Today the Minnesota Senate passed over $20 million in funding for grants for home and community-based disability service providers. The pandemic brought about a significant loss of business to day service providers, employment service providers, and other similar entities. Home and community-based disability service providers were in dire financial straits before Covid-19 changed operating standards. With increased supplies, distancing standards, and transportation costs, many providers were forced to close their doors. Senate File 1 will give these providers some short-term relief to pay employees and uphold health and safety standards.

“I am really happy that the House and Governor Walz have finally joined the Senate in helping out these providers and the countless Minnesotans living with disabilities,” said Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes). “They are doing incredibly important work, but Covid has put them in an impossible position and they need our help. I’m glad we were able to step up.”

This bill designates at least two-thirds of one month of revenue to providers around the state. This will not make them whole as many have not been able to operate for months, but it will provide some stability as they overcome the financial strain of closures necessitated by COVID-19.

Additionally, another $10 million will also be appropriated from the coronavirus relief fund for disability service provider public health grants to ensure facilities have the resources they need to safely social distance when they are able to reopen.

The bill passed the Senate unanimously.