Dear Neighbors,
Restaurants, bars, and other small businesses -- many of the them family-owned and cornerstones of our communities -- are temporarily closed to dine-in customers (delivery and take out are still available) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent Minnesotans from getting sick. This also includes public places like salons, movie theaters, museums, cafes, and hospitality businesses, which employ a great deal of people.
To address the tremendous economic hardships this is causing for employers, workers, and their families, Minnesota has taken emergency action to ensure those affected by the COVID-19 crisis have access to unemployment benefits, and to ensure that businesses aren’t required to pay into the system to cover these additional costs. If your employment is impacted by COVID-19, you are strongly encouraged to apply for benefits online at www.uimn.org.
Federal, state, and local officials are communicating with the U.S. Small Business Administration daily to expedite small business owners' ability to receive emergency loans and flexibility on payments for current financial obligations. More information about these resources are available online at www.sba.gov. In addition, Governor Walz just yesterday announced that businesses will have a one month interest and penalty-free grace period on the deadline to file sales taxes.
My office is a resource to find answers to your questions and provide updates about the status of this public health crisis. Please reach out if I can be of assistance and consider sharing this email with your neighbor or relatives. If you know of anyone who would appreciate these updates, please let them know they can subscribe to my email list here.
House staff are tele-commuting in order to comply with public health guidance, so if you call my office at 1-800-551-5520, please be prepared to leave a voicemail message. You can also send an email to rep.paul.marquart@house.mn.
Despite receiving a high volume of communication in recent days, I will respond to your messages as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone for doing your part in fighting the spread of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Paul Marquart
State Representative