Today, the Minnesota Legislature passed an emergency funding package to assist with the state’s coronavirus outbreak response efforts. The legislation, which is the third aid package approved by the legislature, passed with bipartisan support.

“The legislation we passed today is for the many Minnesotans whose lives have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. These unprecedented times call for leaders to put partisan politics aside and work together to assure we come out of the health and economic crisis quickly,” said Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake), chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee. “I am proud to have played a role in finding solutions that work for the Minnesotans impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.”

The legislation includes more than $300 million for the state’s COVID-19 response efforts, including provisions for small businesses, childcare providers, and state agencies. A dedicated ‘COVID-19 Minnesota Fund’, which includes a bipartisan oversight commission, will be used to allocate the funds during this public health emergency. The legislation includes $10 million for small business loans, relaxes proof of residency requirements for REAL ID, extends property tax deadlines by one month, and makes temporary unemployment insurance modifications. Finally, the package also includes funding for childcare providers, college students, small businesses, veterans, homeless shelters, and food shelves.

To date, the legislature has passed nearly $552 million to address the pandemic in Minnesota.   

The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk.

Senator Eric Pratt represents Scott County in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee and is an assistant majority leader.