House passes workers’ comp changes for health care workers, first responders with COVID-19
By Rob Hubbard
While praise has been widely accorded those on the front lines of the struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic — particularly health care workers and first responders — there’s been a nagging question among their ranks: What happens if one of them contracts the virus? Would they receive workers’ compensation for time missed during their illness?
The House sought to ease their minds on Tuesday by overwhelmingly passing HF4537.
Sponsored by Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud), it specifically addresses workers’ compensation claims for employees who contract COVID-19 during their duties as health care workers — including home health care workers — paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers and firefighters.
The changes would also pertain to corrections facility officers and counselors, as well as child care workers providing care for the children of health care workers and first responders.
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By Mike Cook HF3631 would provide $250,000 in each of the next two fiscal years for “grants to state organizations, counties, cities, and private holders of public access space to fund building modifications to provide sensory accessibility of accommodationsMore rain, more problems … how much more money?
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HF3055 would ask officials from the Department of Natural Resources to get together with other state agencies and assess the impact of climate change on state-owned assets.
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House, Senate pass $200 million for health care providers in fight against COVID-19
By Victoria Cooney
In the early hours of Tuesday, the House passed a bill to provide $200 million for health care providers in need of support to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walz unveils lean supplemental budget proposal in face of virus uncertainty
By Mike Cook
When releasing his supplemental budget proposal Thursday morning, Gov. Tim Walz made sure to focus on the knowns and unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic while tempering expectations for much else with the state’s projected surplus.
Governor proposes $2 billion bonding package for 2020
By Jonathan Mohr
Governor pitches $2 billion plan to invest in infrastructure, public safety, higher ed, housing and other areas of need across the state.
