D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: Nothing Ventura’d, nothing gained
This week from Washington, MNGOP congressional district conventions pick their candidates; Jesse Ventura is not not not running for president; and Gov. Tim Walz is a popular guy.
Gabe Schneider
Articles by this author:
National
For rebuilding after COVID-19, Rep. Dean Phillips proposes six-fold increase in AmeriCorps volunteers
Phillips’ bill would grow AmeriCorps from 75,000 volunteers to 500,000.
National
Legal complaints and nasty tweets notwithstanding, Minnesota Republicans endorse candidates in Second and Seventh Congressional Districts
Cook Political Report currently calls these two races the most competitive in the state.
D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: Mike check
This week from Washington, the Vice President goes to Rochester; 29 senators endorse the $50 billion Smith/Warren childcare plan and unemployment benefits for gig-workers are up (kind of).
Economy
Unemployment benefits for Minnesota freelancers have started, but not everyone has been paid yet
While DEED has already processed 10,000 applications since implementing the program on April 24, it still has a ways to go.
National
‘We’re going to have to start from scratch’: How COVID-19 could wipe out the child care industry in Minnesota
The industry’s best hope may come from the federal government. Specifically, an ambitious, longshot proposal by U.S. Sens. Tina Smith of Minnesota and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts: to make $50 billion in grants available through Congress’ next coronavirus response package.
National
Omar bill would allow SNAP benefits to be used to buy groceries online
As more people shop for groceries online during the coronavirus pandemic, SNAP benefits users are left behind.
D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: Good things happening
Congress is back in session; Jason Lewis takes to his RV; and Klobuchar is both in and out of VEEP considerations.
National
Congress set to replenish small business rescue funds
Congress will add funds to the Paycheck Protection Program, even amid reports of misuse of the program.
National
What Minnesota’s congressional offices are hearing from constituents during the COVID-19 crisis
From small business aid to questions about testing, the volume of contacts to most Minnesota offices is up.
National
No, you won’t have to repay your federal stimulus check on your 2020 taxes
Some confusion has arisen since the payments are technically a credit on 2020 taxes.
D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: WHO; CARES
Taking another look at the CARES Act; who funded the pro-Klobuchar Super PAC; and Omar demands Federal oversight of Amazon after firing of two workers in Shakopee.
National
Here’s who funded the Super PAC that backed Klobuchar’s presidential bid
The group, Kitchen Table Conversations, spent $3 million in support of Klobuchar.
National
Self-employed and contract workers are now eligible for unemployment benefits in Minnesota. Here’s what you need to know
States have some discretion to determine who is covered, but essentially, any individual who has exhausted all rights to regular unemployment and is self-employed should qualify.
National
Skipped by federal stimulus payments: dependents over the age of 16
Even for children who file their own taxes, if they are claimed as a dependent by a parent, they will receive no stimulus payment.
D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: Your trusted local news outlet
Congress considers a fourth COVID-related stimulus package; the Trump administration continues its fight against the Affordable Care Act; and Sen. Bernie Sanders drops his bid for president.
National
Amid coronavirus pandemic, Trump administration continues push to end Affordable Care Act
The administration is refusing to defend the law against a suit brought by states calling the individual mandate unconstitutional.
Health
‘This is about fighting a war’: former Medicare administrator Andy Slavitt on what to expect in the months to come
Slavitt, the former Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was part of the team that fixed Healthcare.gov after its botched rollout.
D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: Mailing it in
Stimulus oversight; vote-by-mail efforts; campaigning in times of COVID-19; and more.
National
Rep. Dean Phillips authored a measure to oversee spending under the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package. Trump has pledged to sidestep it.
Trump said the office’s reports must be filtered through the White House before being released to Congress.
