The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday approved more than $20 million in assistance grants for home and community-based disability service providers. A number of providers in Olmsted County are set to receive aid under the bill, including Hiawatha Homes, PossAbilities, Day Activity Centers, and Day Training and Habilitations.

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.

“The pandemic has changed a lot about our lives, but one thing it didn’t change is disabled individuals’ need for assistance and support,” said Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). “There are so many important providers out there taking care of our vulnerable loved ones. They were doing their very best with limited resources even before Covid hit, but the outbreak put a number of them in impossible circumstances. Passing this bill is a big victory for countless individuals living with disabilities who will be able to continue receiving the critical care they depend on.’

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.