HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force presented a report to Governor Bullock Friday, May 1 that recommends how the $1.25 billion from the CARES Act should be distributed in the state.
The task force created a few guiding principles to help create a framework that would best encompass all those who have been hit by COVID-19. These guidelines include focusing on those impacted most by the virus, making sure there is no duplication of funding, allocating funds in a timely manner, considering existing infrastructure, focusing on new assistance, considering the overall health and well-being of Montanans, and trying to keep distribution as simple as possible.
These guidelines coupled with the Coronavirus Relief Advisory Council, public comments and advisory committee meetings, helped establish three categories. These three categories recommend funding distribution for state, local and tribal governments, economic assistance and unforeseen impacts and then act like an umbrella and recommending immediate safety net funds for food, businesses, tourism, entertainment and hospitality sectors.
Over a two week period, 1,416 public comments were received and reviewed regarding funding distribution. Some of the recommendations in the report include giving 21 percent for business relief, three percent for education assistance and three percent for farm and ranch relief.
The Coronavirus Relief Fund Advisory Council Recommendation Report concluded with the following statement:
“In no way could one report of recommendations comprehensively and satisfactorily address the many, varied needs created by COVID-19 across our great state. That said, we hope the recommendations provided in this report give you guidance on how to best deploy Coronavirus Relief Funds to those who need it most, when they need it most. Further, we appreciate the opportunity to provide recommendations on behalf of the Montana business and nonprofit community – large to small, east to west, urban to rural, and everywhere and everyone in between. We stand ready to be steady, conscientious, and representative advisors on how best to assist Montanans now, as well as throughout the next phases of Montana’s response to COVID-19 pandemic.”
For more information visit commerce.mt.gov.
