ST. PAUL, MN (MNN) – Governor Tim Walz in Sunday night’s State of the State address urged the legislature to break its deadlock over COVID worker bonuses and refilling the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Walz says lawmakers agreed on money for “hero checks”, and front-line workers have been waiting since last May.
The governor says the state also has a responsibility to replenish the Unemployment Insurance Fund for small businesses and workers who might need it in the future.
House Democrats have been asking for a billion dollars for COVID “hero bonuses.” Senate Republicans say, stick with the 250 million dollars the legislature already agreed to.
Walz also drew sharp differences with Republicans on battling Minnesota’s crime wave, saying the state needs concrete solutions with measurable results.
Senate Republican Majority Leader Jeremy Miller says many Minnesotans don’t feel safe, and that’s unacceptable.
The Senate is set to vote on Republicans’ anti-crime package Monday.
The Governor also said the budget surplus finally gives the state the opportunity to “fully fund schools the way we need to.”
Republicans propose measures to improve students’ reading skills and give parents more choice on which school they send their kids to.
(from Minnesota News Network)
