Minnesota Faces Budget Shortfall
This week Minnesota Management and Budget announced that our $1.5 billion surplus has turned into a $2.4 billion deficit in the last few months. That is about a $4 billion swing since February's budget forecast, and shows that the state is experiencing the same financial struggles that families and businesses across the state are experiencing. If families and businesses are reassessing their budgets, I believe government should too. I look forward to hearing in committees about how the government will be tightening up budgets to address the budget shortfall.
As we continue to learn more about the state's budget situation and options for tackling the deficit, I look forward to hearing from the people of our community on the issue. If you have questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Moratorium on Elective Procedures Ends
I have heard from many people about the problems caused by the moratorium on many elective procedures and services. This week, Governor Walz ended that moratorium. Now, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics will have to provide a plan to maintain a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors, as well as criteria for determining which procedures should proceed. Once those plans are in place, they will be allowed to resume many currently-delayed procedures. I hope this week’s announcement will provide some relief for those who have had their procedures or surgeries delayed.
COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance
I’ve received some emails from constituents concerned about communication they have received about Unemployment Insurance (UI) charges to employers’ accounts even though current policy says that COVID-19 related separation should not result in charges to employers. I’ve done some checking and discovered that this is a widespread problem in the UI system.
Governor Walz signed an executive order which prevented COVID-19 related layoffs from impacting employers UI taxes. Currently, however, the UI system is still sending out notices of charges against employers’ accounts. The Department of Labor and Industry is aware of the problem and has advised employers not to worry about these notices and they will be taken care of prior to employers being financially impacted.
If you would like additional information, you can visit the UI website for employers here.
Happy Mother’s Day!
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and I want to wish all the mothers in our community a very happy day! I hope that, even if you’re not able to be together in person, you are able to connect with your loved ones this weekend.
|
