Minnesota lawmakers pass 13-week unemployment extension, business relief
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota lawmakers struck a deal Monday to throw a lifeline to laid-off workers and struggling businesses through the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic.
The legislation extends unemployment benefits for 13 weeks, averting a crisis for 100,000 to 125,000 Minnesotans whose benefits were set to end later this month. It also sends $216 million in cash relief to businesses.
Minnesota lawmakers strike deal on unemployment benefits and COVID-19 business relief
Minnesota lawmakers struck a deal on unemployment benefits and COVID-19 business relief.
The Senate voted 62-4 on Monday evening, and the House voted 117-13. Gov. Tim Walz said he planned to sign the bill as soon as possible. Top lawmakers who negotiated the deal over the past three weeks said Minnesota needed to act because Congress had not.
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Legislature Passes COVID-19 Aid Package
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The Minnesota Legislature late Monday night approved a COVID-19 relief package, providing aid to struggling businesses and extending unemployment insurance to workers whose benefits could dry up after the holidays.
The $242 million deal will funnel grants directly to bars, restaurants and entertainment venues that Gov. Tim Walz ordered closed for four weeks in mid-November as a second wave of COVID-19 cases hit the state.
It now goes to Walz, who said he supports the aid package.
Local governments will direct some funding to businesses in their communities hit hardest by the pandemic, while Minnesotans on unemployment insurance will see those benefits extended for another 13 weeks into April.