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Hennepin Happening
Friends and neighbors,
America has a long, bleak history of discrimination against BIPOC communities, especially BIPOC women. It saddens me that we have added another chapter to that story with the wave of violence against Asian-Americans during the pandemic, culminating in the deadly shooting in Atlanta this week.
A moment like this demands that elected leaders acknowledge the racism embedded into every aspect of our lives. Everyone deserves to live free of fear when they walk out their door in the morning. But we know that just isn’t the case for too many people right now. I offer my sincerest condolences to the victims of the Atlanta shootings and their families. They deserved better. I stand with women and Asian-American communities as we strive for a just, peaceful society for everyone to enjoy.
Sincerely,
 Debbie Goettel
Hennepin County District 5 Commissioner
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A new statewide COVID-19 emergency rental assistance portal is expected to open soon.
In two weeks, Hennepin County received 3,737 applications, and more help is needed. Check your application status and learn about other county emergency assistance programs.
My colleagues and I recently voted to increase the minimum wage for county employees to $20 per hour. Changes to our pay structure are always going to be a sensitive issue, and I thank everyone who shared their perspective on the issue. Ultimately, it just didn't make sense to me that some of our staff could work full time but still not be able to pay for basic expenses (like food, housing, healthcare, and other essentials) without public assistance.
From the Minnesota DEED website:
- A Hennepin County parent who has one child and works full-time needs to make $25.29 per hour to pay basic expenses.
- A Hennepin County family of four (two parents, two children) needs to have both adults working full-time earning $25.87 per hour each to pay basic expenses.
These reflect paying rent or mortgage at 30% of annual income. Many working residents pay far more than 30% of their income for rent or mortgage.
Many workers at Hennepin County that have not reached $20.00 qualify for the very benefits that they assist in delivering to the public. Our tax dollars pay for their living expenses either way, through wages or public assistance. Employees that make enough to live and pay their bills have far less stress and are better employees. These are trained, skilled workers and they need to make a wage that will cover there basic living expenses. Raising the minimum wage to $20.00 brings up the bottom entry level to pay basic living expenses.
Taxpayers will bear the cost of increasing wages, but we would also pay for the cost of benefits. If I'm going to choose between paying someone a living wage or supporting them with benefits, I'm going to choose the former.
Each year, hundreds of children in Hennepin County are found to have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. No level of lead exposure is safe, and lead poisoning is 100% preventable.
If your home was built before 1978, you may be eligible for free home lead tests and up to $12,000 to fix lead paint hazards. Safety measures are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during home visits. Learn about funding assistance.
Hennepin County businesses impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to receive one-on-one business consulting and technical assistance, including:
- COVID-19 protocols
- Employment law
- Insurance policy review
- Virtual employee engagement and retention
- Social media, website and e-commerce
- Financial analysis
Connect with one of our specialized consultants: Register at elevatebusinesshc.com.
Connect with a community-based nonprofit business advisor.
Hennepin County is working to increase employment and business opportunities for people of color.
On Tuesday, the county board approved a $200,000 contract with Fearless Commerce and Activate Network, with goals of providing livable wages for people seeking employment and supporting businesses owned by women of color.
Proposals are being accepted now for Green Partners grants. This program provides funding and support to organizations to actively educate, engage and motivate residents to become environmental stewards and take environmentally friendly actions.
Hennepin County is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to people who register and meet current eligibility guidelines. Vaccine clinics are by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted.
Upcoming vaccine clinics:
Register for the vaccine
You do not need to be a Hennepin County resident to register.
Once signed up, you will be contacted to make an appointment when you meet eligibility guidelines and we have availability for you.
Registering for Hennepin County's vaccine program does not make you ineligible to sign up for other vaccine tools, including Minnesota's Vaccine Connector.
Local Heroes introduces you to medical trailblazers from 100 years of Hennepin County history.
The museum's newest exhibit Local Heroes traces a long tradition of individuals in Hennepin County willing to devote themselves to caring for others, even in the face of adversity. Included in the exhibit are many women whose medical innovation, trailblazing, and exceptional dedication to the field of healthcare are still felt today. What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than by touring Local Heroes in person or on-line!
Follow Hennepin History Museum
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Become a supporter
Skip the traffic jams and sign up for updates on the projects impacting your commute.
You can 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.
You can also follow these direct links for:
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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