Dear Neighbors,
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, state government continues to plan for, prepare for, and respond to this crisis. Governor Tim Walz issued a “Stay at Home” order effective starting this Friday. For two weeks, Minnesotans are asked to stay home except for essential travel such as health and safety activities, outdoor activities, or getting necessary supplies like food. One of the main goals of this order is to buy us time to increase capacity within our health care system, especially the number of ICU beds and ventilators. The Governor also extended the period in which bars, restaurants and gathering places will be closed until May 1, and schools will implement distance learning until May 4. You can read the Governor’s executive order here, which includes a full list of exempt jobs and sectors.
Tomorrow, lawmakers will return to the State Capitol to consider a variety of measures to protect Minnesotans’ physical health and economic security. Here’s a preview about what to expect tomorrow from the Capitol.
Price Gouging Ban and Other Executive Orders
Last week, Governor Tim Walz took a bold step to protect consumers during this crisis by issuing an executive order to ban price gouging during the current peacetime emergency. As the chief author of legislation in the Minnesota House which would take similar action, I thank the Governor for looking out for Minnesotans who are already experiencing economic pain. If you’ve seen grocery store shelves, it’s clear that some food and some household supplies are scarce, and it’s inexcusable for retailers to take advantage of this opportunity to make a quick buck off the backs of consumers. We’ve seen some examples of outrageous prices for hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and food.
If you see an instance of unconscionable price gouging, please report it to the Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office at his website here or by calling 651-296-3353.
Recently, Governor Walz has issued other executive orders to place a moratorium on evictions, a special 30-day health insurance enrollment period through MNsure, and flexibility for the Department of Human Services to help ensure services for people with disabilities, mental health support, childcare, food support, housing, and other critical public health programs and services can continue.
Help for Workers Available
Last week, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Walz made the difficult but necessary decision to order bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and most other public gathering places to close. As a result of this action, workers and business owners alike are facing an uncertain economic situation for themselves and their families due to no fault of their own. As challenging as this step is, it highlights what’s at stake for us to take this pandemic seriously and do our part “flatten the curve.”
Unemployment Insurance benefits are available, and displaced workers are encouraged to apply online at www.uimn.org.
Many restaurants are still open for business offering take-out, curbside delivery, and drive-thru options. If you’re able, consider supporting a local business for dinner or lunch.
Help for Small Businesses Available
The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a Disaster Loan Assistance Program. The federal agency is accepting applications for businesses impacted by COVID-19, with loans of up to $2 million available to help small businesses and private nonprofits overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. For more information, call the SBA's disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 or visit the COVID-19 section of their website.
Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has established a Small Business Emergency Loan program that can help bridge the gap for businesses until their federal loans are approved, offering immediate assistance. Loans are available between $2,500 and $35,000, are 50 percent forgivable, and have a 0 percent interest rate. Learn more here.
Virtual Town Hall Meetings
In case you missed them, last week I held a pair of virtual town hall meetings on my Facebook page. Dr. Kelly Searle, an epidemiologist at the U of M joined me to discuss our public health response, and Sen. John Marty joined me for a town hall to discuss our legislative response. In a time in which we are experiencing many unknowns, I’m grateful for Dr. Searle and Sen. Marty sharing their insights with constituents.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is still the best source for accurate, up-to-date information about the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions, please visit their website, which also has COVID-19 information in Hmong, Spanish, and Somali and materials in several other languages in PDF format. You can also call their hotline, staffed by public health professionals from 7am-7pm daily, at 651-201-3920.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance during this challenging time. Email me at rep.john.lesch@house.mn or leave a message at 651-296-4224 and I will get back to you just as soon as I can.
Sincerely,
John Lesch
State Representative