Title
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE INCLUSION OF LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT AID AS PART OF PROPOSED 2021 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDING.
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BY VICE PRESIDENT FORSMAN AND PRESIDENT VAN NETT:
WHEREAS, residents, businesses, and community organizations across Minnesota depend on the economic strength and vitality of cities and the services they provide; and
WHEREAS, no Minnesota cities have received direct federal aid since the onset of the pandemic that is flexible enough to cover unbudgeted costs related to COVID-19 response efforts or to help alleviate the historic revenue losses due to the pandemic that will slow Minnesota’s economic recovery; and
WHEREAS, cities across Minnesota, including Duluth, have delayed tax bills, paused disconnection of utility customers because of late payments, deployed loan and grant programs to assist small businesses, and continued to adapt and provide critical public services since the onset of the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, federal investment in cities can be used to make Minnesota communities more safe, healthy, and prosperous as we continue to deliver critical services and provide creative solutions for our community during ongoing COVID-19 recovery efforts; and
WHEREAS, President Biden’s American Rescue Plan proposes $350 billion in aid to local and state governments that would help cities across Minnesota, including Duluth, preserve public sector jobs, continue to fully support national COVID-19 response efforts, and help drive our economic recovery.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council strongly supports inclusion of significant local and state government aid in the next federal COVID-19 relief package.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council respectfully urges Minnesota’s Congressional delegation to support local and state government aid in the next federal COVID-19 relief package.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to support the inclusion of significant local and state government aid in the next federal COVID-19 relief package.