Minnesota’s county and city governments wonder when more federal coronavirus aid will come
With revenues drying up and expenses mounting, officials say they need more help from Congress to continue serving residents.
Gabe Schneider
Gabe Schneider is MinnPost’s Washington correspondent. Before joining MinnPost, he served as a reporting fellow for the nonprofit Texas Tribune, and he has written for The Columbia Journalism Review, Vox, Los Angeles Magazine, and more.
D.C. Memo: Checks, twice
The HEROES Act; Biden’s silence on Twin Metals and Line 3; and a bit on vote by mail.
What Minnesota U.S. House Democrats want in the next coronavirus relief package
From student debt cancellation to animal disease control money.
What are Joe Biden’s views on two of the most controversial environmental projects in Minnesota?
Biden never addressed the Line 3 or Twin Metals projects during his presidential primary campaign, and he has continued to avoid taking a stand since becoming the likely Democratic nominee.
D.C. Memo: Nothing Ventura’d, nothing gained
This week from Washington, MNGOP congressional district conventions pick their candidates; Jesse Ventura is not not not running for president; and Gov. Tim Walz is a popular guy.
For rebuilding after COVID-19, Rep. Dean Phillips proposes six-fold increase in AmeriCorps volunteers
Phillips’ bill would grow AmeriCorps from 75,000 volunteers to 500,000.
Legal complaints and nasty tweets notwithstanding, Minnesota Republicans endorse candidates in Second and Seventh Congressional Districts
Cook Political Report currently calls these two races the most competitive in the state.
D.C. Memo: Mike check
This week from Washington, the Vice President goes to Rochester; 29 senators endorse the $50 billion Smith/Warren childcare plan and unemployment benefits for gig-workers are up (kind of).
Unemployment benefits for Minnesota freelancers have started, but not everyone has been paid yet
While DEED has already processed 10,000 applications since implementing the program on April 24, it still has a ways to go.
‘We’re going to have to start from scratch’: How COVID-19 could wipe out the child care industry in Minnesota
The industry’s best hope may come from the federal government. Specifically, an ambitious, longshot proposal by U.S. Sens. Tina Smith of Minnesota and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts: to make $50 billion in grants available through Congress’ next coronavirus response package.
Omar bill would allow SNAP benefits to be used to buy groceries online
As more people shop for groceries online during the coronavirus pandemic, SNAP benefits users are left behind.
D.C. Memo: Good things happening
Congress is back in session; Jason Lewis takes to his RV; and Klobuchar is both in and out of VEEP considerations.
Congress set to replenish small business rescue funds
Congress will add funds to the Paycheck Protection Program, even amid reports of misuse of the program.
What Minnesota’s congressional offices are hearing from constituents during the COVID-19 crisis
From small business aid to questions about testing, the volume of contacts to most Minnesota offices is up.
No, you won’t have to repay your federal stimulus check on your 2020 taxes
Some confusion has arisen since the payments are technically a credit on 2020 taxes.
D.C. Memo: WHO; CARES
Taking another look at the CARES Act; who funded the pro-Klobuchar Super PAC; and Omar demands Federal oversight of Amazon after firing of two workers in Shakopee.
Here’s who funded the Super PAC that backed Klobuchar’s presidential bid
The group, Kitchen Table Conversations, spent $3 million in support of Klobuchar.
Self-employed and contract workers are now eligible for unemployment benefits in Minnesota. Here’s what you need to know
States have some discretion to determine who is covered, but essentially, any individual who has exhausted all rights to regular unemployment and is self-employed should qualify.
Skipped by federal stimulus payments: dependents over the age of 16
Even for children who file their own taxes, if they are claimed as a dependent by a parent, they will receive no stimulus payment.
D.C. Memo: Your trusted local news outlet
Congress considers a fourth COVID-related stimulus package; the Trump administration continues its fight against the Affordable Care Act; and Sen. Bernie Sanders drops his bid for president.
