Minnesota is poised to become the nation's leader in COVID-19 testing. Gov. Tim Walz has unveiled a new plan for testing 20,000 people a day for the coronavirus. The University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic are key partners in making it happen.
The jump in testing is a major step toward reopening the economy. “The increase in testing and tracing will improve our control of the pandemic and help us think about those strategies to start reopening our society,” Walz said. The first stage of the process, he said, will be paid for with $36 million from a state COVID-19 fund.
An outcry in cabin country. MPR News' Kirsti Marohn reports: "The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign late last week urging state officials to speed up development of health and safety guidelines, so businesses shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic can reopen. With the summer tourist season approaching, many resorts, restaurants and shops in the Brainerd area — and other tourist destinations in Minnesota — are closed due to the stay-at-home order. Others have had to lay off workers or postpone taking reservations for summer visitors."
More counties are pushing back property tax deadlines. Via MPR News' Brian Bakst: "Several counties have decided to delay penalties or interest on tax payments made after the May 15 deadline, giving property owners until June, July or even later in various cases to catch up. Crow Wing, Hennepin, Olmsted and Winona counties are among those that have relaxed deadlines. Matthew Hilgart of the Association of Minnesota Counties expects others to consider the step early next month. "When you’re making these decisions you want to make sure a program is administerable and clear and transparent for taxpayers and fair and equitable. And two, you need to make sure that folks have capacity," he said. For 'counties and cities and school districts, property taxes is their main source of revenue.'"
Let's check in on that presidential election that's still happening ... According to the New York Times, Joe Biden is way behind President Trump in fundraising. Almost $187 million behind, to be precise.
