The Minnesota Senate today approved compromise legislation creating a formula to fairly distribute the share of federal COVID-19 assistance that can be used to help local governments. Governor Tim Walz currently has the sole authority over the federal coronavirus aid, and this bill was initiated due to concerns that have been raised about both transparency and accountability in how the aid is distributed.

Minnesota received more than $2 billion from the federal government to help local governments, health professionals, and businesses fight COVID. That money went into an account called the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, so it could be quickly deployed to places it is needed most. This bill guarantees that the local government portion of the funding – about $841 million – will be fairly distributed to Minnesota counties, cities, and towns based on their population.

“This bill ensures that communities and rural districts like ours that have been impacted by COVID-19 will receive equal access to the funding needed to rebuild and restore local economies,” said Senator Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake). “This compromise guarantees fair distribution to every county and city and I am pleased to see this passed so our local governments receive access to these federal funds without delay.”

The distribution of funds for Senate District 30 are as follows:

Sherburne County $11,667,880

Wright County $16,569,926

Big Lake Township $596,017

Cities of

Big Lake $863,098

Elk River $1,875,294

Otsego $$1,305,119

Albertville $563,922

St Michael $1,343,693

Hanover $261,883

Dayton $457,466