Today the Minnesota Senate and House passed over $30 million in federal CARES funding for retention and public health grants for disability service providers. The pandemic brought about a significant loss of revenue to day service, employment service, and autism providers. This left these key providers in dire financial straits as Governor Walz’s COVID-19 executive orders required them to shut down for months. While there have been some limited re-openings where a small number of clients were allowed to return, they need these grants to stay open. They have had virtually no income from April to June while their clients have been unable to go to the facilities. This has also been very hard on the clients, many of whom have not left their group home since March.

This bill designates $20 million for 66% of one month of revenue to hundreds of providers around the state. This will not make them whole but it will provide rescue funds and some stability as they work through the financial strains of COVID-19 so they can be open for the future needs.

Additionally, another $10 million will also be appropriated for disability service provider public health grants. With the needs for increased personal protection supplies, distancing standards, and transportation costs, this will ensure facilities have the resources they need to safely function as they are able to reopen.

Throughout this year, Senator Abeler and other senators have led the bipartisan charge to get this funding to providers despite consistent indifference from the Governor.

“The dedication of these facilities and their staff to their communities is priceless,” said Senator Jim Abeler (R-Anoka). “They have done everything in their power to survive the effects of this pandemic, but many were about to shutter. We prioritized partnering with them to provide this extra support they need to continue operating to serve their 40,000 clients. They deliver excellent quality of life and care that everyone deserves. This funding will help them stay open and continue serving their clients into the future.”