Minnesota legislatures to vote on $200 million COVID-19 response fund

Lawmakers went into recess on March 17 because of concerns around the COVID-19 outbreak, but they will have to come back Thursday to vote on the Governor's request. 

The proposal creates $200 million for a COVID-19 respond fund that could be used in different ways as the virus spreads.

The spending bill helps small businesses and workers who are unemployed. 

Lawmakers will also talk about the issues raised by people who have had to stay home with their kids because of COVD-19 and school being closed.
   
But that's not the only people who will be included in the spending bill. There's state funding set aside for low-income individuals, the elderly and those with disabilities, along with help for food banks and homeless shelters under the spending bill.

There is also an eviction and foreclosure moratorium. That means no actions may be filed for the entire time of the public health emergency.
           
Lawmakers have also proposed a "worker security budget package."
            
This would be another way to help businesses across the state secure private funding for those who don't qualify for small business injury disaster loans.
 
Things will look a little different at Thursday's hearings. Lawmakers will be spaced out in each chamber.

The public is also asked to watch the hearings at home.

The house will meet at 12 p.m., followed by the senate at 2 p.m.