Senate Republicans offered their version of coronavirus relief package today. The proposal is meant to be a starting point for negotiations with House Democrats, who already passed the $3 trillion HEROES Act. The reported $1 trillion Senate plan extends the $1,200 stimulus with similar income thresholds from the last round and cuts the federal enhanced $600 unemployment insurance to $200. The bill will be negotiated with the House of Representatives, controlled by Democrats. There is some urgency to get the bill done before the August recess, in part because it’s an election year and politicians want to be home campaigning instead of being stuck in Washington.

Governor Walz plans to announce the fate of public schools this fall on Thursday. The Minnesota statewide mask mandate started Saturday and applies to everyone above five years old and medically able to tolerate a mask. The state mandate functions as a minimum standard and local municipalities have the right to enact more stringent ordinances. Please see the frequently asked questions.

Minneapolis has voted to reduce police funding by $1.5 million and reallocate it to a broader Community Safety department effort. The Charter Commission meets today to consider a plan that would keep a Police Department, but eliminate requirements to maintain a specific force size based on population. Read more here.

Eden Prairie reminds people that First-Time Homebuyer Program, Senior Emergency Repair Program and Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program funds are still available.

NAR supports Congressman Maloney’s First Time Homebuyer Pandemic Savings Act. Read the press release here.