COVID-19 Relief, COVID-19 Dial-Back Update, 2021 Legislative Session

COVID-19 Relief Package

This week, in the seventh special session, the Legislature passed a $216 million COVID-19 relief package. Gov. Walz signed the bill yesterday. The package provides grants to small businesses and nonprofits and extends unemployment benefits.

$88 million will go toward grants for eligible breweries, wineries, distilleries, fitness centers, bowling alleys, restaurants, and bars. $14 million will go toward grants for movie theaters and convention centers. Lastly, $114.8 million will be appropriated directly to counties to distribute their own grants to local businesses and nonprofits.

One of the goals of this package was to get relief out quickly. All grants have been given a deadline for distribution by March 15, 2021.

Gov. Walz also extended his peacetime emergency powers for another 30 days.

Read more: COVID-19 Dial-Back Update, 2021 Legislative Session, Capitol Safety Measures