Dear Neighbors,
Governor Tim Walz just announced the Stay at Home order that went into effect on March 27 is being extended from April 10 to 11:59pm on May 3, 2020. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about what this means for you, your business, and your family.
Stay at Home Order
The Governor’s order to stay home is forecasted to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19, pushing out the peak of the disease and allowing the state to continue key preparations for the pandemic. These preparations include building new hospital capacity and buying ventilators and masks, planning for how to protect those most at risk, expanding testing, and freeing up time for health care giants like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus.
No one takes this decision lightly and I trust Governor Walz when he says this will help to save lives. Minnesota is rising to the challenge and following public health guidelines -- and it’s making a big difference to keep people healthy relative to other states’ experiences. I want to acknowledge the sacrifices you and your family are making and thank you for everything you are doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Unemployment insurance
As Minnesotans adapt to this new reality, I would like to share helpful information about applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits, including for Minnesotans who are self-employed or contract workers, and the impact the federal stimulus bill will have on this vital safety net. Click here to learn more about the $600/week in additional benefits you may be eligible to receive.
REAL ID and driver's licenses
Lastly, I want to provide an update for Minnesotans who are curious about REAL ID and driver’s licenses expiration rules. More than 60 Driver & Vehicle Services offices are currently open to offer limited, no contact services for customers to help with renewals and title transfers. Here is a list of these office locations:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/find-office-locations.aspx
Anyone whose driver’s license, permit, or disability parking permit expires during the current peacetime emergency, or the month in which it ends, will have until two months after it ends to renew. License tabs are not included, because unlike licenses, they generally have on-line and mail in renewal options.
In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government announced that the October 2020 deadline for REAL ID compliance has been extended to October 1, 2021. The Legislature has also approved a bill that modifies and expands the types of proof of residency documents allowed to obtain a REAL ID, and funds a temporary increase in license staff to achieve a 45-day REAL ID issuance turnaround. The new REAL ID document list will be posted on the Driver& Vehicle Services website:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/required-documents.aspx
I hope this information is helpful. I will continue to support efforts to make life easier for Minnesotans as we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis. We all need to brace for unprecedented challenges in the days and weeks ahead, and I am confident in the ability of Minnesotans to come together and help each other make it through -- thank you for being a part of that effort.
Sincerely,
Paul Marquart
State Representative
Contact:
rep.paul.marquart@house.mn
1-800-551-5520
www.house.mn/04B
COVID-19 resources
www.mn.gov/covid19