MN HF1353

Establishes a COVID-19 emergency community relief grants program administered through community action agencies to provide grants to individuals experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic.

Prioritizes grant distribution to ensure approximately equal dollar amounts reach metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, with preference given to agencies serving culturally specific populations.

Individuals qualify for grants if they are ineligible for unemployment benefits, receive unemployment at rates below their actual earnings, cannot access COVID-19 federal/state assistance, or cannot receive any pandemic-related assistance.

Maximum grant award is $1,500 per individual, with funds usable for food, emergency household items, rent support, utility bills, and similar expenses; rent and utility assistance must be paid directly to landlords or utility companies.

Appropriates $50,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 from the general fund, with up to 10 percent available for administrative costs; funding is available until June 30, 2023, and community agencies must submit quarterly reports through August 1, 2022.