Anoka Times

Of Minnesota's 87 counties, two have been receiving direct appropriations from the CARES Act, while the other 85 are still waiting on the needed funds given to the state from the federal funds, according to a letter to Gov. Tim Walz from Reps. Kurt Daudt and Pat Garofalo. 

"Last weekend, legislators reached a bipartisan, bicameral deal to distribute the funds," the representatives said in the letter. "We were deeply disappointed that your administration attempted to link CARES Act Local Funds to unrelated spending items included in your supplemental budget proposal. The House Majority's attempt to attach those spending items, presumably at your request, violated the spirit of the bipartisan deal that had been reached."

But Daudt and Garofalo are urging to governor to instead disperse the relief funds to cities and counties in the state. 

"Our communities are counting on this money," they said in the letter. "These funds will help make our local governments whole for the tens of millions spent on COVID-19 response and testing, purchase of personal protective equipment for front-line workers and can be use to help keep our struggling businesses that are the anchors of Main Streets throughout Minnesota."