(St. Paul) – Today, the Minnesota Senate approved compromise legislation that creates a formula to fairly distribute federal COVID-19 assistance for local government’s recovery efforts. Gov. Tim Walz currently has the sole authority over the federal coronavirus aid, and concerns have been raised about both transparency and accountability in how the aid is distributed.

“It is imperative that these funds are distributed fairly and with legislative input, so I am happy to see this bill pass,” said Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch). “It considers the needs of every corner of the state and is a great representation of support for every Minnesota community.” 

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.

The compromise agreement, authored by Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center), distributes the local government portion of that funding – about $841 million – fairly to Minnesota counties, cities, and towns based on a formula using their population.