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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL)

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COVID-19 workers’ compensation for frontline workers and extended Stay at Home Order

Friday, April 10, 2020

Rep. Winkler

Dear neighbor,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I hope you and your family are still practicing social distancing and staying safe and healthy. We are seeing signs of hope and progress because we are listening to public health professionals and taking strong steps to protect Minnesotans.

Here’s a quick update on our ongoing response to COVID-19.


Legislature approves COVID-19 workers’ compensation for frontline workers

Workers' comp graphics

 

On Tuesday, the Minnesota House and Senate passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation.

The legislation goes into effect for employees who contract COVID-19 on or after the day following final enactment. Governor Walz signed the bill on Tuesday night.

We owe our first responders, firefighters, police officers, nurses, and health care workers an immeasurable debt of gratitude. This legislation is overdue. Our first responders and front line health care workers need us to support them and their families.


Governor Walz extends Stay at Home Order

On Wednesday, Governor Walz extended the Stay Home Order until May 4. The Governor’s order to stay home is forecasted to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19, pushing out the peak of the disease and allowing the state to continue key preparations for the pandemic. These preparations include building new hospital capacity and buying ventilators and masks, planning for how to protect those most at risk, expanding testing, and freeing up time for experts to develop critical treatments for the virus.

What Minnesota is doing seems to be working, and we have to keep it up. Lives are on the line and our long-term economic future is in jeopardy if we don’t get this right. I thank Governor Walz for continuing to make responsible decisions in the best interest of Minnesotans. The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to work with the Governor to do everything we can to help Minnesotans during this difficult time.

Under the extended order, Minnesotans should leave their residences only to perform the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing:

  • Relocation to ensure safety, such as relocating to a different location if your home is unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or reasons related to essential operations.
  • Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies.
  • Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing.
    Necessary supplies and services, such as getting groceries, gasoline, or carry-out.
  • Essential intrastate and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside this state.
  • Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household.
  • Displacement, such as moving between emergency shelters if you are without a home.
  • Moving or relocation, such as moving to a new home or place of residence.
  • Voting, including all local and state elections.
  • Funerals, provided that no more than ten attendees are gathered and strict social distancing is enforced.
  • Tribal activities and lands, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their tribal reservation.

Executive Order 20-33 also orders that all workers who can work from home must do so. Workers in critical sectors who cannot work from home are permitted to go to work. Guidance related to critical sectors is available at www.mn.gov/deed/critical.

Update Stay Home


Minnesota issues first $600 CARES Act payments

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that the agency received final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor to be one of the first states to make $600 additional compensation payments to people receiving unemployment benefits. These payments were authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

All individuals who are currently receiving Minnesota unemployment benefits will qualify for the $600 additional compensation and will continue to receive their regular unemployment benefit.

What Minnesotans need to know:

  • The first week for which you can get the additional $600 is the week beginning March 29.
  • You could request the week of March 29 on or after April 5. If you already requested payment for that week, you will get the $600 payment automatically.
  • You do not need to contact DEED or do anything to get the additional $600. We will automatically process the additional $600 payment AFTER you request benefits for the week of March 29 (and every week after that you are eligible).
  • You will not see the $600 payment on your online unemployment account. You will only see it on your bank account or your unemployment debit card statement.
  • Payments may take a few days to reach your bank/debit card.

There are excellent resources on the state’s Unemployment Insurance website, which you can find here.


Discrimination Helpline

This week the Minnesota Department of Human Rights launched a Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148. This toll-free helpline reinforces the state’s efforts to protect the civil rights of Minnesotans. It allows those who experience or witness bias and discrimination to report incidents to our Department. 

The creation of the Discrimination Helpline comes at a time when there's continued reports from Asian American community members who are experiencing heightened fear and backlash due to COVID-19. 

One of the disconcerting aspects of the COVID-19 crisis is the continued rise of xenophobia and racism. COVID-19 does not discriminate based on race, where you come from, your immigration status, or anything else. 

Minnesotans can call the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or complete and submit this online form. Translation/interpretation services are available. The helpline is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Domestic and sexual violence programs open during emergency

During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic and sexual violence programs are continuing to support our most vulnerable community members. Studies have shown intimate partner violence increases during natural disasters. Please know that domestic violence programs and shelters are critical services and remain open. If you are experiencing abuse in your home, please reach out to someone you trust. Call the 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9995. You are not alone. Help is available.

Programs are also in need of supplies. Please consider donating to your local program. Find your local program here: https://www.vfmn.org/find-a-program

Domestic violence prevention resources


My office will continue to be a resource to find answers to your questions and provide updates about the status of this public health crisis. Please reach out if I can be of assistance and consider sharing this email with your neighbor or relatives. If you know of anyone who would appreciate these updates, please let them know they can subscribe to my email list here.

House staff are tele-commuting in order to comply with public health guidance, so if you call my office at 651-296-7026, please be prepared to leave a voicemail message. You can also send an email to rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn.

Despite receiving a high volume of communication in recent days, I will respond to your messages as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone for doing your part in fighting the spread of COVID-19.

 

Sincerely,

Rep. Ryan Winkler
House Majority Leader