Gov. Walz Signs $330 Million Minnesota Coronavirus Bill Into Law

SAINT PAUL, MN — Seated at a sofa Sunday morning, and surrounded by gray and blue throw pillows, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pulled up a glass-topped wrought iron end table and signed a $330 million coronavirus relief bill into law.

Walz has been in a self-imposed 14-day quarantine in the governor's mansion since early last week after he learned one of the members of his security detail tested positive for the virus.

“The swift, bipartisan passage of this bill is One Minnesota in action,” Walz said in a statement. “Legislators put aside politics to fight the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of Minnesotans. We’re only in the early stages of Minnesota’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic – but this law will help ensure we have the right supports in place to prepare for what’s to come.”

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The bill transfers $200 million from the state's general fund to Minnesota's new COVID-19 fund. It also adds $29.96 million in peacetime emergency child care grants, and $26.54 million in emergency service grants.

“I am proud to live in a state that puts aside politics to do what’s right for our people,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in a statement. Flanagan reportedly wasn't with Walz in his self-imposed quarantine bill-signing session on Sunday. “By bolstering our food systems, supporting our child care providers, and aiding our tribal nations, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness, this law will help care for our most vulnerable in the face of this unprecedented crisis.”

The bill, signed officially on Sunday, authorizes the following:

• Establishing a COVID-19 Minnesota Fund to support further action.
• Creates peacetime emergency child care grants
• Provides COVID-19 assistance for veterans
• Supports food shelves and food banks
• Expands resources for emergency services and homeless shelters
• Expands support available to small businesses
• Extends disaster assistance for farmers to include losses due to COVID-19

The bill was passed by the Minnesota Legislature on March 26, 2020.

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