On Thursday, April 30, 2020, Governor Tim Walz announced the extension of his Executive Order directing Minnesotans to stay at home; extending the order until May 18, 2020. The Governor also released some flexible guidelines for some retail businesses to reopen by utilizing curbside pickup or delivery operations. The move, optionally effective for most customer-facing businesses on Monday, April 4, will return an estimated 30,0000 Minnesotans back to work and requires businesses to post a plan for accomplishing safe operations while continuing social distancing practices.

The Governor is facing increasing pressure from some businesses and other communities to start opening Minnesota’s economy. Lawmakers, organizations, and local governments are asking the Governor to move faster to open all establishments, including: bars and restaurants, houses of worships, salons, and other establishments for gathering. Additionally, healthcare providers are asking for further guidance from the Administration regarding elective medical surgeries and procedures. The Governor stated he is reviewing all options and intends to slowly turn the dial on fully opening Minnesota’s economy.

Senate Passes Omnibus Tax & Economic Relief Bill

The Minnesota Senate voted 40-27 on Thursday to pass Senate File (S.F.) 3843 (omnibus tax and economic relief bill). The $330-million bill, chief-authored by Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes), provides various forms of tax relief to individuals and businesses, including: delayed tax payments for individuals and corporations, conformity to federal law to allow certain businesses to deduct large equipment purchases, increased eligibility for families with school-aged children, an adjustment to the school-aid formula for lower-land value school districts, an elimination of the sunset on the Angel Investment Tax Credit, and other tax reductions.

A tax bill must originate in the House of Representatives (be a House File), so the bill was laid on the table following the vote.

Senate Passes COVID-19 Bill to Address Federal CARES Act

Seven Democrats joined 35 Republicans on Wednesday, April 27 to pass S.F. 4486 to implement state, legislative oversight of over $1.9 billion in stimulus money headed to Minnesota as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Sen.Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center) was the chief author of the bill and promised to work with Governor Walz to efficiently provide funds to businesses and local governments to cover costs related to COVID-19.

More information on the CARES Act can be found here.

Please reach out to any of the Larkin Hoffman Government Relations team members with any questions.