Special session provides relief

Wyoming lawmakers have passed a series of appropriation bills geared at offering much needed relief for Wyoming’s small business owners affected by COVID-19.

State lawmakers met via teleconference over the weekend for a special two day session to discuss the best strategy for appropriating $1.25 billion in federal relief funds. 

The funds will provide relief for the cost of fighting the virus and protecting workers compensation, both for employees and business owners. 

Lawmakers also established a temporary program for the payment of rent and avoidance of evictions for individuals impacted by COVID-19.

Programs have been created allowing the distribution of $275 million of the funds through grants to businesses affected by COVID-19 throughout the state. 

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sen. Dave Kinskey wanted business owners to understand that this money is not set to be distributed in the form of loans, but grants offered to struggling business owners. 

Kinskey recommends that business owners submit as much detail as possible on how their businesses were affected by the pandemic while completing applications. 

The Wyoming Business Council is preparing the grant applications and will be made available as soon as completed.