Earlier this week Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-04 to order the
temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers. He
also ordered the temporary closure of other places of public accommodation and
amusement, including theaters, museums, fitness centers, and community club’s
effective tomorrow-Friday, March 27. Take-out and curbside pickup will still
operate at most locations. The Governor is encouraging grocery stores and
pharmacies to stay open so Minnesotans can still get the items they need.
In an effort to support the many Minnesotans affected by these closures, the
Governor signed Executive Order 20-05 to strengthen Minnesota’s Unemployment
Insurance Trust Fund and ensure that workers who are not able to work as a
result of COVID-19 have benefits available. Specifically, this Executive Order
will waive the employer surcharge and allow the Minnesota Department of
Employment and Economic Development to pay unemployment benefits immediately,
providing fast relief to employees who need it.
I’ve compiled information with resources for service industry employees, and
other workers who are impacted amid the COVID-19 spread. Click here to learn
more and here for a Q&A about eligibility.
Minnesota House Passes Emergency Health Care Funding
Also earlier this week, the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously
passed emergency COVID-19 health care funding, which provides $200 million in
investments for a health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health
response contingency account. The Senate has also approved the companion
legislation. These funds will help ensure Minnesotans can get the care they
need, and providers are equipped to deliver it.
I’ll continue to reach out with more information as it becomes available.
Contact me anytime with questions.
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative