Dear Neighbors,
Friday, Governor Walz launched a new State of Minnesota COVID-19 dashboard that tracks the virus in Minnesota and provides the latest available data. The dashboard, which will be updated daily, includes information on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, and more. This data will help drive decisions to address the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 in Minnesota.
Tonight at 7pm, Governor Tim Walz will present his 2020 State of the State Address from the Governor’s Residence via live video. You can watch on his YouTube channel or through House Public Information Services.
Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed Minnesotans
This pandemic has caused tremendous economic hardship for many workers in our state and their families. Over the past two weeks, there have been more unemployment applications than over the past two years. With the emergence of our “gig economy,” self-employed Minnesotans have been put in an especially difficult situation.
Soon, for the first time ever, Unemployment Insurance benefits will be made available to many self-employed and contract workers. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is working to get guidance from the U.S. Labor Department to get this system up and running. In the meantime, DEED has opened up applications at www.uimn.org. A helpful step-by-step guide is available here.
Small Business Guide
Our small business community is also experiencing financial pain as a result of COVID-19. The state of Minnesota and federal government have a variety of resources available including disaster loans, a small business loan guarantee program, and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.
DEED has compiled a guide detailing all of these resources in one spot to help businesses determine which programs work best for them. You can access the guide here.
In addition to the new COVID-19 dashboard, please continue to visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website for the most accurate, up-to-date information. The Minnesota House also has a dedicated COVID-19 section with information and links to resources. If I can be of assistance in any way, please contact me by email at rep.john.lesch@house.mn or call me at 651-296-4224. We will all pull through this challenge together.
Sincerely,
John Lesch
State Representative