• Past three weeks have seen steadily decreasing weekly totals applications
• Last week Minnesota was the first state in the country to issue the $600 “top off” payments for Unemployment Insurance
• Current unemployment level is at approximately 11%

• Monday’s major announcement by Governor Walz was a new Executive Order extending the Peacetime Emergency due to the COVID-19 virus through May 13. Note that this does not extend the Stay at Home order that currently runs through midnight on May 3.

• Metro Mobility now providing free, direct, on-demand transportation for all health care workers from home to work 24 hours a day.

• Regarding the question of off-sale liquor for restaurant orders, Walz is supportive and wants the legislature to pass it so he can sign it into law. 

• In addition, this week the Minnesota Legislature continues its work on COVID and non-COVID related items.

• Monday’s update from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Myron Frans and State Economist Dr. Laura Kalambokidis noted the economic outlook has dramatically changed since the February forecast. The U.S. economy has sharply weakened and Minnesota’s fiscal outlook is unclear. The U.S. economy is experiencing a 7-point swing in GDP growth, with a 5.4% contraction, mostly due to the marked decrease in consumer spending and confidence plus massive uptick in unemployment.

• In Minnesota, both general fund receipts and income tax withholding are down, due to decrease in consumer spending, an increase in unemployment, an increase in income tax refund processing, and the delay of income tax payments to July 15^th. Corporate tax receipts are tracking about $21M ahead of the forecast, but Dr. Kalambokidis reminded the committee this data is the most volatile and we should expect corporate tax receipts to fall as profits continue to decrease. 

• Commissioner Frans indicated his agency will be presenting an updated budget projection in early May. There is still a lot of data to gather and models to run before MMB is confident in its ability to accurately predict Minnesota’s fiscal situation. It is widely thought the state will be facing a budget deficit, but Commissioner Frans was reluctant to speculate. Additionally, the federal government has not issued guidance to states on money appropriated under the CARES Act. Once this guidance is issued (likely this Friday), it will be easier to see which budget holes can be filled with federal dollars and which ones will require state solutions.

• Both Frans and Kalambokidis acknowledged money for debt service will be pitted against other budget priorities, should they need to tap into the budget reserve. However, they said bonding is counter cyclical and is a proven economic stimulant.

• When will the state “reopen”? Also on Monday, Governor Walz set a goal for when the state can restart the economy he shut down last month to guard against the spreading coronavirus pandemic: 5,000 tests per day. It’s an ambitious standard — one he likened to the quest to put a human on the moon — and it’s not clear how soon it can be achieved. Of note is the growing restlessness of some.

• MSP and Delta updates: As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, global supply chains need support for shipping essential goods to businesses and communities. On March 16, Delta Cargo launched charter operations to provide the safe and reliable transportation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other critical items around the globe.

• Delta Cargo can move freight in the belly space of their aircraft to 13 U.S. airports and 70 international airports. They evaluate all needs for cargo demand to transport goods and can fulfill ad hoc requests. Delta Cargo has a variety of flight options to either utilize Delta’s regularly scheduled passenger flights, utilize a cargo-only scheduled flight or charter an aircraft. Submit an inquiry with all the shipment details via email to DeltaCargoCharters@delta.com.

• Highway 5 eastbound, remains closed as of Thursday, 4/9. View more information about how to navigate around the airport. 

• The Mississippi River is currently at 12 feet and continues to trend downward through April 20. 

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