[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed a bill to allocate $330 million in COVID-19 aid in Minnesota, bringing the state’s total response to more than $550 million to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was passed by the Minnesota Legislature on March 26, 2020.

“The swift, bipartisan passage of this bill is One Minnesota in action,” said Governor Walz. “Legislators put aside politics to fight the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of Minnesotans. We’re only in the early stages of Minnesota’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic – but this law will help ensure we have the right supports in place to prepare for what’s to come.”

“I am proud to live in a state that puts aside politics to do what’s right for our people,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “By bolstering our food systems, supporting our child care providers, and aiding our tribal nations, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness, this law will help care for our most vulnerable in the face of this unprecedented crisis.”

HF 4531 includes the following actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, among many other policy proposals that will help Minnesotans:

• Establishes the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund to support further action
• Creates peacetime emergency child care grants
• Provides COVID-19 assistance for veterans
• Supports food shelves and food banks
• Expands resources for emergency services and homeless shelters
• Expands support available to small businesses
• Extends disaster assistance for farmers to include losses due to COVID-19

A photo of the bill signing is available on the AP wire. For those who are not AP members, please reach out to the Star Tribune Saturday Picture Editor, David Joles, at david.joles@startribune.com .