St. Paul, Minn.-- Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp.
The legislation goes into effect for employees who contract COVID-19? on or after the day following final enactment.
Representative Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) voted in support of the legislation today and released the following statement:
“Our first responders and health care workers are putting themselves on the front line of this battle every day and they need to know that we have their backs. I’m honored to join my colleagues in supporting legislation to ensure these individuals are covered by workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19.”
A copy of the legislation can be found here, and a video recording of the House floor session can be found on the House Public Information YouTube page. The legislation is expected to be passed by the Minnesota Senate and signed by Governor Walz.
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Representative Cheryl Youakim is the also the chief author of the Hometown Heroes Act, which addresses the alarmingly high incidence of cancer, cardiac issues, and emotional trauma facing the state’s 22,000 firefighters.