Minnesota legislators passed a $330 million COVID-19 relief bill Thursday now headed to Gov. Tim Walz's desk. Here's some of what it contains:
• $200 million: For a COVID-19 fund to maintain government operations and protect Minnesotans.
• $40 million: Loan programs to help small businesses.
• $30 million: Grants to child-care providers supporting families of emergency responders.
• $26.5 million: Emergency assistance for people who are homeless, including shelter space, staff and cleaning supplies.
• $11 million: Grants to tribal nations, with $1 million for each tribe.
• $9 million: To help food banks, food shelves and food transport organizations address hunger and supply necessities like toilet paper during the pandemic.
• $6.2 million: Aid for military veterans and their spouses who are struggling financially because of COVID-19.
• Policy changes: Expands the types of documents people can use to get a Real ID and adds staff to handle requests. Fingerprints for background checks can be delayed for people who are essential workers. Removes 30-day restriction on dispensing opioid prescriptions.
Jessie Van Berkel
