Online Inquiry Process Available for Covid-19 Business Relief Payments

Last week, the Minnesota Department of Revenue sent out the initial round of COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to nearly 4,000 eligible businesses across the state. This program, part of a bi-partisan COVID-19 relief legislation passed in December, offers direct relief payments to eligible restaurants, bars, gyms, and bowling centers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses that did not receive a COVID-19 Business Relief Payment but think they meet the program criteria can contact the department HERE using their online inquiry process that is now available through Friday, February 5, 2021. Businesses can use this if their business either:
- Did not receive a COVID-19 Business Relief Payment but they think the business met the program requirements.
- Received a COVID-19 Business Relief Payment but they think the amount was wrong.
Businesses can find this online inquiry process by visiting revenue.state.mn.us and clicking “COVID-19 Business Relief Payments” found on the homepage.
Eligible businesses must meet the program requirements outlined in the legislation. Direct payment requirements for businesses include:
- Being located in Minnesota
- Had at least $10,000 in taxable sales in 2019
- Filed Sales Tax returns in 2019 and 2020
- Experienced a 30% drop in year-over-year taxable sales for April-September periods
- Being categorized by the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance program as a restaurant, bar, gym, bowling center, or similar business
Direct funding to all of Minnesota’s 87 counties was also provided to set up local COVID-19 grant relief programs. Businesses not eligible for a direct payment from Revenue are encouraged to contact their local county for additional COVID-19 relief.
COVID Vaccinations
The Minnesota Department of Health announced this week a new pilot program for vaccination distribution. The program is for adults aged 65 and older, teachers, and child care providers. We do not have a pilot site in our community, but you can find other locations and learn more about the program HERE.
Minnesota is currently last in the Midwest in vaccination distribution. We need to be focusing on our seniors and vulnerable populations. Vaccinating them is essential for opening our businesses and getting our kids back in the classroom. I will continue to update you on this issue.
California Car Mandates
Gov. Walz is trying to cut out the legislature once again! His California Car Mandate would drive up the cost of all new vehicles by $1,000 for Minnesota families, reduce consumer choice, and place burdensome mandates on auto dealers. By trying to enact this disastrous policy through the administrative rulemaking process, he is leaving out Minnesota’s elected representatives.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is having public information sessions over the next two weeks. You can find more information HERE. You can submit a public comment by attending a virtual public hearing or online HERE. Tell Gov. Walz that we WILL NOT be the next California!
If you want to hear more about what happened this week at the capitol, download my free podcast to hear about additional topics covered in St Paul, along with a new segment explaining more about the legislative process. I will be releasing these weekly to keep you up to date on everything happening at the capitol.
If you want to hear more about what happened this week at the capitol, download my free podcast covering what went on this week in Saint Paul. I will be releasing these weekly to keep you up to date on everything happening at the capitol.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding COVID-19, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office. We are still attempting to provide regular contact remotely so if you have other needs, please email my Legislative Assistant, Grayson, at Grayson.mcnew@house.mn
Watch the Minnesota House on Public TV
House Streaming Website
Also you can watch committees and Floor Sessions on YouTube.
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