(St. Paul, MN) – Today the Minnesota Senate passed over $20 million in public health aid for disability service providers who have been severely affected by the increased cost of operating with Covid-19. The dollars will be drawn from the state’s coronavirus relief fund. Further, the bill expands eligibility for an elderly customized living program to those with disabilities for one month. Both pieces of Senate File 1 are significant moves to protect the most vulnerable in Minnesota communities.

“This bill is such an obvious ‘yes’ that it should never have been hung up in the House,” said Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch). “Applying aid to keep disability services open, when so many other areas have already received help, is the least the legislature can do for our vulnerable community.”

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. The Senate passed similar legislation multiple times in earlier sessions with no previous support from the House majority. Senate File 1 will give these providers some short months of relief to pay for fixed costs and ensure health and safety standards are upheld.

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and awaits signing by the Governor before being passed into law.