St. Paul, MN – Today, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced the November Economic Forecast, showing that the state is well positioned to provide immediate economic aid to workers and small businesses.
“Today’s projections mean that Minnesota is well positioned to provide immediate relief to help our frontline workers and small businesses,” said Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL - St. Cloud). “I’m sick and tired of seeing big corporations, the rich, and well-connected individuals get bailed out. This economic crisis doesn’t have to be that way. I’m working hard to pass legislation that puts first the Minnesotans whose livelihoods and family businesses are most harmed by the pandemic.”
The forecast notes the continuing economic challenges people are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including 184,000 fewer jobs than in February. Lower wage workers have been impacted the harshest, experiencing a disproportionate number of job losses and longer durations of unemployment.
Rep. Wolgamott continues to work with legislative colleagues and Governor Walz to reach an agreement on a COVID-19 relief package while Minnesota awaits more aid from the federal government. On November 24, House DFLers and Governor Walz announced a new plan to help Minnesotans whose livelihoods and family businesses are most likely to be harmed by the pandemic.
The plan includes direct aid to small businesses, an eviction moratorium, a 13-week unemployment extension, and emergency $500 payments to struggling families. It also helps Minnesotans put food on the table with grants to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities.
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