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News from the Downtown Alliance
April 2, 2020
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Friends,
Downtown Saint Paul is lucky to be represented by Congresswoman Betty McCollum. As a prominent leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, she has had a huge role and put an enormous amount of work in to the COVID-19 relief packages from the federal government. I'm honored that she agreed to share her thoughts in our newsletter and provide us some additional information about those programs.
Also, thanks are due to Mayor Carter, the City Council, and all the business and foundation partners that contributed to the Saint Paul’s Bridge Fund. After you check out all the news, b
e sure to keep reading for a special request we have for each of you.
-Joe
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A note from Congresswoman Betty McCollum
Dear downtown Saint Paul community,
Not a single one of us has experienced what we’re all experiencing together (apart!) right now. Facing a global health crisis is overwhelming – not only because we care about the health and safety of our neighbors and loved ones, but also because of the uncertainty about our short- and long-term economic future. Each of us has a role to play as we work together to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
My role is to work on an ongoing federal emergency response. Three emergency aid packages have now been signed into law, and more work remains to ensure our families and small businesses can be safe, healthy, and weather the storm of this global pandemic. I hope the resources below are helpful and informative as we navigate the months ahead and begin the process of recovery.
The federal $2.2 trillion CARES Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. The bill includes
$375 billion in immediate disaster relief for small businesses.
Read my full statement on the package
here.
To help business owners and employees understand what types of assistance are available to them through the CARES Act, as well as how to apply for aid, the
Small Business Administration recently released a
comprehensive resources guide
. Economic Injury Disaster Loans, a Paycheck Protection Program, and SBA debt relief are some of the aid measures available. A helpful explainer is available
here.
The federal CARES Act also includes
direct cash payments to individuals and families
– emergency aid meant to help Americans pay for everyday expenses like rent, groceries, and utility bills. For now, most Americans (including those receiving Social Security benefits) will receive a one-time cash payment of $1,200. Congress may consider additional direct cash payments in future aid bills in the coming weeks and months.
This Q&A
explains how much to expect, when to expect it, and how the money will be sent.
Finally, business closures or limitations due to Minnesota’s Stay at Home order have caused necessary, extreme cuts to revenue and employee work hours, leaving many in need of unemployment benefits. While individuals apply for unemployment insurance through their state (at iumn.org), the federal relief package included funds to expand on that insurance –
adding an additional $600 per person on top of the base amount an individual is eligible to receive for up to 13 weeks.
Additionally, an important measure was added to the bill that makes unemployment benefits available to
freelancers, furloughed employees, and gig workers
(Uber/Lyft drivers, dog walkers, etc.) who were previously ineligible.
If there’s anything I’m sure of, it’s that Minnesotans know how to weather a storm. I’m here with you at home, fighting for our state’s needs on the national level. My office, while closed to the public, is available for any questions, concerns, or case work matters that need direct assistance. Please call my St. Paul office at 651-224-9191 or send a message
here
for help.
We will get through this – together.
Be well,
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
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Additional information about the Saint Paul Bridge Fund
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Earlier this week Mayor Carter announced that thanks to incredibly generous contributions from Saint Paul philanthropic and private sector partners including the Knight Foundation, Ecolab Foundation, Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation, Securian Financial, MN Wild, Xcel Energy, MNUFC and others, the
Saint Paul Bridge Fund
is now at $3.85 million.
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority board voted in favor of the fund last night, which will provide emergency relief for the small businesses and families in our community who need it most. Applications will open in the coming days.
To learn more about the Saint Paul Bridge Fund and to sign up to receive updates visit
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Send us your good news, success stories and shout outs
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It's too easy to forget these days that despite the uncertainty and the stress, there is still so much good happening throughout our community. Our friends at Visit Saint Paul have been collecting
Uplifting Updates
about all ways that businesses and organizations throughout the city have spread positivity these past few weeks -- like Afro Deli, Keys Cafe and the Saint Paul Hotel providing free meals to kids and first responders.
But we also want to hear from all of you in our downtown community. While many people are working from home away from downtown right now, we know that downtown is still full of people and we want to share your stories of good news. Do you have a neighbor that dropped off groceries, has been making face masks or organized a building-wide virtual happy hour? Who do you know that's an essential worker coming into downtown every day that deserves a special shout out or thank you? Did you see someone picking up litter while walking along the river or through Bruce Vento?
Whether you want to thank someone or just share a positive story about your experiences being downtown right now, please send us an email. We will collect all these stories to share in next week's newsletter and on social media.
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