ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republicans in the Minnesota House are working up a proposal that includes $400 million in grants for businesses that have closed or scaled back because of COVID rules The include restaurants, bars, breweries, bowling alleys, gyms, and other establishments, said Representative Dave Baker, of Willmar, a small business owner. Beck said Republicans are looking to tap the state’s rainy day fund in hope to replenish the fund with federal relief being discussed in Congress. Baker said that the Republican plan probably will include a three-month sales tax holiday for affected businesses; higher caps on takeout beer, wine and liquor sales, as well as waived license fees; and allowing gyms to reopen. He expressed hope that the GOP bill can be drafted by the end of the week. Relief, he said, would be in people’s pockets within 30 days.
Baker. GOP will burn midnight oil over Thanksgiving holiday to draft relief plan.