Governor Evers Trying to Work Something Out on Small Business Grants that Must be Paid Back

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 -- 11:00 AM

(Bob Hague & Brian Winnekins, WRN & WRDN) -Small businesses that were approved for a 2021 "We're All In Grant" but were not eligible to repay the $5000 grants are being asked to repay them.

That’s after the Legislative Audit Bureau found that WEDC approved grants to some businesses that didn't qualify. Governor Tony Evers said his office will try and work out something with the legislature, so the businesses aren't harmed. "“We'll do whatever we can. We don't want to put anybody at a disadvantage, so hopefully we can work that out with the legislature and the business owners so that they're not harmed.”

It doesn't appear the Republican controlled legislature will go along, as they blame the governor for not working with them to distribute the money in the first place.  The Department of Revenue has been telling the affected businesses they could pay back the grant at $10 a month with no interest charges.  At $10 a month, it would take over 41 years for the grants to be repaid. 

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