Walz proposes $10M business relief package as Republicans cry 'new avenue for fraud' in Minnesota

By Fox News · Fox News

Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz was slammed online by Republicans after proposing a $10 million emergency relief package for small businesses across the state impacted by the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Walz unveiled the proposal Thursday after Border Czar Tom Homan announced that Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota would be ending. The proposal calls for forgivable loans ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to be distributed to eligible businesses that are able to demonstrate "substantial revenue loss" during "specified dates" tied to the operation. "The campaign of retribution by the federal administration has been more than a short-term disruption; it has inflicted long-term damage on Minnesota communities," Walz said in a statement. "Recovery will not happen overnight. Families, workers, and business owners are feeling the effects, and our responsibility is clear: we will help rebuild, stabilize these businesses, protect jobs, and ensure Minnesota’s economy can recover and thrive." Republicans quickly criticized the proposal as Minnesota continues to face extensive fraud allegations. CONVICTED MINNESOTA FRAUDSTER ALLEGES WALZ, ELLISON WERE AWARE OF WIDESPREAD FRAUD President Donald Trump previously claimed that fraud in Minnesota exceeded $19 billion. Dozens of people have been prosecuted in Minnesota in recent years for alleged large-scale welfare fraud schemes involving food assistance and autism services. Federal prosecutors have alleged the schemes stole hundreds of millions of dollars from taxpayer-funded programs, with separate investigations also examining alleged fraud in the state’s daycare system. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. reacted to the governor's proposal on X, saying, "BREAKING: Tim Walz opens up a new avenue for fraud in Minnesota." NOEM HAMMERS WALZ, FREY FOR IGNORING 1,360 ICE DETAINERS FOR CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS Minnesota Republican state Sen. Michael Holmstrom said on X that the proposal would be an "immediate NO fr…