The provided source material documents several offers and assistance programs available to federal employees in Minneapolis, primarily during a government shutdown period. The information focuses on free admission to cultural institutions, recreational activities, and access to city services and benefits. The sources indicate that these initiatives were designed to support federal workers affected by furloughs or lack of pay during specific historical periods, particularly January 2019.
Free Admission and Recreational Offers
During the government shutdown in January 2019, specific venues in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area offered complimentary access to federal employees and their families.
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota announced a free admission offer for furloughed federal employees. According to the source, the museum provided free combination exhibit gallery and Omnitheater admission to the affected employee and up to three guests. To redeem this offer, visitors were required to present a valid government identification card at the box office. The offer was intended to provide relief during the "lengthy government shutdown."
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone offered a "jump for free" promotion for federal government employees who were furloughed or currently without pay. This offer was valid at participating locations during January 2019, specifically on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Eligible participants included the federal employee and up to three immediate family members. The promotion provided one free 60-minute jump session per day for each eligible person. The offer was valid at four Sky Zone locations in the Minnesota Twin Cities metro area: Blaine, Edina, Maple Grove, and Oakdale. Participants were required to show valid government identification. While Sky Zone socks were required for safety, the policy allowed the use of socks from previous visits.
City Services and Ordinances
The City of Minneapolis provided information regarding access to city services for federal employees and residents during the federal response period.
Access to City Services
The city emphasized that its policies ensure residents can access city programs and services regardless of immigration status. The Minneapolis Police Department does not participate in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws. This policy is intended to ensure that all residents, including federal employees, can safely access services and report crimes without fear regarding immigration status. The city operates as a "Welcoming City," focusing on safety and service access rather than immigration enforcement.
Energy Assistance
Residents in need of energy assistance were encouraged to apply to Minnesota’s federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). The source indicates that the program continued to accept and process applications during the referenced period.
Employment and Veteran Benefits
The provided materials also detail information regarding unemployment benefits for separated service members and federal hiring preferences for veterans.
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) for Service Members
Service members who recently separated from active duty and are unemployed may apply for UI benefits based on their active duty service. To be eligible, the service member must have completed their first full term of service and been separated under honorable conditions.
Applicants need specific information to apply, including: * Social Security Number (SSN) * Driver's license number or other state government identification number * Employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, pay rates, and reasons for leaving) * Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit * DD214 (Member Copy 4) if served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the last 18 months * SF8 and SF50 if a federal employee in the last 18 months * Work authorization documents if not a U.S. citizen * Trade union information if employed through a union
The Minnesota UI Handbook and Applicant Self-Service System provide phone support for the Twin Cities area and Greater Minnesota, as well as TTY services for the hearing impaired.
Veteran Designation on Driver’s Licenses
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) offers a Veteran designation on driver’s licenses or ID cards. Eligibility requires: * Service on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 181 total days. * Receipt of an Honorable or General (under Honorable conditions) discharge. * Retired status from the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve.
Applicants must provide proof of eligibility, such as separation documents (DD214, WD AGO, NAVPERS, or NGB 22), military retired ID card, Veteran ID card, or Veteran health ID card. Applications are processed at Minnesota DVS offices.
Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences
Federal law entitles veterans to preference over non-veterans in hiring for Federal civil service jobs and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points added to examination scores or ratings.
5-point Hiring Preference is granted to veterans who served: * During a war. * During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955. * For more than 180 consecutive days (other than training) occurring after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976. * During the Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992). * For more than 180 consecutive days (other than training) occurring during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010. * In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized.
Conclusion
The provided sources detail specific free offers and assistance programs available to federal employees in the Minneapolis area. These include free admission to the Science Museum of Minnesota and free jump passes at Sky Zone locations, both offered during the January 2019 government shutdown. Additionally, the sources outline access to city services, energy assistance programs, and detailed procedures for veterans seeking unemployment benefits or designation on state identification. These programs reflect a targeted response to support federal workers and veterans during periods of financial or employment transition.