Dear Neighbors,
Things certainly changed in the past few weeks as we adjust to a new, but
temporary “normal”, following science-based research and public health
guidelines to keep us all safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. To
keep up on the most recent Minnesota information, data, and recommendations
check https://mn.gov/covid19/. It is updated regularly as things evolve.
We’re now halfway through Governor Walz’s stay at home order, schools will
remain on distance learning status for at least the rest of this month and
likely for the rest of this school year. MnDOT measured traffic volumes are
well down as people hunker down at home.
A sense of isolation is difficult for some. That challenge may be compounded
by a real sense of loss of control and fear of the pandemic for yourself or
others. We are cut off from the usual daily face to face interactions with
coworkers, neighbors, and others. We live in community and isolation is not
our norm. I want to urge everyone to balance the importance of staying at home
with taking a walk, calling a friend, reaching out if you need support or
assistance. And practice patience with yourself and others. We have all had
our lives turned a bit upside down. People are challenged with doing old
things in new ways or new things entirely. Everyone is trying and learning.
Patience will help us all get through this.
CENSUS
Our next civic duty is upon us- the 2020 Census. By now you should’ve received
a postcard in the mail with a code and instructions on how to fill out your
questionnaire online. Another option includes calling in at 844-330-2020. 12
non-English language phone options posted here. You can also fill out a paper
questionnaire, which will be mailed in mid-April to households that have not
yet responded online or by phone.
Making sure we have an accurate count is crucial so our fair share of federal
investments for our
hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and roads is secured. Losing a congressional
seat in our state is also a possibility if we’re undercounted. Minnesota’s
census response rate is currently at 46%; Minneapolis’ is at 48%, and St. Paul
is ahead of us by 1%. We can do better! Check out our daily progress (after
you fill out yours) on the Census Response Tracker that tracks response rates
for every state and U.S. Territory.
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS CHANGES FOR THE PANDEMIC
On Wednesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives Rules and Legislative
Administration Committee held a remote audio hearing to outline the new House
remote committee process.
Legislator debate and voting can now occur by means of distance voting, remote
electronic voting, or voting by other means designed to allow legislative
operations while preserving the safety of the public, staff, and members. The
House is working to implement video committee meetings in the future. Audio —
and future video — of any remote hearings will be broadcast live on the House
website, YouTube, and Facebook. Members of the public interested in testifying
in future committees should email committee staff. Detailed contact information
will be provided in meeting notices and on the House website.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Minnesota teachers embarked upon an endeavor to make distance learning a
reality for our homebound students. This is certainly not a one-size-fits-all
approach- and teachers, administrators, and support staff have gone above and
beyond to adjust curriculum, lesson planning, and restore the continuity of
learning. Minneapolis Public Schools start back on Monday. Thank you!
New Guide for Small Businesses
In previous emails, I’ve mentioned several state and federal programs that were
created to help small businesses affected by COVID-19. Different programs make
sense for different businesses, so the Minnesota Department of Employment and
Economic Development (DEED) put out a guide that details all the assistance
available in one spot. This information can help small businesses determine
which programs might work for them. Click here to view the guide.
On a related note, several local Minneapolis restaurants are still open and for
takeout and delivery. The StarTribune has an excellent statewide guide you can
use to search for your favorite spot in the neighborhood or nearby, to support
small businesses. You can also find the hours of essential retailers to pick up
your prescriptions or groceries.
Unemployment claims
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has seen more
applications for unemployment benefits in the past three weeks than they did in
all of 2019. While they have added call center staff and are diligently
working through the backlog that immediately developed with people calling with
clarifying questions. If you need to apply for benefits your best approach is
to do so online. If you have questions or concerns about your claim, please
know that they always make any adjustments retroactive to the date of your
eligibility.
Anti-Discrimination Efforts
Discrimination is never acceptable, but we’re seeing a rise in cases due to
fear and ignorance related to COVID-19. If you have been discriminated against,
contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Call 1-833-454-0148 to speak
with an investigator. The entire process is free. Interpretation and
translation services are available.
We continue our efforts in the House to deliver more assistance and support to
our hourly workers in schools, first responders and firefighters, workers,
families, and all Minnesotans who are being impacted by COVID-19.
Please contact me anytime if I can provide assistance or help answer any
questions you might have. My phone number is 651-296-0173 and my email address
is <email obscured>
It’s an honor to represent our South Minneapolis neighborhoods at the state
legislature.
Be well,
Jim Davnie
State Representative
Things certainly changed in the past few weeks as we adjust to a new, but
temporary “normal”, following science-based research and public health
guidelines to keep us all safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. To
keep up on the most recent Minnesota information, data, and recommendations
check https://mn.gov/covid19/. It is updated regularly as things evolve.
We’re now halfway through Governor Walz’s stay at home order, schools will
remain on distance learning status for at least the rest of this month and
likely for the rest of this school year. MnDOT measured traffic volumes are
well down as people hunker down at home.
A sense of isolation is difficult for some. That challenge may be compounded
by a real sense of loss of control and fear of the pandemic for yourself or
others. We are cut off from the usual daily face to face interactions with
coworkers, neighbors, and others. We live in community and isolation is not
our norm. I want to urge everyone to balance the importance of staying at home
with taking a walk, calling a friend, reaching out if you need support or
assistance. And practice patience with yourself and others. We have all had
our lives turned a bit upside down. People are challenged with doing old
things in new ways or new things entirely. Everyone is trying and learning.
Patience will help us all get through this.
CENSUS
Our next civic duty is upon us- the 2020 Census. By now you should’ve received
a postcard in the mail with a code and instructions on how to fill out your
questionnaire online. Another option includes calling in at 844-330-2020. 12
non-English language phone options posted here. You can also fill out a paper
questionnaire, which will be mailed in mid-April to households that have not
yet responded online or by phone.
Making sure we have an accurate count is crucial so our fair share of federal
investments for our
hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and roads is secured. Losing a congressional
seat in our state is also a possibility if we’re undercounted. Minnesota’s
census response rate is currently at 46%; Minneapolis’ is at 48%, and St. Paul
is ahead of us by 1%. We can do better! Check out our daily progress (after
you fill out yours) on the Census Response Tracker that tracks response rates
for every state and U.S. Territory.
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS CHANGES FOR THE PANDEMIC
On Wednesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives Rules and Legislative
Administration Committee held a remote audio hearing to outline the new House
remote committee process.
Legislator debate and voting can now occur by means of distance voting, remote
electronic voting, or voting by other means designed to allow legislative
operations while preserving the safety of the public, staff, and members. The
House is working to implement video committee meetings in the future. Audio —
and future video — of any remote hearings will be broadcast live on the House
website, YouTube, and Facebook. Members of the public interested in testifying
in future committees should email committee staff. Detailed contact information
will be provided in meeting notices and on the House website.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Minnesota teachers embarked upon an endeavor to make distance learning a
reality for our homebound students. This is certainly not a one-size-fits-all
approach- and teachers, administrators, and support staff have gone above and
beyond to adjust curriculum, lesson planning, and restore the continuity of
learning. Minneapolis Public Schools start back on Monday. Thank you!
New Guide for Small Businesses
In previous emails, I’ve mentioned several state and federal programs that were
created to help small businesses affected by COVID-19. Different programs make
sense for different businesses, so the Minnesota Department of Employment and
Economic Development (DEED) put out a guide that details all the assistance
available in one spot. This information can help small businesses determine
which programs might work for them. Click here to view the guide.
On a related note, several local Minneapolis restaurants are still open and for
takeout and delivery. The StarTribune has an excellent statewide guide you can
use to search for your favorite spot in the neighborhood or nearby, to support
small businesses. You can also find the hours of essential retailers to pick up
your prescriptions or groceries.
Unemployment claims
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has seen more
applications for unemployment benefits in the past three weeks than they did in
all of 2019. While they have added call center staff and are diligently
working through the backlog that immediately developed with people calling with
clarifying questions. If you need to apply for benefits your best approach is
to do so online. If you have questions or concerns about your claim, please
know that they always make any adjustments retroactive to the date of your
eligibility.
Anti-Discrimination Efforts
Discrimination is never acceptable, but we’re seeing a rise in cases due to
fear and ignorance related to COVID-19. If you have been discriminated against,
contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Call 1-833-454-0148 to speak
with an investigator. The entire process is free. Interpretation and
translation services are available.
We continue our efforts in the House to deliver more assistance and support to
our hourly workers in schools, first responders and firefighters, workers,
families, and all Minnesotans who are being impacted by COVID-19.
Please contact me anytime if I can provide assistance or help answer any
questions you might have. My phone number is 651-296-0173 and my email address
is <email obscured>
It’s an honor to represent our South Minneapolis neighborhoods at the state
legislature.
Be well,
Jim Davnie
State Representative
