Distance Learning to Continue for the Remainder of School Year
Late last week, Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Commissioner Ricker announced increased efforts to reach students during the extension of distance learning through the end of the year. Those efforts include increased direction from MDE on meeting the needs of students and their families around technology, mental health, and other important services. Additional direction on how to make distance learning successful for students with special needs will also be forthcoming.
Getting Minnesotans Safely Back to Work
Today, approximately 80,000 to 100,00 Minnesotans were able to return to work safely via executive action of the Governor. Developed in partnership with hundreds of businesses, labor and worker organizations, and public health experts, this action will allow people who cannot tele-work to return to their industrial, manufacturing, and office settings jobs.
With the health and safety of Minnesotans his top priority, the Governor has made clear the Stay Home order remains in effect as we consider ways to gradually loosen restrictions and “turn the dials” starting with settings most conducive to safe practices.
PUA Payments Begin
On Friday last week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) began making Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments for self-employed, contract, and other workers who were not previously eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
Here’s what Minnesotans need to know about applying for PUA:
- If you have already applied for regular unemployment benefits, you do not need to do anything extra to qualify for PUA. DEED will automatically establish a PUA benefit account for you if you are eligible.
- If you have not applied for unemployment benefits yet, special instructions for self-employed and 1099 workers are available here. These instructions include steps you can take to make your account easily identifiable as potentially eligible for PUA.
- If you applied for unemployment benefits without following those instructions, don’t worry – you don’t need to change anything. Your account will still be reviewed for PUA eligibility.
- If you have not heard from DEED yet, don’t worry. They expect to be in touch with most people who are eligible for benefits under PUA by the end of April. There is no need to call or follow-up; you will hear from them proactively if they need additional information to determine eligibility.
- You will receive information about PUA benefits in your online account, by email, and by mail.
- Applicants who receive PUA benefits will also receive the $600/week additional payment.
- PUA benefits will be backdated to whenever you first became eligible due to COVID-19.
Additional information, including answers to many commonly asked questions, can be found here: COVID-19 information for self-employed people and independent contractors
Keep in Touch
Please contact me any time with questions or input. I appreciate hearing from you! Send me an email to rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn and I will respond as soon as I can.
For breaking news and additional updates, follow me on my official Facebook page.
It’s an honor to serve our communities at the state legislature.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative
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