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Dear neighbors,
Rep. Leon Lillie, Sen. Chuck Wiger, and I are holding a virtual town hall this weekend to share information with our communities and answer questions about the issues that are important to you. If you’d like to participate, please visit my official Facebook page on Saturday, January 30 from 9 to 10 a.m. I hope you can join us!
Small Business Assistance Available
Earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Revenue issued $67.3 million in COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to nearly 4,000 restaurants, bars, gyms, and similar businesses. Businesses that didn’t receive a payment but think they meet the program criteria can contact the Department of Revenue through an online inquiry process, which is open until Friday, February 5. An additional round of payments will be made after that date for businesses that qualify.
These payments were part of a bipartisan COVID-19 assistance package that the Minnesota Legislature passed in December. That legislation also provided funding for each Minnesota county to support local businesses. Ramsey County is using most of the $10.7 million they received to support businesses that previously applied for assistance and didn’t get it because there weren’t enough funds to meet the demand. Additional funding may be available after the outstanding applications are fulfilled. You can sign up here to be notified if Ramsey County begins accepting more applications. Washington County, which received $5 million, has begun accepting applications for grants. You can find more information and apply here.
Legislative Priorities for 2021
My House DFL colleagues and I recently shared our priorities for the 2021 legislative session. We’re committed to providing assistance to Minnesotans impacted by COVID-19, strengthening worker protections, protecting those who live and work in long-term care facilities and people experiencing homelessness, supporting students, and ensuring affordable child care is available to those who need it. This isn’t an exhaustive list of what we’ll be working on this session, but these are the steps we’re focusing on first.
In addition, I will continue working with people in our community to address a variety of state and local issues. The White Bear Press recently published a column with information about some of the bills I’m working on with Minnesotans. You can read it here.
Gov. Walz Announces COVID-19 Recovery Budget
Governor Walz released his budget proposal for the next two years yesterday. The proposed COVID-19 Recovery Budget focuses on supporting working families, ensuring students catch up on learning, and helping small businesses stay afloat while driving Minnesota’s economic recovery. I’m glad to see the governor is confronting the challenges we face today and investing in the future, and I look forward to continuing the conversation about how to build back better from this crisis.
If you have any questions or comments that you’d like to share, please feel free to email me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn or give me a call at 651-296-5363. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative
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