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.

“Every corner of Minnesota has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing). “By fairly distributing this federal funding, communities in our district and across our great state will receive the support they need as they rebuild and restore their local economies.”