SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House approved legislation appropriating over $841 million in emergency funding to counties, cities, and townships from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The bill also contains a series of other important investments in Minnesotans’ health and economic wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
“COVID-19 has resulted in many challenges. Local government budgets have been impacted, so these federal dollars are needed to support the critical services Minnesotans count on such as public safety, public health, roads, parks, and libraries,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester). “Lawmakers should also come together to protect Minnesotans’ economic security and help us all navigate this pandemic.”
The bill appropriates $121 per capita for counties, $75.34 for cities and townships with populations 5,000 or greater, and $25 for towns between 200 and 5,000 people. Under the legislation, Olmsted county would receive $19 million and the city of Rochester would receive $8.8 million.
The legislation also helps Minnesotans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering needed funding to temporarily raise wages for personal care assistants caring for vulnerable Minnesotans, providing assistance for low-income families and children, preventing veteran suicide and homelessness, increasing funding for child care assistance, and more.