SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Tonight, the Minnesota House approved legislation to fully replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund – at an investment of $2.7 billion – and deliver $1,500 for more than 600,000 frontline workers, including health care workers, first responders, child care providers, food service and retail workers, and so many more. Additionally, the bill makes hourly school employees like paraprofessionals, classroom assistants, bus drivers and others – who are critical to the success of students – eligible for unemployment benefits in the summer.
Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) voted for the legislation and issued the following statement:
“Coming together to advance this important legislation is the right thing to do and it is the solution I’ve fought for all along. I’ve heard from business owners who are counting on lawmakers to replenish the UI Trust Fund. We also need to take care of the workers who took care of us in the most trying times our state has seen in over a century. Significantly, the bill also extends unemployment benefits in the summer for hourly school workers. Without these dedicated workers, schools won’t be able to function, and they deserve dignity and economic security.
“From the beginning I have been consistent in advocating for both Democrats and Republicans to come together. Tonight, I’m proud we were able to advance this important solution. Now it’s time to put people before politics and get this to the governor’s desk.”