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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rod Hamilton (R)

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REP. HAMILTON SUPPORTS WORKERS COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota House has approved legislation that would ensure health care workers and first responders would qualify for workers compensation if they contract COVID-19. State Representative Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) supported the legislation. 

 

"To me, this is a way to show those who are working on the front lines that they have our full support," Hamilton said. "These folks are caring for the sick during a worldwide pandemic. If they become infected with COVID-19, they should not have to prove that they were sickened on the job in order to obtain workers compensation." 

 

The bill represents a compromise agreement made by legislators from all four House and Senate caucuses, and advocates from labor and business groups. The compromise agreement was approved unanimously in an emergency meeting of the Workers Compensation Advisory Council on April 6. 

 

Hamilton said a number of professions will benefit from the change, including paramedics, home health care workers, police and fire officials, nurses, emergency medical technicians, correctional officers, and daycare providers who are caring for children whose parents are on the front lines.