SAINT PAUL – This afternoon, the Minnesota House of Representatives is expected to pass the COVID-19 Economic Security Act, which delivers much-needed relief to thousands of Minnesotans experiencing difficulties during the pandemic. The legislation helps those who are struggling to make their next rent payment, students who depend on broadband access to connect to their schools and teachers, the smallest businesses that have been denied any financial assistance, and PCAs who continue to provide care during this pandemic.
“The pandemic has exposed deep, systemic inequities in our communities. The DFL economic security agenda is part of our commitment to address inequities and give all Minnesotans the opportunity to succeed,” said Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth). “We are making necessary investments to help the people in our community rebound from this crisis and help our economy get back on track.”
“Minnesotans are suddenly facing challenges they’ve never experienced before, and many of those who were struggling before the pandemic are among those impacted by COVID-19 the worst,” said Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth), the House Majority Whip. “The actions we take now will determine whether Minnesotans will be able to emerge from this pandemic not just in good health, but in a position where they can succeed and thrive economically.”
Rep. Schultz is the chief author of the provision to deliver a temporary 15 percent rate increase for Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota’s PCAs serve Minnesotans with disabilities, our seniors, and other vulnerable populations. In addition to the 15 percent rate increase, PCAs can now be paid for 310 hours of services per month, up from 275. The bill allows a parent or legal guardian of a minor PCA recipient, or a spouse of a PCA recipient, to earn wages for providing PCA services during the peacetime emergency.
“Despite low pay and grueling demands, Minnesota PCAs are dedicated to their jobs, performing vital services that allow the most vulnerable among us to live in their communities with dignity,” Rep. Schultz said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for PCAs and their clients. As we continue to work on long-term solutions to recruit and retain Minnesotans to these positions, this legislation will help ensure PCAs have economic security during this crisis.”
The COVID-19 Economic Security Act includes $100 million in assistance for Minnesota renters, homeowners, and landlords. In addition to support for rent and mortgages, qualified applicants can receive help paying utility bills and property taxes. The proposal has received broad support, ranging from the Homes for All Coalition, representing 250 Minnesota housing organizations, to the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, which represents property management companies throughout the state.
The legislation invests $15 million in a new Distance Learning Broadband Access Grant Program to provide students with the equipment necessary to access learning materials on the internet and reimburse school districts for costs to provide broadband access. It also invests $10 million in the state’s Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program to expand high-speed broadband, with the funding targeted to unserved areas. Finally, it invests $2 million in the new Telemedicine Equipment Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse health care providers and counties that purchase and install telemedicine equipment to provide COVID-19-related health care services.
Finally, the legislation appropriates $55 million to the Small Business Emergency Loan Program at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), which was launched by Executive Order 20-15 from Gov. Walz on March 23. The program’s original $30 million has since been exhausted.
A nonpartisan summary of the legislation can be accessed here. The bill directs funding to come from the state’s $1.87 billion share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act if available.