Advocacy Update & Action Alert: Join Us Monday, May 11
The Lake Street Council continues to press the case for emergency small business relief funding at the state legislature in St. Paul. Recent surveys of Lake Street businesses showed that the average revenue losses were at least $57,000, and we know that many businesses experienced larger revenue dips, as well as substantial lost wages for their workers.
A bill allocating $100 million to help businesses across the state has made its way through the Minnesota Senate and will be considered as leaders in both chambers finalize their spending measures. Senate File 4535 now sets the stage for final negotiations on how to best help business owners offset their dramatic revenue losses due to recent federal immigration enforcement.
SEND A MESSAGE TO LAWMAKERS
You can still play an important role in ensuring state leaders prioritize rolling back the damage caused by ICE and Border Patrol agents. Federal agents targeted immigrant communities and businesses, using illegal intimidation tactics and causing over $600 million in economic losses statewide.
The Lake Street Council is working with a coalition of business and community development organizations to restore our small businesses, commercial corridors, and cultural malls. Click here to send a letter in support of the legislative campaign, and please add a personal note, for example:
We are calling on state legislators to provide meaningful relief to our businesses – state grants are better than loans, we can’t keep asking local entrepreneurs to take on more debt!
RALLY AT THE CAPITOL
Are you ready to rally for small business relief? The Lake Street Council will be joining our Community Development allies on Monday, May 11th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, for an afternoon lobbying effort and some casual conversations with state legislators about small business needs. We hope you can join us!
If you have questions, concerns, or comments about our advocacy efforts, contact Russ Adams at 612.438.6338 or russ@lakestreetcouncil.org.