UPDATE: Unemployment assistance now available to student workers

Monday, December 21, 2020



Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to follow up with you on recent news related to student workers’ eligibility to earn unemployment benefits.
As I’ve previously mentioned in past updates, since the onset of the pandemic, high school students were initially deemed ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits under state law. The Minnesota Court of Appeals disagreed, and recently ruled that the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, under the federal CARES Act, does in fact apply to student workers.
Many of our students work hard and long hours to contribute to their family’s income, especially in our community. Unemployment benefits are now available for students whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and payments are being made retroactively. Student workers are encouraged to apply at www.uimn.org before December 26. More information is available from Youthprise.

Town Hall Reminder- Tonight!A friendly reminder to join us on tonight at 6:30 p.m. for a pre-session virtual town hall on Facebook. You can tune in here.
Those who have confirmed joining us include Representative-Elect John Thompson, Metropolitan Council Member Chai Lee, Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough, City Council Member Jane Prince and City Council Member Nelsie Yang.
Please RSVP and submit questions ahead of time here. All are welcome!







Keep in TouchPlease reach out anytime at rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201 with thoughts, ideas, or questions. Let me know how I can help during these challenging times.
Stay safe, Eastsiders.






In solidarity,
Jay Xiong
State Representative