SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Tonight, the Minnesota House approved legislation to fully replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and deliver $1,500 bonus checks for more than 600,000 frontline workers, including health care workers, first responders, child care providers, food service and retail workers, and more. Additionally, the bill makes hourly school employees like paraprofessionals, classroom assistants, bus drivers and others eligible for unemployment benefits in the summer.
Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) voted for the legislation and issued the following statement:
“Minnesotans expect and deserve lawmakers to deliver results, and in divided government, getting things done for the people of Minnesota takes compromise. Businesses are counting on us to replenish the UI trust fund to help avoid a double-digit tax increase when they’ve already struggled mightily the last two years. Also, our frontline heroes were promised bonus checks in recognition for their dedicated work while putting their health and safety at increased risk during the pandemic’s darkest days.
“With a sizable budget surplus, it’s clear we have the ability to take care of both of these critical priorities. This bill represents one of the biggest steps we can take toward a compromise to deliver a brighter future for workers, business owners, and staff and students in our schools.”