in an effort to treat critical COVID-19 patients with plasma from individuals who have recovered.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/2R4OGnE.

Staying in Touch

Please continue to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. 

I can be reached by phone at 651-296-2907 or via email at rep.linda.runbeck@house.mn.

God Bless,

Linda