Dear Neighbors,

This coming Monday the Legislature will meet in special session. Lawmakers and Governor Walz have been working to provide a robust package of much-needed economic assistance for those impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the public health crisis COVID-19 is presenting, many small businesses, workers, and families are struggling to make ends meet and deserve aid now.

Here are the highlights of the package House DFLers are working to advance with the support of Governor Walz:

Small Businesses

• $102.5 million for counties to make grants to eligible businesses and nonprofits. Each county would receive $200,000 or a per capita amount, whichever is greater
• $100 million to businesses that provide on-site food and beverages; including bars, restaurants, breweries and wineries; bowling alleys; and fitness or sports recreation centers
• $14 million for movie theaters and multipurpose convention centers with a capacity of at least 1,500 people
• $53.1 million worth of support for eligible child care providers
• A COVID-19 food relief grant program with $10 million to support small Minnesota owned and operated restaurants, catering companies, and food establishments while also providing hunger relief
• Waivers of certain fees for bars, food-related businesses, and breweries

Workers

• An additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for someone who has exhausted their current benefits. Without either a state or federal extension, over 100,000 Minnesotans would lose this help on December 26

Minnesota Families

• A onetime cash benefit of up to $500 for each household active in the Minnesota Family Investment Program or Diversionary Work Program
• $50 million for emergency housing assistance
• $9.98 million to help families pay for child care

We continue to work with Republicans in the Senate to reach agreement on this critical aid. While we wait for our federal partners to step up and do their part, our recent economic forecast shows we have the ability to act immediately at the state level. There is light at the end of the tunnel with a vaccine around the corner, but the crisis is urgent right now for people and businesses. The assistance package I hope we can enact Monday invests in Minnesotans’ livelihoods so everyone can have a stronger opportunity to thrive once this pandemic ends.

Please continue to stay in touch. My email is rep.jennifer.schultz@house.mn and phone number is 651-296-2228. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Jen Schultz
State Representative