A Minnesota State Auditor’s report states 129 local government entities directly employed lobbying staff or hired contract lobbyists in 2022, the year of the most recent data.
County commissioners will set priorities for distributing aid to ailing businesses. 3:55 pm, Dec. 15, 2020 ×
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Olmsted County is expecting to receive nearly $3.1 million in state funds for grants to businesses suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funds are a portion of $114.8 million being sent to counties as part of a $242 million relief package approved by the Minnesota Legislature this week.
“It’s kind of to serve as a safety-net program to make sure that there are no businesses that fall through the cracks,” said Jennifer Berquam, the county’s legislative analyst.
The state effort also provides $88 million in direct relief for bars and restaurants, bowling alleys and recreational facilities that have seen a 30% drop in sales compared to 2019. Qualified businesses are expected to receive payments of $10,000 to $45,000, based on employee numbers.