On Thursday, the MN House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 Economic Security Act, a package of legislation to help Minnesotans keep a roof over their heads, preserve small businesses, expand broadband access, and increase wages for personal care assistants (PCAs). It includes a $100 million investment in housing assistance and $55 million in emergency loans for small businesses. The bill also provides funding to bring high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved communities. HF1507, labeled the “COVID-19 Economic Security Act,” would appropriate $208 million in the 2020-21 biennium to provide economic relief in all those areas. At a morning news conference, House Speaker Melissa Hortman said she believes that all of the appropriations would be eligible to be funded by money the state will receive under the CARES Act. If not, the state’s General Fund would be the monetary source.
