MN Lawmakers Pass Relief Package For Businesses, Workers

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz is praising state lawmakers for passing a $216 million economic relief package for small businesses struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. The bipartisan bill passed both chambers Monday night, and is headed for the governor's desk to be signed.

The bill provides direct support for small businesses and a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits.

"Our small businesses have made enormous sacrifices to their own bottom lines for the good of our state. This is a critical lifeline for those businesses, and for the Minnesotans whose livelihoods depend on them," Walz said in a news release.

"This bipartisan bill will provide direct, targeted aid to keep our small businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help families put food on the table while we work to get the virus under control."

Here's specifically what the bill includes:

• $88 million in direct payments to restaurants, bars, and gyms
• $14 million for convention centers and movie theaters
• $114.8 million for "local economically significant businesses and organizations" including non-profits
  • These funds will be distributed by counties

'ReOpen Minnesota Coalition' Plans To Defy Gov. Tim Walz

Walz's "four-week pause" on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and gym usage is set to expire on Dec. 18. If the governor chooses to extend the coronavirus-related shutdowns, which he has hinted at, there is a growing group of businesses planning to defy him.

Read more here.