By: SENATOR JOHN JASINSKI
Friends and neighbors,
At the beginning of August, a second round of payments was distributed to nursing homes facing financial difficulties. This aid is the second round of payments resulting from the $300 million emergency package that Republicans fought hard to secure at the end of the 2023 legislative session. While we had initially pushed for even greater support, this bipartisan agreement is providing critical assistance to the facilities caring for our most vulnerable citizens.
Several local nursing homes are benefiting from this latest round of funding:
– The Emeralds at Faribault: $298,091
– Koda Living Community, Owatonna: $275,407
– Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center, Waseca: $199,109
– Whispering Creek, Janesville: $184,674
These grants, which do not need to be repaid, will help ensure our nursing homes can retain staff, upgrade facilities, and continue providing essential services. The package also includes wage increases and a workforce incentive fund. Additionally, $100 million in loan opportunities were made available through the 2023 Human Services bill.
Flood relief options for impacted residents
Many of you were affected by the severe flooding that struck our district in June. I want to make sure you’re aware of three important opportunities for assistance:
Tax Relief: The Minnesota Department of Revenue is offering extra time to file state tax returns and pay state taxes for affected individuals and businesses in 19 counties, including ours. If you have returns or payments due between June 16 and July 4, you can request a penalty abatement before November 1, 2024.
For assistance, you can contact these Minnesota Department of Revenue hotlines:
- Individual Income Tax: 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094
- Business Income Taxes: 651-556-3075
- Withholding Tax: 651-282-9999 or 1-800-657-3594
- Special Taxes: 651-556-3022
- MinnesotaCare Taxes: 651-282-5533
- General Information: 651-556-3000
SBA Disaster Loans: The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses and residents affected by the flooding. These loans can help cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.
The deadlines to apply are September 30, 2024, for physical damage and April 29, 2025, for economic injury. For more information, contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Visit SBA.gov/disaster and learn about Economic Injury Disaster Loans and other assistance options.
FEMA Individual Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened up applications for individual assistance grants. These can help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. The deadline to apply is September 27.
To apply for FEMA assistance:
– Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
– Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585)
– The deadline to apply is September 27, 2024
It’s crucial to document any damage with photographs and keep receipts for repairs. Even if you have insurance, you may still be eligible for some forms of assistance.
These programs aim to provide much-needed support as our community recovers. If you need help navigating any of these options or have questions about other available resources, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
It is a privilege to serve you.
John