The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis are unprecedented events in American and world history. Millions of people across the country are out of work and unable to pay for essential services such as rents and utility payments. In the past few weeks, 6.6 million Americans filed new unemployment insurance claims, obliterating the numbers recorded during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Minnesotans a filed a record-breaking 240,000 new unemployment claims.
Every American needs our leaders to ACT NOW and ACT FAST to address these dual crises and help people. Our neighbors need to retain access to the essentials of life. Having these basics will help protect them from the virus and stop its spread, as well as reducing financial hurt.
Minnesotans need Governor Walz to immediately halt all utility disconnects—electric, water, gas, phone, internet—during this crisis.
Voluntary actions and recommendations are not enough. For example, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association unanimously stated that Minnesota electric co-ops stop disconnections—but only 13 of 44 electric co-ops have complied. (according to tracking by Citizens Utility Board and Fresh Energy) Even worse, only eight of Minnesota’s 125 municipal utilities have stopped utility shutoffs. Minnesotans can’t wait, we need executive intervention immediately.
Governor Walz: Your next executive action MUST put a hold on ALL utility shutoffs—electric, water, gas, phone, internet, etc—to protect all Minnesotans.
Add your name in urging Governor Walz to take action and stop utility shutoffs!