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.
“Schools and their employees are working hard to continue educating students during the COVID-19 emergency. The Minnesota Department of Education issued guidance to school districts to continue paying hourly workers, but that guidance does not have the force of law. During these difficult times, hourly school employees deserve to know they will be compensated,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester). “By approving this legislation, House DFLers are showing our appreciation to dedicated paraprofessionals, lunch staff, and bus drivers who are invaluable to student success. I call on Sen. Carla Nelson to support this bill in the Minnesota Senate so these protections, which she has said she supports, can have the force of law.”
The bill also addresses school finance formula glitches resulting from the conversion to the distance learning model. The legislation also waives aspects of state law regarding assessments, graduation and course requirements, and potential licensure issues faced by prospective and current teachers.
The legislation awaits action in the Minnesota Senate.