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December was a busy month for Minnesota. We passed additional economic assistance for Minnesotans, the first vaccines have been administered, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation has some snowplows that need names. Here’s the latest in our last legislative update for 2020:
Economic Assistance for Working Families and Small Businesses
Last week, the Minnesota Legislature finally passed a bipartisan package of legislation aimed at providing a lifeline to our state’s small businesses and working families.
This isn’t a perfect, fix-all solution, but it does provide a lifeline for those struggling to get by until federal relief can arrive. The bill includes a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance and direct financial support for businesses. The Department of Revenue estimates that 5,800 small businesses will receive $82-88 million beginning before the end of the year. Another $114.5 million will be distributed to counties to provide grants to impacted businesses, and movie theaters and convention centers will receive $14 million.
More information on what’s in the bill can be found here, and the specifics on eligible businesses, program requirements, and payment amounts here.
The First Round of COVID Vaccines
Before the vaccine's arrival in our state, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan. Keeping speed, equity, and safety in mind - the plan was made in partnership with the federal government to ensure we’re making the most of the limited supply we’ll have for now.
The first to receive the vaccine in Minnesota will be health care workers and long-term care residents, followed by essential workers, seniors, and people with preexisting conditions that are more likely to become seriously ill with this virus. While the arrival of the vaccine is incredibly good news, we’re still a long way from it becoming available to all who want one. In the meantime, it’s important that we continue adhering to the public health guidelines that have kept our communities safe - social distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask, and getting tested when we feel sick.
Name a Snowplow
To celebrate the winter season, MnDOT is holding a contest to name a snowplow within its fleet. The contest has already produced names like Kent Brrrbek;, Duck, Duck, Gray Truck, and Bobsled Dylan. The top eight will be compiled in February for a final vote to name the plow. Click here to submit your idea before January 22.
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