Disagreements remain over allocating $250 million in bonus pay for workers who were on the frontlines during the pandemic. Members of the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group met for the first time in several weeks Wednesday, October 20, in an effort to advance a proposal for the legislature and Governor Tim Walz to consider.
DFL members of the working group propose a minimum disbursement of $375 in tax-free hero pay to anyone who qualifies for the award. The proposal recognizes workers in retail, food service, manufacturing, social services, the courts as well as health-related fields.
In contrast, the GOP working group members proposed $1200 in tax-free bonuses to workers in health care, long-term care, emergency services and corrections. The competing proposals come one month after the working group’s recommendation was due to legislative leaders.
Co-chair Senator Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, failed to gain the task force's support in moving the contrasting proposals to the full legislature for their review and action. Co-chair Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, spoke against the motion to advance two proposals, saying the working group is tasked with reaching a compromise.
Winkler adjourned the meeting after he announced that the working group will meet next week to review any potential compromise proposal.
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