Session Week Four, Frontline Worker Bonuses Pass the House, and more

Frontline Worker Bonuses Pass the House
The House bill to deliver $1 billion in frontline worker bonuses was passed by the House on Thursday by a vote of 68-63. Those opposing the bill argued mainly against the wide scope, which covers more types of workers and costs four times more than the $250 million agreed to by the legislature and the governor last session. Those supporting passage of the bill argued that all the workers included in this new bill put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep the economy moving. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL–New Hope) estimates that 667,000 Minnesotans will be eligible to receive bonuses with this new bill. The bill now heads to the Senate where Sen. Erin Murphy (DFL–St. Paul) is the sponsor. The Senate has yet to advance companion legislation.

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