St. Paul, MN - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation authorizing the Minnesota Management and Budget agency (MMB) to extend certain grants issued by the state before June 30, 2020, allowing recipients to complete work supported by those funds. The bill is authored by State Representative Michael Nelson (DFL - Brooklyn Park), chair of the House State Government Finance Division.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, grant recipients like researchers at the University of Minnesota have been unable to meet the requirements of their grant, and this legislation would provide them with the flexibility they need,” said Rep. Nelson. “The future impact of COVID-19 remains unclear, but an extension of grants already administered by the state will better ensure that important work can continue to be done in a safe and efficient manner.”
Upon approval from MMB, grants could be extended up to two years beyond the year they were scheduled to expire. The focus of the legislation would help entities whose performance under the grant has been frustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MMB would be required to report extended grants to the Minnesota Legislature. The legislation can be found here.
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