Lawmakers agree on COVID-19 business relief, but unemployment is sticking point

Dec 11, 20200

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Tiffany Lounge on Ford Parkway had its share of patrons because bars shut down under Governor Walz's orders.] With bars closing down Friday at midnight for the next four weeks, pub owners are doing their best to get rid of the kegs and drain their beer supply. " The Tin Cup in St. Paul is hosting a "Kill our Kegs" party on Thursday, offering reduced prices on all tap beers. RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII • richard.tsong-taatarii@startribune.com

A plan to give out $216.5 million in state aid to Minnesota businesses suffering pandemic pain has backing from both parties at the State Capitol, but they remain split over unemployment benefits.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers have spent weeks negotiating a relief package meant as a financial bridge for Minnesotans struggling with the toll of COVID-19 and awaiting another round of federal aid. Gov. Tim Walz has urged the Legislature to approve a relief package during Monday's special session.

While legislators want to start distributing aid to businesses by the end of the month, they continued to clash Thursday over the scope of the state assistance. Negotiators agreed on an amount to be distributed to businesses, but they remain "too far apart" on unemployment insurance, said Sen. Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake.

https://www.startribune.com/lawmakers-agree-on-covid-19-business-relief-but-unemployment-is-sticking-point/573362371/