Economic Stimulus & Relief
From CNBC (Dec. 3) — Pelosi and McConnell resume talks as Congress rushes to strike a COVID stimulus deal
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke Thursday for the first time since at least the 2020 election as Congress scrambles to strike a coronavirus stimulus deal and prevent a government shutdown.

The congressional leaders discussed their “shared commitment to completing an omnibus (spending bill) and COVID relief as soon as possible,” Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said in a tweet. They have signaled they want to resolve both thorny issues by Dec. 11, the last day of government funding.

Key points:
  • McConnell earlier said he sees “hopeful signs” for reaching a relief agreement before the end of the year.
  • Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backed a bipartisan $908 billion stimulus package, while McConnell released his own roughly $500 billion plan.

Read the entire article here.
From MN.gov (Nov. 24) — Governor Walz outlines COVID-19 economic relief package
Governor Tim Walz announced a COVID-19 economic relief package to keep businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families keep food on the table. He will work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to move forward this much-needed proposal, integrate additional proposals, and call a special session when an agreement is final. In addition, the governor will continue to work with agencies, stakeholders, and legislators on additional measures to help Minnesotans and our economy.

The COVID-19 relief package includes critical measures to:
  • Keep Small Businesses Afloat
  • Provide direct aid to businesses through Business Assistance Program
  • Waive state and regulatory fees for bars, restaurants, event centers, craft breweries, and more
  • Establish an eviction moratorium so small businesses can stay in their locations
  • Support Workers Struggling to Get By
  • Extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks, helping as many as 100,000 workers whose benefits currently end in late December
  • Provide a $500 one-time emergency payment to struggling families
  • Help Minnesota Families Put Food on the Table
  • Establish a one-time grant to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities
  • Provide a tax credit for businesses that donate food that would otherwise spoil or be thrown away

Read the entire article here.
COVID-19 Resources
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Interview with CDC Director
Dr. Robert Redfield
Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, discusses the state of the pandemic, the latest on the approval and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccination, and what businesses should be doing to prepare for the coming months. Watch the interview here.
State launches free COVID-19 smartphone app
Minnesota has launched an app that rapidly alerts if you have been near someone who tests positive for COVID-19. COVIDaware MN uses COVID-19 exposure notification technology developed by Apple and Google in partnership with the nonprofit PathCheck Foundation. The app is free and ensures privacy. Learn more and download the app here.
Events
Small Business Sounding Board: Business Relief & Public Health Update for Employers
Thursday, December 10
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Zoom

Register to receive Zoom meeting link.
Buy Local Campaign
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