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Neighbors and Friends,
This has been a trying time for our community and state. We continue to navigate COVID-19 and rebuild from the civil unrest. Thank you for your part in keeping each other safe by following health guidelines. Also, thank you for your generosity as we help our communities rebuild and become stronger.
CARES Act relief to communities announced
Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced a plan to distribute $853 million in relief to communities across the state impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. $841 million will be distributed to Minnesota counties, cities, and towns to support local government coronavirus relief efforts. $12 million will be allocated toward food shelves and food banks. The funding was authorized under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Once approved by the Legislative Advisory Commission, the Minnesota Department of Revenue will distribute these funds on a rolling basis beginning the week of June 29, 2020. Based on a per capita formula, the following communities in the district I represent will receive funding:
Roseville - $2,732,742
Falcon Heights - $412,789
Lauderdale - $181,419
St. Paul - $23,582,254
More information on the Coronavirus Relief Fund for Local Governments is available here.
Small business relief grant applications now being accepted
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently announced that the Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Program – which was approved by the Minnesota Legislature last week and signed by Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday – is now accepting applications.
This program provides grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees are eligible. Half of the funding will go to businesses in Greater Minnesota and half to businesses in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area, as required by law.
Additional carve-outs of grant distribution include:
- $18 million for businesses with six or fewer full-time employees
- $10 million for minority business enterprises
- $2.5 million for veteran-owned businesses
- $2.5 million for women-owned businesses
- $2.5 million for operators of indoor retail and food markets with an ethnic cultural emphasis
The application period closes at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 2 to fulfill the 10-day period required by the law.
AARP survey
The AARP community survey seeks to inform the work of the Governor’s Council on an Age Friendly Minnesota, which is working to drive coordinated action across state agencies and move Minnesota toward being a more livable, age friendly state. The full survey can be taken by individual Minnesota residents, age 45+ through July 3, 2020.
Vote by Mail
Many people are opting to vote by mail this year due to COVID-19 concerns. Mail in ballots can be obtained now from the Minnesota Secretary of State. Find out more here.
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I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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