Governor Signs Bill Authorizing Bonuses For Frontline Workers

(KNSI) – A bill to give frontline workers a bonus check for staying at their job during the pandemic has been signed into law. Around 667,000 frontline workers will be eligible for a payment.

The bill, Chapter 50, SF 2677, includes $500 million for direct payments to frontline workers and $2.7 billion to replenish the unemployment trust fund. The bill prevents tax increases on small businesses to refill the state’s unemployment trust fund.

On Monday, Governor Tim Walz was joined by legislators, commissioners, small business owners, and frontline workers from across the state to celebrate the ceremonial signing. Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman was at the ceremony.

“The workers who are on the front lines during the pandemic deserve these bonuses. These are the workers who couldn’t stay home who kept our communities and our economy going. These are nurses and long-term care workers, educators, emergency responders, grocery store workers, child care providers, and so many more.”

Frontline workers include those who work in long-term care and home care, health care, emergency response, public health, social service, regulatory service, courts and corrections, child care, food service, retail, temporary shelters and hotels, building services, public transit, ground and air transportation services, manufacturing, and vocational rehabilitation.

Individuals must apply through Minnesota’s Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) over the 45-day application period to qualify for a payment. Details of the program, including the application process, will be available on www.frontlinepay.mn.gov.

Hortman says she hopes the bill is a catalyst for lawmakers to get other work done.

“I’m hopeful that our work together and this agreement means that there are more to come House Democrats will continue working to reduce costs for families improve economic security support our workers invest in education and address public safety challenges. From now until May 23rd, we’re all on team Minnesota. We’re not Democrats and Republicans. We are on Team Minnesota and we have three weeks to complete a lot of work for the people of Minnesota and it will require continued bipartisanship to get things done.”

The Legislative session is scheduled to end on May 23rd.

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