[ST. PAUL, MN] — Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-50, exempting federal, tribal, state, and local COVID-19 relief funds from being automatically intercepted by creditors and debt collectors.

“COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge for our state. This Order will help alleviate the financial burden Minnesotans are facing, allowing them to pay rent and put food on the table, ” said Governor Walz. “This action will help ensure the COVID-19 support that local, state, tribal, and federal governments provide will go where it is needed most and directly improve Minnesotans’ lives.”

“This public health crisis falls hardest on Minnesotans who were already in crisis,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “This Executive Order ensures that relief funding goes toward helping folks take care of themselves and their families first during this unprecedented time so that we can all stay safe and make it through together.”

As many Minnesotans experience unemployment and food and housing insecurity due to COVID-19, Executive Order 20-50 allows Minnesotans to use COVID-19 assistance for their immediate needs, rather than having the funding automatically intercepted by creditors or debt collectors.

This Executive Order is effective immediately upon approval by the Minnesota Executive Council.