SAINT PAUL – Wednesday, the Minnesota House passed legislation that provides $30.4 million of federal The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for disability service retention and public health grants. This bill is designed to allow disability services providers to stay in operation as the state continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minnesota Senate passed the bill earlier in the day and Governor Walz is expected to sign it into law.
Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) supported the bill.
“Everyone in our state deserves to live with dignity, and much of the pandemic’s impact has fallen squarely on the most vulnerable among us, including people with disabilities. Many of the quality organizations in our region that provide day services to them are struggling to keep the lights on,” Rep. Lislegard said. “I’ve personally visited these facilities and met with the providers and clients, and have seen first-hand the positive impact they have on people. This funding will go a long way toward ensuring they can continue to live fulfilling lives. We have a lot more to do – including pay increases for personal care attendants – and I remain committed to supporting Minnesotans who are counting on us to help them have a strong future.”
This bill authorizes the Dept. of Human Services to offer two rounds of grants. The first provides retention payments for fixed costs endured by providers during the pandemic. The second provides public health grants to eligible providers who have implemented or intend to implement COVID-19-related public health measures that facilitate social distancing practices.
The full bill can be found here. The House floor debate is available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.