SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved the COVID-19 response legislation for hourly school workers. The legislation 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.
“Hourly workers are invaluable to student success in the classroom. During this time of economic uncertainty, they deserve to be compensated,” said Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing), who serves as Vice Chair of the House Education Finance Division. “Even during the distance learning period, they are providing invaluable services like meal preparation and delivery, and are working to pack up supplies and aid in the transition to the next school year. The legislation we approved today shows we have their back.”
The bill also addresses school finance formula glitches resulting from the conversion to the distance learning model. The legislation 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.
Rep. Sandstede noted the bill’s approval during Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from May 2 to May 6.
“I could not be more proud of this profession, and as a teacher myself, I’m profoundly grateful to all teachers across the state for tackling this challenging situation,” she said. “Distance learning is something every teacher had to learn and adapt our methods to overnight. Our hearts ache for our students as we know they are aching for a return to normal as well. Without the support of hourly workers, our job as educators – and ultimately our students’ success – becomes indescribably more difficult. It is only together that we can be successful.”
The legislation awaits action in the Minnesota Senate.