Gov. Walz Announces Small Business Relief Proposal

Last week, Governor Walz unveiled a plan to aid small businesses in Minnesota to help navigate the continued economic struggles wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Governor’s plan includes:

• Providing direct aid to businesses through the Business Assistance Program
• Waiving state regulatory fees for bars, restaurants, breweries, event centers and others
• Implementing eviction moratoriums so small businesses can stay in their locations
• Extending unemployment benefits for 13 weeks
• Providing a $500 one-time emergency payment to struggling families

House Republicans also unveiled their own legislative proposals to help small businesses last week. Known as the Main Street Relief Act, it is a package of proposals that is led by, according to a House Republican press release, "a $400 million grant fund designed to help restaurants, bars, breweries, bowling alleys, gyms, and other establishments that were ordered to close or limit operations last week with less than 48 hours-notice.” It would also allow gyms to reopen immediately and waive various business-related fees.

It is expected that the Governor’s office, along with leaders from all four legislative caucuses, are negotiating on a compromise package that could pass both House and Senate when they reconvene next week to take up the latest extension of the Governor’s emergency powers.

MnCUN staff have been in contact with the Governor’s office about some of their proposals and are waiting for more details on the business eviction moratorium. We will share any info we get with our members as soon as we receive more specific details.