As we all adjust to the stay-at-home order  through April 10, it’s important to have all the resources possible to make our lives easier. The team at the MN Senate assembled some critical information, helpful links across several sectors, and primary contacts in an effort to best serve our constituents.  

List of critical businesses

Apply to be considered an essential business

The Star Tribune maintains a running list of news you may have missed.

ADDITIONAL NEWS

• The president postponed the deadline for REAL ID compliance.
• DPS has a FAQ about COVID-19 and expiring licenses, tabs, and more.
• The deadline to file your state AND federal income taxes has been moved to July 15.
• Minnesota has granted a 30 day grace period for sales and use tax payments for businesses that were required to suspend operations.
• The IRS has extended tax payment deadlines for individuals and businesses to July 15.
• More than half of deputy registrars offices are closed.
• Metro Transit is asking riders to wait for the next bus or light rail car if there are more than 15 passengers aboard (or 10 passengers for a 40-foot bus).
• Most cable companies, cell phone carriers, and eletric utilities have waived late fees and will not disconnect service for the time being. Check with your providers for their specific plans.
• KSTP is keeping a running list of restaurants offering free lunches to students while schools are close.
• The Department of Agriculture’s rural mental health services are NOT shutting down. If you are a farmer who is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out.
• The University of Minnesota’s veterinary diagnostic lab and poultry testing labs will remain OPEN.
• MnDOT is going to try to keep rest areas open but due to staffing concerns, they are starting to consider closing the buildings but keeping the parking lots open and providing portable toilets.
• Driver’s license road tests have been suspended for at least 10 days statewide.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: Unemployment benefits will be expedited for workers impacted by the coronavirus.
• PROTECT YOURSELF: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has personal finance tips for navigating the coronavirus.
• HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: The Small Business Administration is making disaster assistance available to impacted businessowners. DEED is making emergency loans available as well.
• INFO FOR WORKERS AND BUSINESSES: The Department of Employment and Economic Development has helpful information for:
  • Information for workers
  • Information for business owners

• EMPLOYER COMPLIANCE: The Department of Labor and Industry has information regarding employer compliance issues and coronavirus.
• COURTS STATUS: The Minnesota Courts system providing regular updates outline which services have been suspended and which haven’t.
• CLOSED OR OPEN: The Star Tribune has list of what is closed and open in Minnesota.
• CHILD CARE:
  • A special hotline for child care providers: 1-888-234-1268.
  • Parents and Guardians who need child care resources can call Child Care Aware of Minnesota at 1-888-291-9811 or go to www.parentaware.org.
  • Child Care Provider guidance to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.
• MNSURE ELIGIBILITY/COVERAGE: MNsure is clarifying insurance options for those experiencing a change in income or unemployment

GENERAL INFORMATION

• PREVENTION AND MITIGATION: MDH also has a list of strategies to slow the spread of coronavirus.
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: The CDC maintains an FAQ for all of your coronavirus questions.
• WHITE HOUSE GUIDANCE: The White House issued a guidance to slow the spread of coronavirus over the next 15 days.
• COVID-19 AND PETS: The Humane Society has a comprehensive FAQ about coronavirus and your pets.

KEY MN CONTACTS

• THE PRIMARY SOURCE: The Department of Health’s primary COVID-19 page is constantly updated and is our primary source of the latest coronavirus news. It also includes information for individuals, businesses, and emergency responders. 

• MN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY: https://dps.mn.gov/Pages/covid-19.aspx
• MN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES: https://mn.gov/dhs/
• MN DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/business-exemptions/

As always, please feel free to reach out at sen.koran@senate.mn or 651-296-5419 with questions or concerns.  I look forward to resuming business-as-usual in Senate District 32!