MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Gov. Tim Walz says he’s dedicated to “turning over each stone” to search out funding that helps small companies keep afloat, helps employees and ensures households can put meals on the desk in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, Walz launched extra particulars on an financial aid bundle for the state’s companies and struggling Minnesotans, saying he’ll work with legislators on either side to maneuver ahead with the proposal. He’ll name a particular session when an settlement is remaining.
For companies, Walz says the aid bundle would offer direct help to companies via a Enterprise Help Program, waive state and regulatory charges for hospitality institutions and set up an eviction moratorium so small companies can keep of their places.
“Our small companies and the Minnesotans whose livelihoods depend upon them are bearing an enormous weight for the nice of their complete group. As instances skyrocket and hospital capability is pushed to the brink, our small companies mustn’t must bear the monetary penalties alone. We’re on this collectively,” Walz mentioned. “I’m dedicated to turning over each stone to search out funding that may assist be sure that our companies keep afloat, our employees are supported, and our households can put meals on the desk.”
For employees struggling to get by, the aid bundle would prolong unemployment advantages for an extra 13 weeks “serving to as many as 100,000 employees whose advantages at present finish subsequent month” and supply an emergency one-time fee of $500 to struggling households.
For these struggling to get meals, the aid bundle intends to ascertain a one-time grant to eating places to offer meals for healthcare employees, homeless shelters and long-term care amenities. A tax credit score would even be supplied for companies that donate meals that might in any other case spoil or be thrown away.
Walz says he’s invested $100 million to help greater than 8,000 companies for the reason that pandemic started. An extra $840 million has been given from the state to native governments, a lot of which has been distributed to small companies across the state.
Minnesota Republicans Unveil Their Plan
In the meantime, Home Republicans additionally unveiled plans for hard-hit companies, referred to as the Important Avenue Aid Act, which is headlined by a $400 million grant fund “designed to assist eating places, bars, breweries, bowling alleys, gyms, and different institutions that had been ordered to shut or restrict operations final week with lower than 48 hours discover.”
The GOP proposal additionally encompasses a three-month gross sales tax vacation for companies which were restricted to takeout or curbside-only operations, in addition to an identical three-month gross sales tax vacation that begins for reopening companies that at the moment are mandated to be closed.
“We’re in a disaster state of affairs, and must work collectively as shortly as doable to get assist to the Important Avenue companies which are beloved staples of our communities,” mentioned Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar. “We have now been arduous at work over the previous two weeks participating companies, business teams, and legislators from each events on how we might help as many companies as we will, as quickly as we will.”
The GOP plan additionally outlines liquor flexibility, license payment aid, and opening health facilities and gymnasiums. Republicans suggest that the $400 million would come from the state’s wet day fund, and can be then repaid with federal help if Congress agrees on a aid bundle.
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