At the Capitol: Minnesota Lawmakers Host Hearings on Hero Pay

Posted on August 4, 2021 by Matt Steele

On Tuesday, July 27, a select working group began hosting a series of hearings to determine how to allocate the money set aside during a special session for Hero Pay bonuses for frontline workers. Several different groups are vying for the $250 million set aside for the bonuses, and this week, the working group is hosting a hearing to discuss the effects of the pandemic on long-term care staff. Here is what you need to know about what is happening at the capitol this week:

Where things are at
The working group on Hero Pay bonuses met for the first time last Tuesday, and several frontline workers from different sectors testified about how COVID-19 has affected their lives. The Long-Term Care Imperative had three people testify about challenges they faced at the outset of the pandemic and are continuing to experience. At the end of the hearing, the working group mentioned that they would have continued hearings. Some lawmakers requested more details on how the pandemic specifically affected long-term care workers.

What to Watch
On Aug. 3 at noon, the working group on frontline worker bonuses met to hear from long-term care staff. The Long-Term Care Imperative outlined a scalable proposal to award all long-term care workers that have served seniors throughout the pandemic bonuses for their dedication and commitment. We encourage you to view the hearing and watch for upcoming grassroots advocacy opportunities as we near the September special session to finalize the Hero Pay bonus allocation.

Thanks to LeadingAge Minnesota members who testified on behalf of bonuses for long-term care workers, including Danielle Salisbury, Dan Colgan, Erin Hilligan, Sara Blair, and Amanda Gruber.