Gov. Tim Walz last week ordered several different types of businesses across the state to curtail their services or shut down entirely through Dec. 19. The move, like myriad others before it, aims to slow the spread of a novel coronavirus, but it also has business owners worried that it could close them for good.
Walz, a Democrat, proposed on Tuesday morning a plan to send money to businesses across the state and temporarily pump up the state’s unemployment benefits, and Republican leaders shortly afterward put forth a similar plan that would also reopen some shuttered businesses.
“These businesses cannot shut down for four weeks and survive. They just can’t do it,” East Grand Forks City Council member Dale Helms said at a council meeting Tuesday. “We need to do more than just hope the governor comes up with some money.”
Helms, frustrated, suggested that the city allow businesses to reopen despite Walz’s order and risk the resulting fine, which could be as high as $1,000. Mayor Steve Gander noted that the city could be culpable in that scenario.
City staff and officials hope to meet next week with business leaders and local legislators to get a handle on a gubernatorial order and push for aid from St. Paul. That meeting is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at East Grand Forks City Hall. The plan, City Administrator David Murphy said, is to offer anecdotes to Eastside legislators that they can use to argue for a stimulus plan in St. Paul.
“We're getting a message back to St. Paul to say, you know what, this should have been done before you shut these businesses down. It wasn't,” said Gander, who feels that local businesses have had to bear the brunt of the pandemic. “So the next best thing is get it done now.”
The city itself has already doled out the last of the federal COVID-19 aid it received to help local businesses, and another round of similar relief is still up in the air. Beyond that, Gander and city staff said it’s illegal for the city to directly pay businesses. Forgivable loans and other publicly funded business stimuli also need to meet specific criteria, which means the city can’t simply dole them out as it sees fit.
That leaves the state-level aid, which could get tangled up in a broader struggle at the United States’ only divided legislature.
Minnesota Democrats’ plan would put up about $350 million for businesses, extend unemployment insurance for workers who’ve been laid off, and set up tax credits and other incentives for businesses that donate food to people in need. State Republicans' plan would offer $400 million worth of business grants, reopen gyms and other fitness centers, and temporarily let bars and restaurants sell more growlers and carryout beverages than they’re currently allowed under state law.
“I think we’re all in agreement that something needs to be done,” council President Mark Olstad said. “Hopefully they do the right thing and forget what party they represent and get together and get something figured out because I’m tired of hearing different parties going back and forth. It’s time just to say we’re Minnesotans and we need to get it done.”
The Link LonkNovember 25, 2020 at 08:00AM
https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/6777374-After-a-fresh-round-of-COVID-closures-East-Grand-Forks-leaders-hope-for-further-aid-for-businesses
After a fresh round of COVID closures, East Grand Forks leaders hope for further aid for businesses - Grand Forks Herald
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