North Ramsey News

The Minnesota Legislature hasn't made a decision on the disbursement of $667 million in federal aids, which is leaving counties and cities waiting for aid as costs from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to grow. 

“The impact of the pandemic is real. It is incredibly painful,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson told the Star Tribune. “We have $667 million sitting in the state’s account right now to be disseminated to cities and there is no current path by which we can access any of that. And, in the meantime, we are laying off staff, we are cutting city services, we are delaying projects. It’s our residents who are experiencing the impact of that devastation.”

Duluth isn't the only city suffering. According to the Star Tribune, cities and counties throughout the state are waiting on the financial aid, which remains in a limbo. But Gov. Tim Walz is trying to get the funds out to the cities and counties. 

“Gov. Walz and his administration understand the urgency felt by communities to get these funds out the door. We plan to have guidelines in place within the next week,” Revenue Department Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly said in a statement, according to the Star Tribune.

Walz could distribute the money, but hasn't commented on the matter. 

But Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center) said if the governor decides to distribute the money, it would be an overreach, according to the Star Tribune.