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Hennepin Happening
Welcome to the District 5 July newsletter! I'm wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July. Scroll down to read more about
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On Tuesday, the County Board passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. Hennepin County has been a prosperous county for decades, but despite that, we have consistently failed to ensure that everyone enjoys equal access to the same opportunities. It's time that we start acknowledging that until we close the racial disparities we see in Hennepin County, we will be falling short of what justice requires of us.
The data clearly shows that disparities drive our work and negatively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents. Black, Indigenous, and people of color in Hennepin County statistically have poorer educational outcomes, earn less, and are less likely to own homes or have access to quality health care and jobs than white people do. These disparities have lifelong impacts, leading to higher disease rates, and, as we’re seeing now, a disproportionately higher burden of infection rates and fatalities from COVID-19.
I'm proud that we have stepped forward as a board to challenge our staff as we look to dramatically change what success looks like in every line of business at the county.
Vote by mail starts now
The start of summer means that the 2020 primary election season has arrived. While in-person voting is available to anyone who needs or wants it, Hennepin County is encouraging you to vote by mail for the August primary election to protect the health and safety of yourself and the community.
Mark your calendar
- June 26: Absentee voting begins for the 2020 primary election
- August 11: Primary election day (ballots must be postmarked on or before this date)
Apply for an absentee ballot online
Visit the Secretary of State’s website to request a ballot to vote by mail.
Not registered to vote yet?
Visit the Secretary of State’s website to register to vote (or update your registration).
Call, text or email five people you know and ask them to complete the census:
- Online: my2020census.gov
- Call toll-free: 1-844-330-2020
- Text questions to 662020
Use #WeCountMN and #2020Census if sharing on social media.
Census response rates
The census will determine the resources available to our community for the next 10 years. However, many people impacted by COVID-19 and recent civil unrest may not complete the census.
Hennepin County is working with cities and community partners to make sure we meet, if not exceed, our 2010 response rate of 82%.
- U.S. – More than 88 million households (almost 62%)
- Minnesota – 71%, highest response rate in nation
- Hennepin County – 75%
- Your community could be at risk for being under counted!
- Maps with response rates by zip code -- https://www.hennepin.us/wecount
Hennepin County is offering emergency rent assistance for low-income households who have lost income due to COVID-19. If you’ve fallen behind on rent or utilities or are worried about making payments on time this month, apply now for Hennepin County rental assistance.
Rent is still due during the statewide moratorium on evictions as part of Governor Walz’s emergency declaration. You may be at risk of eviction if you are behind on payments when the state of emergency ends.
Learn more and apply: www.hennepin.us/rent-help.
Helpline
Call our helpline to get help with clothing, financial assistance, groceries, medical care and equipment, and medication:
- 612-348-3000
- Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Online directory
hennepin.us/covid-19
COVID-19 resource pages translated into Spanish, Somali, and Hmong
Hennepin County Librarys are following a cautious reopening plan. Additional curbside pickup locations are being added in the coming days, including
Penn Lake Library. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing so we can keep our libraries safe and available for everyone.
Track the services available at your local library.
Learn how the Twin Cities movie-going experience changed—for better or worse—in the years following World War II. This presentation, part of our Fireside Chat series, is hosted by Dave Kenney, whose book Twin Cities Picture Show won the Theatre Historical Society Outstanding Book of the Year Award in 2008. Content from Dave Kenney’s book appears in our exhibit America’s Finest Theatre: The Terrace.
The event will be offered as a FREE livestream. The museum will provide more information about the livestream in the coming weeks.
Learn more about the Hennepin History Museum and how to become a supporter.
Flying Cloud Drive is in the midst of a major construction project. Skip the traffic jams and sign up for updates on the projects impacting your commute.
You can also visit the Hennepin County website for updates on road maintenance projects and all other road construction.
Housing crises, energy assistance, child protection, emergency situations; we are here to advocate for you when it comes to navigating local and county services, and we want to help. Please call our office at 612-348-7885 with any questions or for assistance.
Contact
Commissioner Debbie Goettel
Hennepin County District 5
Bloomington | Eden Prairie | Richfield
612-348-7885 | debbie.goettel@hennepin.us
Casey Meinhardt
Principal Aide
612-596-7078 | casey.meinhardt@hennepin.us
Michael Ohama
Policy Director
612-348-7885 | michael.ohama@hennepin.us
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