Dear Neighbors,

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve almost by the hour. The Minnesota Department of Health remains the best source for accurate, up-to-date information, and I encourage you to visit their website. If you have questions, call their hotline, which is staffed by public health professionals every day between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1-800-657-3903. Carlton, Pine, and St. Louis Counties also have information available.

Legislative Session Tomorrow

The Legislature is currently on a temporary recess to ensure we’re following social distancing guidelines. While many of us might not be at the Capitol physically, we continue to work on solutions to address COVID-19-related issues including pay for hourly school workers, forgiveness for those with expired drivers licenses or tabs, paid time off for workers who must miss work due to illness, workers compensation for first responders, assistance to tribes, housing and food security, and an emergency fund to address health care and public safety costs that may arise during this emergency.

Tomorrow, lawmakers will return to the State Capitol to consider a number of these measures to protect Minnesotans’ physical health and economic security. Here’s a preview about what to expect tomorrow from the Capitol.

Governor Walz Executive Orders

The Governor has taken several steps to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy during this pandemic, as well as to mitigate the impacts the crisis is having on our economy. Some of his orders include:

• A ban on price gouging (please report any instances to the Attorney General’s office)
• A moratorium on evictions
• Relaxation of certain Dept. of Human Services requirements to help ensure vulnerable Minnesotans can receive services, help for people with disabilities, mental health support, childcare, food support, housing, and other critical public health programs and services
• Activating the Minnesota National Guard to deliver Personal Protective Equipment
• A special 30-day health insurance enrollment period through MNsure
• Delay of the individual income tax filing deadline to July 15

A full list of the Governor’s executive orders is available here.

Help available for displaced workers

Last week, Governor Walz ordered that all bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and most other public gathering places be closed. This was a difficult decision, but was necessary in order to slow down the spread of COVID-19 within communities. As a result, workers and business owners alike are facing a challenging economic situation for themselves and their families due to no fault of their own.

Help is available, and eligible workers can apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits. The best away to apply is online at www.uimn.org.

On a related note, many restaurants remain open for business offering take-out, curbside delivery, and drive-thru options. If you’re able, consider supporting a local business by getting a meal from them.

Small Business Assistance

I recognize that small businesses – the backbone of our Minnesota economy – are experiencing unthinkable difficulty right now. To help them meet needs, the U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a Disaster Loan Assistance Program. The federal agency is now accepting applications for loans 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.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has also established a Small Business Emergency Loan program offering immediate assistance to help bridge the gap for businesses until their federal loans are approved. Loans are available between $2,500 and $35,000, are 50 percent forgivable, and have a 0 percent interest rate. Visit DEED online to learn more.

Please continue to do your part by washing your hands, covering your cough with your sleeve, staying home when you’re sick, and practicing social distancing – try to maintain a distance of six feet from others and avoid large gatherings.

I also hope you’ll feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance in any way. My email address is rep.mike.sundin@house.mn and phone number is 651-296-4308. It’s an honor to represent you.

Please take care of yourself and your family.

Sincerely,

Mike Sundin