ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House of Representatives approved a $216 million business relief package late Monday evening, sending to the Governor's desk a bill to help small businesses and workers impacted by Governor Walz's latest restrictions on businesses. Walz has twice delayed an announcement on whether the restrictions first announce on November 18th will continue past their December 18 expiration.
“This legislation will help businesses and workers impacted by the governor's shutdown and ideally will serve as a bridge until the federal government passes additional relief,” said Rep. Sondra Erickson, R-Princeton. “While today’s vote is a step in the right direction and will help local businesses stay open and keep our neighbors and family members employed, it will not cover all of the losses incurred because of Governor Walz’s shutdown. Stores, restaurants, fitness centers, and others that have been closed do not want a handout, they want to be able to open and safely serve their customers. I will continue working to make that a reality.”
The business relief package includes direct grants to businesses, license and other fee relief, and a 13 week extension of unemployment insurance for workers. The grants are broken into three categories aimed at prioritizing speed;
Gov. Walz announced the current restrictions on November 18th, which kicked in just two days later.
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