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.
Recent Dailies
Week in Review: March 2-6
By HPIS Staff
A look back at what happened at the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of March 2-6.
Legislators spend day focused on bridging the education equality gap
By Mike Cook
Minnesota has one of the highest achievements gaps in the country, especially when it comes to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
The Minneapolis Federal Reserve rele...
House passes $50 million bill to fund farmer loans
By Jonathan Mohr
A popular loan program Minnesota farmers have relied on for more than 30 years to weather tough financial times or invest in improvements ran out of money in late February. But the Rural Finance Authority may soon have millions more to lend after the House voted 127-2 on Thursday to pass HF2959.
House passes bill on paid family and medical benefits
By Tim Walker Employees needing to take time off work to deal with a family or medical issue, but can’t afford an unpaid leave, may no longer have to face this difficult choice.REAL ID deadline nears and lawmakers fret over low number of Minnesotans who have one
By Jonathan Avise
HF3964, sponsored by Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls), aims to speed the transition to REAL ID
Prairie Island aims to become a net-zero energy community
By Rob Hubbard
HF3539 would assist the Prairie Island Indian Community in its efforts to become Minnesota’s first net-zero energy community.
Family planning grants need state funding to make up for federal cuts
By Victoria Cooney Minnesota’s Family Planning Special Projects Program helps low-income, high-risk people access a range of services including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraception, routine breast and cervical cancer screenings, and education.Tax on trade-ins would be no more under ‘Willmar plan’
By Rob Hubbard
A plan to provide full retroactive conformity to Section 179 for property acquired in a like-kind exchange was held over by the House Taxes Committee.
Struggling farmers could see relief from loan fees
By Deena Winter
With a farm crisis entering its sixth year, lawmakers are considering a bill that would help Minnesota farmers in the red.
Bonding division hears Northstar line extension request
By Jonathan Mohr
HF4017 seeks $6 million to continue the work being done to extend the Northstar commuter rail service from Minneapolis to St. Cloud.
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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.
