NW Minnesota News

The Minnesota House passed a $330 million financial aid package on March 26, which will help with the impact COVID-19 has had on the state's economy. 

This funding will help hospitals, nursing homes and other medical professionals during the pandemic, the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus said in a release. 

The legislation was passed by the Senate on March 16.

“Today (March 16), the Senate passed additional emergency funding for preparedness of the state, hospitals, and nursing homes for a potential spike of patients,” Sen. Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) said in a release. “The legislature will continue to monitor the data and focus on the health and safety of Minnesotans. We can all reduce the risk of illness with common-sense precautions like hand washing, staying home when sick, and giving a little space to one another.”

Democratic House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler said this emergency package is very important for the pandemic, Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported. 

“We have grave and difficult days ahead,” Winkler said. ”We do not know — and probably not knowing is the most difficult part of what the course of this pandemic will take. We have much work to be done. This is just the beginning. But it is an important first step.”

The Minnesota House passed the bill then sent it to the Senate for voting, Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported. 

The legislation will provide a $200 million fund to state agencies and a $30 million grant to groups that give child care to individuals with essential jobs. Another $40 million also goes toward emergency grants and loans for small businesses in the state. 

Republican House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt said the state has seen some great bipartisan work during the pandemic. 

“Some of the best bipartisan work that we’ve seen in this chamber in years has been going on this past week,” Daudt said to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

Johnson said the main concern is the health of Minnesota residents. 

“Our priority right now is promoting and protecting the health and well-being of Minnesotans,” Johnson said in the release. “Legislative leaders have decided to take the necessary precaution of altering the Minnesota legislative session effective Tuesday. Legislative work will continue at several levels, but we will use technology to have less public gathering while still keeping folks involved and in informed of our work.”

The Legislature will be practicing social distancing for all its meetings, he said. 

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith said the new legislation will help many individuals financially. 

“With this legislation, families will see direct financial help, local businesses will find a lifeline, and our heroic health care workers will know we have their backs,” Smith said in a statement.