East Twin Cities

The Minnesota Senate approved compromise legislation on June 17, which created a formula to fairly distribute the share of federal COVID-19 assistance that can be used to help local governments, according to the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus website.

The bill will ensure that $841 million out of the $2 billion received by the State of Minnesota will be distributed evenly and fairly to Minnesota counties, cities and towns based on their population. The money comes from aid received from the federal government to help local governments, health professionals and businesses fight the coronavirus. It was then placed in an account called the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, so it could be quickly deployed to places it is needed most.

“Every corner of Minnesota has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sen. Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing), according to the website. “By fairly distributing this federal funding, communities in our district and across our great state will receive the support they need as they rebuild and restore their local economies.”