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Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and your family are doing well during this challenging time. While a Stay at Home order is in effect, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t leave your house. Get outside and go for a walk, run, or hike, but just be sure to maintain a safe distance of six feet away from others.
Also, social distancing shouldn’t mean isolation, but for many folks with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, this can be a significant problem. The Alzheimer’s Association has online resources, virtual community programs, telephone support groups, caregiver tips and a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. It’s a good idea to pick up the phone and check on neighbors, friends, or family who may be vulnerable.
Unemployment Updates
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in tremendous economic hardship for Minnesotans, many of whom have found themselves displaced from their jobs due to no fault of their own. Many Minnesotans who are self-employed or contract workers in the “gig economy” especially experienced many unknowns as this crisis began to emerge.
As a result of federal stimulus legislation, Unemployment Insurance benefits will soon be available to these workers once our state receives guidance from the U.S. Labor Department. The application process is now available, and here is a guide with instructions on how to apply.
To assist with processing enrollments effectively, there are now designated days for Minnesotans who are applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits for the first time based on the last digit of their social security number. With applications coming in at record numbers, this will ensure displaced workers can get faster, more effective services and the benefits they are depending on. To enroll or find more information, visit www.uimn.org.
Child Care Grants Now Available
In the COVID-19 Legislative Aid package – approved by legislators last week and signed into law by Governor Walz Saturday – there are $30 million in one-time grants to child care providers. Monthly grant awards start at $4,500. All providers awarded a grant are also eligible to receive an additional $1,000 per month if they meet certain criteria.
There are approximately 420,000 children under the age of 12 who live in a household of an essential worker within a critical sector, and about 270,000 of them will need care during this time. These services will be critical for our communities during this emergency, and applications for the grants are now available through Child Care Aware MN here.
Child Care Grants Now Available
In the COVID-19 Legislative Aid package – approved by legislators last week and signed into law by Governor Walz Saturday – there are $30 million in one-time grants to child care providers. Monthly grant awards start at $4,500. All providers awarded a grant are also eligible to receive an additional $1,000 per month if they meet certain criteria.
There are approximately 420,000 children under the age of 12 who live in a household of an essential worker within a critical sector, and about 270,000 of them will need care during this time. These services will be critical for our communities during this emergency, and applications for the grants are now available through Child Care Aware MN here.
Census 2020
So far, 49.9 percent of Minnesotans have participated in the 2020 Census, well ahead of the national rate of 41.3 percent. Everyone should have received an invitation to fill out the Census in the mail by now. Have you responded yet?
You can respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail – all without having to meet a census taker.
Ensuring everyone counted is critically important to ensure Minnesota receives our fair share of billions in federal funding over the next decade. For everyone who is missed in the count, estimates show we will miss out on over $28,000 toward education, health care, public safety, highway funding and other critical investments.
For up-to-date COVID-19 information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. The Minnesota House also has a COVID-19 page with information about legislative action and links to other resources. If I can be of assistance in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is rep.jack.considine@house.mn and phone number is 651-296-3248. We will get through this challenge together as Minnesotans.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative
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