A COVID-19 relief bill is headed to Governor Tim Walz's desk after clearing the Minnesota House and Senate on Monday night.
The $216 million relief bill is geared towards businesses and workers hit hardest by the state's four-week pause that began in mid-Novemember.
"There are many, many businesses that are just barely holding on right now," said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka.
If signed by the governor, the deal includes $90 million in direct grants to bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys whose business is down 30 percent or more. The grants range between $10,000 and $45,000, depending on the size of business.
“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,” said Governor Walz. “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.”
Even with the positive news of the relief bill clearing the House and Senate, House Speaker Melissa Hortman called on the federal government to step up to the plate.
"Provide the substantial relief that Minnesotans need," Hortman said. "We're stepping in at this moment to provide a package that will help businesses, workers, and families."
$112 million is set to go to Minnesota counties, who will be able to award grants to businesses who are also down less than 30%.Another $14 million in grants was included for theaters and convention centers. Those grants range from $15,000 to $150,000 based on venue size.
"This doesn't address all the needs of Minnesotans at this time," House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler said. "We know that. We know this is hard. We're doing what we can at the state level to help Minnesotans weather this pandemic and come through at a place afterwards, that will allows us to thrive and recover quickly."
Monday's economic relief bill includes a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits.