ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Legislature approved a $216 million aid package for businesses shuttered by the pandemic. Support was bipartisan. The biggest chunk, $114.8 million, is for struggling businesses and nonprofits. Counties would receive the funds based on their population and determine recipients. Other provisions:
> Unemployment benefits. A 13-week extension.
> Hospitality aid. Some $88 million is earmarked on-site food and beverage businesses that have seen at least a 30% decline in trade. These include bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, bowling alley, gyms and recreation centers. Payments would range from $10,000 to $45,000 based on the number of employees.
> Entertainment aid. Some $14 million is going to movie theaters and multipurpose convention centers with a capacity of at least 1,500 people. A per screen formula would be used for theaters. Several factors would be considered for convention centers.
The bill now heads to Governor Tim Walz, whose signature would release he funds.
Earlier: Lawmakers to consider Walz COVID aid
The votes
The Senate: 62-4.
The House: 117-13.
Verbatim
Walz: “This is a critical lifeline for those businesses, and for the Minnesotans whose livelihoods depend on them. 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.”