As we slowly get back to work, I hope I can help you make the most of the benefits Congress has recently passed to get us all through this crisis. I am hosting a telephone town hall tomorrow (May 6)with a representative of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 4 p.m. The IRS is distributing up to $1,200 for qualifying Americans.

Please note, for SSI beneficiaries and veterans who do not file taxes but have children 17 and under, you may qualify for the additional 500 dollars in economic assistance but the filing deadline is today, May 5. Visit the IRS’ website to learn more.

In the meantime, please visit my Resource Page for COVID-19 updates for Minnesota specific information. Our office remains available should you need additional assistance. You can visit our website at Emmer.House.Gov or contact my Otsego District Office at (763) 241-6848 or Washington, D.C. Office at (202) 225-2331. If I can be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Protecting Our Seniors

This week, I introduced the Senior abuse Training and Offense Prevention (STOP) Act, which would create a specialized grant program to support law enforcement, first responders, and existing community efforts to combat elder abuse. Instances of neglect and abuse of our aging citizens is far too prevalent, and it can be prevented. These individuals deserve to age with dignity, and we can ensure they do.

Supporting Our Economy

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, employees and employers have faced uncertainty as businesses are forced to remain closed. However, despite this uncertainty, businesses can utilize the Employee Retention Credit, a benefit created through the CARES Act, which I supported, to keep their staffs intact. The Employee Retention Credit encourages companies to keep employees on their payroll by providing for a tax credit of 50% of up to $10,000 for paying employees while the business is impacted by COVID-19.

I sent a letter calling on the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide flexibility for employers who continued paying their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. This week, the IRS issued guidance allowing employers to qualify for the Employee Retention Credit under varying state and local guidance and recommendations.

Supporting Pork Producers

Last week, President Trump announced that he would invoke the Defense Production Act to aid the supply chain for pork producers across America. In the weeks prior, I had been communicating with the Administration about the dire situation facing our pork producers.

I am grateful for President Trump’s swift action. The reopening of processing plants will ensure pork producers can move their product to market to ensure grocery stores are stocked and pork producers are not faced with difficult decisions regarding their herds.

Reopening Hospitals

Last week, I joined my colleagues Rep. Jim Hagedorn and Rep. Pete Stauber to urge Gov. Walz to provide guidance for the health care sector as they begin to fully reopen for elective procedures and their normal full range of care.