SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced new economic projections that show Minnesota is well positioned to provide immediate economic aid to workers and small businesses. After today’s announcement, Rep. Jack Considine (DFL – Mankato) is hopeful a COVID-19 relief package can be considered at the Capitol soon.
“Working Minnesotans – especially those in low wage positions – and small businesses have faced extraordinary hardship during this pandemic. As we keep working to keep people safe from COVID-19, this economic forecast puts us in a position to deliver aid just as soon as we can come to a compromise,” Rep. Considine said. “No matter what budgetary challenges there might be ahead, right now, Minnesotans are counting on us to provide the aid they need to withstand this crisis so they can be healthy and successful.”
House DFL lawmakers continue to work with Governor Walz and Republicans to reach agreement on a COVID-19 relief package while Minnesota awaits more aid from the federal government. On November 24, House DFLers and Governor Walz announced a new plan to help Minnesotans whose livelihoods and family businesses are most likely to be harmed by the pandemic.
The plan includes direct aid to small businesses, an eviction moratorium, a 13-week unemployment extension, and emergency $500 payments to struggling families. It also helps Minnesotans put food on the table with grants to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities.