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Dear Neighbors,
Late Monday evening, the Minnesota Legislature passed a new economic assistance package designed to help small businesses and workers struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation includes direct financial assistance to the hardest hit businesses and helps protect economic security for workers by extending unemployment benefits by 13 weeks.
The legislation, which will be signed by Governor Walz today, delivers a $216 million package of economic assistance to small businesses. Of this, $88 million comes in the form of direct aid to businesses experiencing economic harm due to the pandemic, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, breweries, wineries and distilleries with taprooms or tasting rooms, caterers, bowling alleys, and some gyms and fitness centers. The bill also includes grant funding to movie theaters and large convention centers. The remaining $114.8 million will be made available to counties for grants to other affected businesses, including hotels, museums, arcades, and live theater venues.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue is finalizing details and will have information on the Small Business Relief Program very soon. Additionally, the Department plans to directly reach out to eligible businesses in the next several days.
I was glad to support this economic assistance package, which will serve as a bridge support for our Plymouth community until we receive more substantial aid from the federal government. I am in frequent communication with our Minnesota congressional delegation, urging swift action immediately in passing a more robust economic relief package in D.C.
Vaccine Arrives to Minnesota
Early Monday morning, Minnesota received its very first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine. The shipments were delivered to four sites across the state: Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, Olmsted Medical Center, and Cass Lake Indian Health Services.
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