Dear friends and neighbors,

Over the past week, I have received hundreds of inquiries from Nebraskans all across the state about struggles with obtaining unemployment benefits. I know that many of you are experiencing trouble with the website, delays in benefits, and struggling to connect with help, and I can tell you that’s consistent with what I am hearing from other Nebraskans. I want to share some guidance that will hopefully help you navigate the process and give you some peace of mind.

• The Nebraska Department of Labor asks individuals to contact them by phone (855-995-8863) or email (NDOL.UnemploymentHelp@nebraska.gov) about any question, because they need personally sensitive information in order to look into details about your claim. This unfortunately isn’t something my office can do on behalf of any individual. If you have already applied for unemployment, there will be a claim they can look into for you.
• Under the CARES Act passed by Congress, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA) is applied to individuals who would not generally qualify for unemployment assistance, including independent contractors, hair stylists, aestheticians, etc. If your application is denied at the state level, it will still be reviewed to figure out if you are eligible for federal PUA. This process is likely to take longer because the application has to go through the process of being denied before qualifying for PUA. Under the PUA, applicants are eligible to receive:
  • Up to 39 weeks of benefits starting with weeks of unemployment beginning February 2, 2020 through December 26, 2020, depending on when you became directly impacted by the pandemic.
  • An additional $600 to each weekly benefit amount you may be eligible to receive, as part of the separate CARES Act Pandemic Additional Compensation program. Only the weeks of a claim between March 29 and July 25 are eligible for the extra $600 payment.
• Reminder: You must file a claim every week in order to remain eligible for these federal benefits! You can do that easily through the online interface at http://neworks.nebraska.gov.
• Finally, it’s important that you reach out to your State Senator (if it’s not me). They have the staff and capacity to process constituent requests and many keep records of each case, and will follow up to make sure your problem was resolved. Your Senator is your best advocate.

If it’s taking a while to hear back from the Department of Labor, keep trying. I understand from personal experience that this can be a very frustrating and overwhelming process. The Department staff is also overwhelmed, and they do understand that you and many others need this assistance immediately. When the pandemic began, the Department of Labor only had a few dozen adjudicators to process claims. Now the DoL is in the process of training over 200 new workers to help with the backlog. It’s not ideal, it’s going to take patience, but if you keep filing your claims and reach out to them with specific questions about your claim, you will be taken care of.

Over 83,000 Nebraskans have filed for unemployment in the past month. Every worker who has experienced a layoff or furlough is going through this same frustration, and I know the workers at the Department of Labor are doing the best to help every single person affected. As always, please let me know if I can be of any more assistance. Email is the best way to get in touch with me, at mhunt@leg.ne.gov.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

For years, ever since grocery stores started offering online ordering, I have been advocating for online ordering to be made available for people who pay for groceries with SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) or WIC (special food assistance for women, infants, and children). With the spread of COVID-19, we see how much more important this is today.

People experiencing food insecurity, who rely on SNAP, have to crowd in grocery stores because they can’t use their benefits to get groceries delivered like others do. What I know from speaking to these Nebraskans is that many people who rely on these benefits are essential workers, working at grocery stores or restaurants or in delivery themselves, so they are not able to shop strategically at less congested times.

If everyone had access to food delivery, everyone would be safer, including grocery workers. Reducing congestion in grocery stores is vital to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

I am very excited that The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has started an online ordering for SNAP pilot program as of April 1, with Amazon and Walmart participating. Walmart has started with two stores in Norfolk and South Sioux City, and will soon expand statewide. Amazon is delivering statewide now.

For Nebraskans to use their SNAP EBT card on Amazon, visit Amazon.com/SNAP-EBT and follow the instructions on the screen. If you are not already an Amazon customer, you will need to create an account and add your SNAP EBT card plus zip code to make sure that you are eligible. It’s a very quick and easy process.

I am not sure about the timeline right now, but DHHS says they will expand online ordering to other Nebraska grocery stores, such as Hy-Vee, “as resources allow.” I will keep you updated when I know more about that.

In 2016, the federal government launched the first pilot program to allow food insecure people to use SNAP to buy groceries online. The program has been running in Alabama, Iowa, New York, Washington, Oregon, and finally we have started this pilot program in Nebraska which I hope will bring relief to many of our neighbors.

The USDA should expand online ordering for SNAP nationwide to stop crowding and support low income people who need food delivery now. I encourage you to contact your Congressional representatives and urge federal action to allow all Americans who rely on SNAP to order groceries online. It is one low-cost, easy way we can use technology to help people now.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

My colleague Senator Wendy DeBoer has been in contact with the Food Bank for the Heartland to determine what their needs are during this pandemic crisis. The President for Food Bank of the Heartland lives in her neighborhood and expressed concerns about how the distribution lines might be interrupted for the food banks (in more rural areas especially) as this virus moves across our state.

He also mentioned that money is more helpful than food donations at this time for two reasons. First, the Food Bank can buy at cheaper prices than consumers, and second, because it cuts down on transportation and distribution logistics. Based on the challenges he expressed, Senator DeBoer and many others, me included, are concerned that we may get to a place where folks in Nebraska do not have enough to eat.

Below, I am sharing information put together between the Food Bank of the Heartland and Senator DeBoer’s staff. The short version is: The Food Bank needs monetary donations. You can click on the button below to give directly today.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Donate to the Food Bank for the Heartland

What is Food Bank for the Heartland?

Food Bank for the Heartland is on the front line of addressing food insecurity issues during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Food Bank distributes food to 77 Nebraska counties and 16 neighboring Iowa counties through partnerships with a network of food pantries, meal providers, emergency shelters, and schools. The Food Bank of the Heartland – Lincoln serves 16 counties in southeast Nebraska. The Food Bank works with over 600 partners to distribute food and will be hosting mobile drive up food pantries at local food banks throughout the state during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Food Bank for the Heartland distributed 23 million meals in 2019. For every one meal that the food bank provides, SNAP provides 12 meals. As a result, the food bank works in partnership with programs like SNAP to adequately serve those facing food insecurity.

Normally, the Food Bank receives 70% its food supply through donations from retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers, and purchases the other 30%.

How does COVID-19 present challenges to the Food Bank?

The COVID-19 outbreak presents new challenges for Food Bank for the Heartland. First, the Food Bank anticipates an increased need for food throughout the state. As schools close, many students who received free and reduced lunches at school may now turn to organizations like the Food Bank. Statewide, 45% of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Many individuals are also facing unemployment as a result of COVID-19 or are hourly employees who have experienced a significant loss of income due to closures. These individuals may also turn to the Food Bank for food throughout the outbreak.

In addition to increased demand, COVID-19 has also resulted in decreased supplies for the food bank. While 70% of the food is usually donated with the remaining 30% purchased by the food bank, these numbers have flipped in recent weeks. Shoppers stocking up on food from retailers has put increased demands on the supply chain. This has resulted in less overstock and therefore fewer donations to the Food Bank. The increased demand for food has also led to delays in getting food purchased by the food bank to its facility. The Food Bank has already made a $200,000 emergency purchase of food and anticipates that similar purchases may be needed in the coming weeks.

Finally, COVID-19 may create distribution challenges. While the Food Bank is only holding drive up pantries, some local staging areas have closed their doors. Many food pantries across Nebraska are run by seniors who are not safely able to volunteer during the outbreak. As more of these pantries close, the food bank will lose vital distribution points across the state. The food bank has also reduced its volunteer numbers in half to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

The most effective way to assist Food Bank for the Heartland and provide food security for those in need during the outbreak is through monetary donations. While food donations through community drives are appreciated, they can only provide a fraction of the food needed. Food Bank for the Heartland can purchase food at a lower per unit cost by purchasing in bulk or at cost.

Dear friends and neighbors,

Nancy Cyr, who is the Director of Research for the Nebraska Legislative Research Office compiled a list of resources available to help small businesses weather these tough economic times. They distributed the following graphic, which outlines resources available through the federal stimulus as well as from the state. You can click on the image to download a .pdf. Please distribute this if you think it will help anyone else you know.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

In the past weeks, I have received many emails, voicemails, and messages from public employees who have specific questions about their ability to take time off. I participated in a phone call with NAPE/ASCFME, the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, where Executive Director Jason Hubly explained the rights of state employees under the federal emergency paid sick leave and emergency family leave law that goes into effect April 2.

Click here to read the NAPE/AFSCME fact sheet about these leave benefits and how to access them.

You can also register for the next webinar on this topic which is April 1 by clicking the button below. I hope this is of some assistance to public employees in Nebraska, and if there are any other questions, please reach out to me. Thank you for what you do.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

Members of the Nebraska State Bar Association are eager to help individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal advice clinic for qualifying users to post civil legal questions at no cost.

Through this platform, lawyers can help you by providing information and basic legal advice without any expectation of long-term representation. You can ask civil legal questions which will be answered by Nebraska attorneys for free.

This is a resource designed for low-income Nebraskans, but it is also appropriate for people who are facing hardships due to COVID-19 and cannot afford an attorney.

Please share this resource as you see fit.

Many thanks,
Meg

Click to visit Nebraska Free Legal Answers

Dear friends and neighbors,

On March 3rd, when there were only 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the US, I called for the Legislature to take up paid sick leave, medicaid expansion, and urged us to get together and talk about what we can do in the Legislature to prepare for this public health crisis, because it was knocking on our door.

Today, 20 days later, we have over 32,000 confirmed cases and that number will continue to grow as we expand testing and tracking in the US.

Click to watch: March 3, 2020: Senator Hunt on COVID-19

Today your Nebraska Legislature is coming to order for one purpose: To pass emergency support funding for researchers, healthcare workers, public health departments, and first responders at the front lines fighting against the spread of COVID-19. The question we are voting on is to appropriate over $83 million dollars for researchers, healthcare workers, hospitals, public health departments, and technology to fight against the spread of this pandemic in Nebraska.

This is the first of what I hope will be many votes to bring relief to everyone in our state. We already know that many Nebraskans are slipping through the cracks, unable to access institutional support like Unemployment Insurance or Medicaid. Our plans must include them too.

Until we figure out how to convene remotely, I will be present to pass these emergency measures because I cannot ask Nebraskans who are first responders and healthcare providers to continue to work with dwindling PPE supplies if I am unwilling to simply go take a vote.

I am asking you to do your part by stopping the spread, doing all you can staying home, avoid crowds, and monitor your health. I also ask you to contact your elected officials and the Governor, and ask them to continue expanding aid for Nebraskans who feel stranded today. We need to help workers and small businesses now. Besides the health impacts of the Coronavirus, we know that the economic devastation will not only be lasting, but it will affect the health of Nebraskans as well. I believe a shelter-in-place order is needed in Nebraska, and that we need to be using all state resources at our disposal to support Nebraskans as we stop the spread.

Finally, request your vote by mail ballot if you haven’t done that yet. We are in this fight together, and I am here for you. Please reach out to my office at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if we can be of any assistance.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

On March 20th, a letter signed by 29 organizations was delivered to Mayor Jean Stothert, the Omaha City Council, the Douglas County Board, the Douglas County Sheriff, and Judge Lohaus in Douglas County calling on our community leaders to take immediate action to prevent evictions during this crisis.

Since all are being asked to remain in our homes to protect community health, it is critical that our leaders take action to ensure members of our community have homes in which to remain. As more workers are unable to safely go to work and with many low-income workers lacking access to any paid sick leave, this pandemic will directly impede the ability of our community’s residents to work and provide for their families. With disruptions in regular sources of income resulting from this crisis, this public health emergency will quickly become an economic one. In addition, evictions and resulting homelessness will be counterproductive to public health efforts to contain the virus and will dramatically impact the risks and spread of COVID-19.

With an average of 4,823 eviction actions filed annually in Douglas County – or approximately 92 per week – and 40 eviction hearings scheduled in Douglas County Courtroom 20 this Friday, March 20 alone, we must take immediate policy action to get ahead of the economic fallout and prevent homelessness during this critical time.

I join the undersigned organizations in urging our community to take decisive action to protect the safety and stability of our citizens by enacting an eviction moratorium. I am committed to working with all state and local leaders on this effort during this extraordinary time of crisis for our community and our state.

Neighbors, please assist in this effort by contacting your city leaders, as well as the governor, and asking them to place a moratorium on evictions.

Many thanks,
Meg

Click to read the letter from the following 29 community organizations: 

• Coalition for a Strong Nebraska
• College Possible
• COVID-19 Community Response Task Force
• Family Housing Advisory Services
• Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
• Heartland Workers Center
• I Be Black Girl
• League of Women Voters Greater Omaha
• Legal Aid of Nebraska Metro Area
• Continuum of Care for the Homeless
• Nebraska Appleseed
• Nebraska Civic Engagement Table
• Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
• Nebraska Housing Developers Association
• New Leaders Council Omaha
• North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance
• Omaha Together One Community
• Planned Parenthood North Central States
• Policy, Research & Innovation
• Restoring Dignity
• Rise
• South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance
• Spark CDI
• Survivors Rising
• Together
• University of Nebraska- College of Law, Civil Clinical Law Program, Tenants’ Rights Project
• Voices for Children in Nebraska
• Women’s Fund of Omaha
• Young Black & Influential

Dear friends and neighbors, 

There are a lot of questions about those unable to work during the current crisis. I want to thank State Senator Matt Hansen and his staff on the Business and Labor Committee who have taken the lead on gathering the below information to help businesses and workers. Senator Hansen has been available around the clock to me personally as I have relayed many constituent questions through his office via phone and text. I also want to thank the Nebraska Department of Labor and the Governor for their quick response to the pandemic.

Below are resources available for those unable to work or working reduced hours.

Many thanks,
Meg 

Short-Time Compensation
https://dol.nebraska.gov/stc

• Employers can apply for this program.
• For those still working but limited hours during the pandemic period.
• The Short-Time Compensation program allows employers to uniformly reduce affected employees’ hours by 10 to 60 percent while permitting the employees to receive a prorated unemployment benefit.

Unemployment Insurance
https://dol.nebraska.gov/uibenefits

• For those who are not able to work and not receiving a paycheck during the pandemic period. (If you are working from home or using sick or vacation leave then this does not apply to you)
• Under the executive order signed by Governor Ricketts, starting March 22 through May 2 the following will be in place for unemployment insurance:
  • The waiting week for benefits has been waived
  • Benefits will begin immediately and not with the usual first week unpaid.
  • The work search requirements will be waived.
  • Individuals will not have to apply to jobs in order to receive benefits. It will be assumed that they will be able to return to their jobs after the crisis is over.
  • Benefits will not be charged against individual employers accounts.
• Money will be paid out of the general Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund as the job losses are not the fault of individual employers.
• Nebraska’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is well-funded and is expected to be able handle the increased number of applications.

Nebraskans, you should expect long wait times when calling the Department of Labor. This is due both to the increased demand and due to the fact that the Department is internally dealing with the same issues as all employers. If you cannot get through to speak to someone, it is best to leave a message. You will be called back.

Currently these programs do not apply to contractors or self-employed individuals, as they do not participate in the unemployment system. There may be coming Federal action to help these individuals. Please contact your Federal representatives at this time, and be looking for possible future guidance from the Governor.

We are aware that the situation is changing rapidly. The Department of Labor, and the Governor with his emergency powers, can respond quickly as needed. We have been in close contact with the Department of Labor and will keep you updated.

For questions about *this* issue, contact: Tom Green
Legal Counsel Business and Labor Committee
Cell: 402-580-3341
Email: tgreen@leg.ne.gov

Dear friends and neighbors,

My staff has helped put together this list of resources for people impacted by closures, illness, and disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It goes without saying that this is not exhaustive. These are just some resources we could find today that can be of some help. We are sure there are more to come as funds and resources continue to develop.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Omaha