ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz unveiled a budget package that he said would help COVID-stricken businesses, workers and families make ends meet. The package includes grants for 14,000 affected businesses, a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits, and one-time emergency $500 payments for struggling families. Included too is relief from licensing and other regulatory fees, as well as incentives for hospitality businesses that share surplus food with needy families. How much will it all cost? Walz said details were being worked out, but the figure $350 million was floating around the Capitol for business aid alone. The package was worked up with House Democrats. Walz, a Democrat, was optimistic that the whole Legislature will go along. He noted that a new state revenue projection exceeded expectations.
Nook at risk
Walz announced the budget plan at a media event outside the St. Paul burger joint fixture Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook. Co-owner Mike Runyon said the place, founded in 1932, is on the brink of collapse. “We took this place over 20 years ago,” he said. “It’s been our heart and soul. We’ve put everything into this place. And to see that a package is around the corner means so, so much to us.”