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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Persell (DFL)

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Rep. Persell votes in favor of legislation supporting hourly school workers

Monday, May 4, 2020

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation to ensure hourly school employees continue to get paid through the end of the school year. The bill provides compensation for hourly school employees and allows entities that contract with schools to provide services to be reimbursed for paying their employees, for changes in school employment practices as a result of COVID-19 related school closures and the conversion to distance learning programs.

“Teachers and school staff are going above and beyond to serve our students and families,” said Rep. John Persell (DFL – Bemidji), who voted in favor of the bill. “Today, we took an important step to ensure full pay for hourly school workers – including paraprofessionals, lunch staff, child care workers, bus drivers, and many others. Like all Minnesotans, these hardworking individuals deserve economic security during these challenging and uncertain times.”

The legislation also addresses school finance formula glitches resulting from the conversion to the distance learning model. The bill creates and legislatively approves certain waivers of state law regarding assessments, graduation and course requirements, and potential licensure issues faced by prospective and current teachers.

The legislation awaits action in the Minnesota Senate.