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Rep. Green: Bill approved to provide funding for disability service providers

Friday, August 14, 2020

 

ST. PAUL – State Rep. Steve Green, R-Fosston, said he is pleased the Minnesota Legislature approved a bill Wednesday providing relief for organizations that provide day services for adults with permanent disabilities.

Specifically, the bill (H.F. 1) provides approximately $30 million in grants to help these organizations mitigate damages suffered due to COVID-19 restrictions. It appropriates $20 million for retention grants to home- and community-based providers to help them pay employees and maintain safety standards. It also provides $10 million for public health grants to help providers with the resources necessary to re-open safely with proper social distancing in place.

“Operations that provide these valuable services throughout our area have really taken a hit in recent months and, ultimately, it is the people who rely on this assistance that suffer the consequences,” Green said. “This bill won’t undo all the harm caused by the excessive restrictions the governor has placed upon these outfits, but it is a step to help offset the damages. It’s good this bill was approved to help these organizations survive and continue serving their clients.”

The bill has been sent to Gov. Tim Walz for enactment. Upon his anticipated signature, there is a Sept. 15 application deadline for retention grants and public health grants will be available through 2020. Call the Minnesota Department of Human Services for more at (651) 431-2000.  

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