It’s been a tough week for Minnesotans and while the Legislature made the difficult decision to suspend floor session and committee activity I am still working to get you the information you need as it becomes available, staying in contact with local government leaders and helping my constituents with issues. I’d like to share with you some updates I’ve received this week as I’ve looked into your questions and concerns.

Executive Orders

Earlier this afternoon Governor Walz announced 3 new executive orders that bans price gouging and expands the ability of DHS to respond to the needs of Minnesotans. I have received many emails this from constituents worried about continuity of care especially for our more vulnerable and high risk populations. Executive order 20-11 and 20-12 will give DHS increased flexibility to provide necessary and essential services. You can read them here.

Taxes

Just this morning Secretary Mnuchin announced that Tax Day has moved to July 15th giving everyone an extra 3 months to file. The Minnesota Department of Revenue is waiting for official Notice from the IRS regarding this announcement and in the meantime, are beginning to explore the options available for a possible adjustment to the state’s income tax filing and/or payment deadline.

The Department of Revenue is still open and available to help you with your taxes. During this time of uncertainty, you may be experiencing a change in income. If you are not able to file or pay your taxes right now, they have resources available on their website here.

Additionally, Minnesota businesses will have a 30-day Sales and Use Tax grace period if they have been required to suspend or reduce their services under the Governor’s executive order. You can keep up to date on their website here.

MN Department of Employment and Economic Development

This week I received a few questions from small business owners on the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program and unemployment tax rates.

In order for Minnesota to participate in the SBA disaster loan program we must first be declared a disaster zone by meeting a minimum threshold of affected businesses, who fill out a form through the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). We have reached this goal and Governor Walz has requested an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. As soon as that declaration is made DEED will post the application information on their website at https://mn.gov/deed/. I would encourage small business owners to monitor this site daily for updates. You can also keep up to date by checking the SBA website at https://www.sba.gov/.

For small businesses concerned that their unemployment tax rates will soon go up, Executive Order 20-5 explicitly directs the MN Unemployment Insurance Program to not use unemployment benefits paid as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in computing the future unemployment tax rates of employers. You can find it stated under point #5 here.

I understand there is a lot of uncertainty and anxiousness right now but I am confident that working together we will make it through.

Continue to look out for each other, and as always, please feel free to contact me any time with your questions. You can call me at 651-296-5655 or send me an email: sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn.