SW Minnesota Today

Minnesota Sen. Bill Weber updated residents on the latest COVID-19 information and ensured them that the state is doing everything it can to provide relief as quickly as possible. 

In a news release from the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus, Weber informed Minnesota residents of a new COVID-19 response bill, programs and unemployment insurance to help provide some relief to the lives of Minnesotans. 

The Minnesota Legislature passed a third coronavirus response bill, which will provide an additional $331 million in aid to Minnesotans while the pandemic persists, Weber said. The two previous bills provides $221 million to medical needs. 

The most recent response bill would create a "COVID-19 Minnesota Fund," which would only be used during the pandemic. Such costs that this fund could pay for are health care, staffing needs and overtime and treatment for health care workers. 

The fund will ensure the state is prepared for the COVID-19 surge, Weber said in the news release. It will also ensure essential workers have access to child care. 

Additionally, the bill focuses on college students receiving work study pay and ensures the financial aid isn't affected by the government's mitigation efforts. A $10 million loan program was also enacted with the bill to help small businesses throughout Minnesota. 

In the news release, Weber also discussed President Donald Trump's third stimulus package, the CARES Act. This new act will give relief to workers and small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. 

The bill provides up to $10 million in loans for small businesses in the nation and loans will be forgiven if they are used for payroll. 

Small businesses, nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal organizations, sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals are eligible to apply for a loan, Weber said. 

Trump's bill also included $250 billion in funding, which will expand the unemployment benefits insurance for Americans who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, Weber said. This means those who were already approved for unemployment insurance can now apply for an extension through the end of July. Employment benefits can now also be received through the end of the year as well. 

Individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, independent contractors, freelancers, part-time workers, been furloughed or those who can't physically go to their place of employment are now eligible for unemployment insurance, Weber said in the release. 

The CARES Act also made is so tribal businesses, cooperative and ESOPs with less than 500 employees are not eligible for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.