Today the Minnesota Senate passed over $20 million in assistance for home and community-based disability service providers. 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.

“The folks who are responsible for caring for our most vulnerable loved ones have been hit incredibly hard by Covid,” said Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson). “The outbreak has forced many of them to make drastic cuts and even close their doors, but the people they care for still depend on them day in, day out. I am glad we were able to step in and provide them some short-term assistance.”

The bill passed the Senate unanimously.