'Help is on the way': Wisconsin will issue $420 million in relief funds to small businesses, Gov. Evers says
Eddie Morales
Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday he will pour $420 million into small businesses through the Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grant program.
Evers made the announcement at The Ruby Tap, a wine bar and shop in Wauwatosa.
According to a news release, the funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act can potentially benefit 84,000 small businesses that generate between $10,000 and $7 million in annual revenue.
“While we’re still waiting on federal guidance, we want small businesses to know that help is on the way,” Evers said during the announcement.
Ruby Tap co-owner Brooke Boomer said they were fortunate to receive the grant at a crucial time.
“It was just really helpful during a time when we weren’t really sure how we would stay open,” said Boomer.
Evers said when the state receives the federal funds, he will quickly help businesses restock shelves, catch up on bills, rehire and retain workers and continue to help keep their customers, employees and communities safe.
“We can’t sit around and wait to get these funds out the door and we can’t afford to let politics get in the way of getting resources and support to those who need our help,” Evers said.
Eligible businesses would receive $5,000 grant awards in the program, which is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Revenue.
In March, Evers announced how the state will use the $3.2 billion provided by the American Rescue Plan Act. The plan will see $2.5 billion invested into the state’s economic recovery and well-being; and $600 million to support small businesses using up to $420 million in grants.
Also Thursday, Evers vetoed a series of bills passed by state Republicans last week that would determine how the funds should be allocated.
One of those bills suggested spending $200 million to support Wisconsin’s small businesses.
According to the news release, details of the new grants will not be finalized until federal rules for ARPA funds are in place.
Individuals and businesses can learn more about the program by visiting the DOR website at bit.ly/reliefmoney.
After the announcement, Evers addressed another big issue. He said he would hold a special session on policing legislation if lawmakers don’t enact new laws on their own.
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“I’d love to do it and I would do it and I may do it,” he said. “But the fact of the matter is we tried that once at a really important time. We had the situation in Kenosha, we had the situation in Minnesota. People were peacefully protesting all across the state of Wisconsin around this issue and we couldn’t get (Republican lawmakers) to take a breath and frankly pass those bills.”
Evers said lawmakers can pass those bills right now and he is frustrated that they are "putting politics in front of people.”
Eddie Morales can be reached at 414-223-5366 or eddie.morales@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @emoralesnews.
