Minnsights Blog

New employment data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic (DEED) show the devastating impact that COVID-19 has wrought on Minnesota’s economy since March.

As Minnesota’s businesses begin to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation has been analyzing data about the economic impact of the seismic shifts of the last two months, including diminished demand and government interventions. 

Last week, Governor Walz announced outdoor restaurant patios, salons and campgrounds could open at limited capacity on June 1. However, indoor bars and restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys will remain closed until an unknown date in the future.

This session, the Chamber advocated for a deferral of the May 15 business property tax payment to provide much-needed breathing room for businesses struggling to navigate COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic upended the 2020 legislative session, resulting in legislative breaks, remote hearings, limited public engagement and challenges to the governor’s peacetime emergency executive powers.