Walz Prepared To Call Lawmakers Back For COVID-19 Economic Relief As Negotiations Continue

From the Minnesota Reformer:

By Ricardo Lopez

November 30, 2020

Gov. Tim Walz on Monday said he could potentially call lawmakers back into session this week to pass a COVID-19 economic relief package intended to help businesses and unemployed Minnesotans.

Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor legislative leaders, as well as Walz, have unveiled different proposals intended to help mitigate the economic pain of temporary business closures enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Walz last week unveiled his list, which includes grants to businesses, as well as an eviction moratorium for businesses and the easing of licensing fees. House Republicans called for more measures like easing liquor rules, including allowing breweries and restaurants to sell alcohol to-go.

“The package we put out is different from all four (caucuses),” Walz said. “We’re trying to meld them together.”

Walz and other state leaders said they are not waiting for a federal COVID-19 relief package.

On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear a new budget and economic forecast from the state’s budget agency. Walz said he expects the report will provide clarity on how substantial the aid package might be, hinting at potential good news.

“This process will accelerate itself when the forecast comes out tomorrow,” he said.

Once a deal is reached, Walz pledged to call a special session so the package can be passed soon.

The Minnesota Reformer is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to keeping Minnesotans informed and unearthing stories other outlets can’t or won’t tell..