COVID-19 Economic Assistance Update

Dear Neighbors,

Late Monday evening, the Minnesota Legislature passed a new economic assistance package designed to help small businesses and workers struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation includes direct financial assistance to the hardest hit businesses and helps protect economic security for workers by extending unemployment benefits by 13 weeks.

The legislation, which will be signed by Governor Walz today, delivers a $216 million package of economic assistance to small businesses. Of this, $88 million comes in the form of direct aid to businesses experiencing economic harm due to the pandemic, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, breweries, wineries and distilleries with taprooms or tasting rooms, caterers, bowling alleys, and some gyms and fitness centers. The bill also includes grant funding to movie theaters and large convention centers. The remaining $114.8 million will be made available to counties for grants to other affected businesses, including hotels, museums, arcades, and live theater venues.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is finalizing details and will have information on the Small Business Relief Program very soon. Additionally, the Department plans to directly reach out to eligible businesses in the next several days.

I was glad to support this economic assistance package, which will serve as a bridge support for our Plymouth community until we receive more substantial aid from the federal government. I am in frequent communication with our Minnesota congressional delegation, urging swift action immediately in passing a more robust economic relief package in D.C.

Vaccine Arrives to Minnesota

Early Monday morning, Minnesota received its very first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine. The shipments were delivered to four sites across the state: Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, Olmsted Medical Center, and Cass Lake Indian Health Services. 

Throughout the week, Minnesota is expected to receive a total of 46,800 units of vaccine across the statewide regional vaccine distribution hubs. From there, the vaccine will be distributed to smaller hospitals or clinics, and providers will then administer the vaccine to Minnesotans, starting by protecting the life and health of those most susceptible to serious complications and those who care for them. North Memorial in Robbinsdale has already received 975 does of the Pfizer vaccine.

There’s light and hope on the horizon as the vaccine rollout continues. However, it will take time to equitably distribute the vaccinations to all who want one. We’re working hard in Plymouth to keep each other safe by wearing masks, washing our hands frequently, social distancing, and staying home when we’re not feeling well. Let’s remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to care for each other as we continue to slow the spread and maintain critical hospital capacity.

Next Steps on COVID-19

Governor Walz today announced next steps in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on education, businesses, and protecting statewide hospital access. You can read more about what this means for us in Plymouth here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn or 651-296-5511. Your input and ideas are important, and I appreciate hearing from you.

Thank you for the honor of representing you and our Plymouth neighbors at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Ginny Klevorn

State Representative