Dear Neighbors,
This week, Minnesota students, educators, and families all embarked on a new endeavor during the COVID-19 pandemic: distance learning. There's no 'how-to" manual with instructions on navigating this impossible situation, and I want to share a huge THANK YOU to all of our state's educators and support staff for doing all they can to ensure our students can continue their studies during the pandemic through distance learning. You are an invaluable asset to our state.
One roadblock toward all students being able to effectively learn during this time is a lack of reliable high-speed broadband internet access in parts of Greater Minnesota. Minnesota Reformer highlighted this problem and I remain committed to increasing investments in this critical resource to improve opportunities for students, families, and businesses.
On another note, Minnesota Commissioner of Education Mary Cathryn Ricker has secured a waiver from federal officials to cancel MCA standardized testing for the current school year.
COVID-19 Updates
On Saturday, Governor Walz signed a comprehensive COVID-19 package delivering $330 million in aid for Minnesota's response, which will help our state care for our most vulnerable in the face of an unprecedented crisis. The legislature passed the bill with broad bipartisan support on March 26.
HF 4531 includes the following actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, among many other policy proposals that will help Minnesotans:
- Establishes the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund to support further action
- Creates peacetime emergency child care grants
- Provides COVID-19 assistance for veterans
- Supports food shelves and food banks
- Expands resources for emergency services and homeless shelters
- Expands support available to small businesses
- Extends disaster assistance for farmers to include losses due to COVID-19
A summary of the legislation is available here. Earlier, lawmakers approved a $200 million emergency funding package to help ensure hospitals, clinics, ambulance services, and other health care providers can deliver the care Minnesotans need, and $21 million toward our public health response.
Unemployment Insurance Available
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. Staffers at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development have been overwhelmed with folks seeking Unemployment Insurance benefits, and have been doing their best to process the applications effectively.
To assist in this process, DEED has now designated certain 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 an unmatched pace, 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.
Census Day
Today is Census Day. By now, you should have received an invitation in the mail to respond to the census. When you respond, you'll share information about where you live as of today, April 1, 2020. The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. Counting every Minnesotan accurately is critical to ensuring our state gets our fair share of federal investments in health care, public safety, education, and billions of dollars of other important resources.
You can respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail – all without having to meet a census taker. It only takes a few minutes.
For the most reliable, up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. Also, the Minnesota House has set up a COVID-19 page with information about actions taken, as well as links to informative resources.
Please continue to reach out with your input and ideas, or if I can be of assistance in any way. My email is rep.julie.sandstede@house.mn and my phone number is 651-296-0172. I also invite you to “like” or “follow” my Facebook page here. By looking out for one another, we will overcome this challenge.
Together,
Julie Sandstede
State Representative