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Dear neighbors,
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that he is extending the current stay at home order, which was set to expire today. The order will remain in effect until May 4 with some modifications.
Governor Walz shared evidence that the stay at home order is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and buying our state more time to increase the capacity of our health care system. However, he warned that this progress could be lost if we don’t stay the course. Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions about what the extended stay at home order means for you, your family, and your business.
Unemployment Insurance Update
On Monday, Governor Walz issued an executive order to suspend a requirement that delayed Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for workers using vacation, sick pay, or personal time off. Thanks to this change, more Minnesotans will receive immediate relief.
 As a result of federal legislation, people who are receiving UI benefits will soon automatically receive an additional $600 per week. Minnesota was one of the first states to process these payments. More details about the additional $600 payments is available here.
If your employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can apply for UI here.
Outreach on Chronic Wasting Disease
Yesterday, Governor Walz sent a letter, linked here, to approve the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)’s funding request for a University of Minnesota project to conduct targeted outreach about chronic wasting disease (CWD) to culturally-diverse hunting communities. This project will help the team expand their efforts in southeast Asian and Amish hunting communities and Tribal Nations.
Lawns to Legumes Update
The Lawns to Legumes program is making several adjustments to minimize risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cost-share recipients should visit Blue Thumb’s website, linked here, for more information on online workshops and other changes.
Changes at the State Forest Nursery
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is adjusting State Forest Nursery operations to help ensure the health and safety of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency is reducing their spring harvest and distribution of seedlings and will not be able to fill all customer orders. The Nursery will contact customers to let them know the status of their order.
Please call or email me if you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions. Your input is more important than ever.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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