Minn. legislators move bill to pay K-12 hourly employees through COVID-19 shutdown

Apr 09, 20200

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STEM teacher Jodi Backes, center, shows Monday, March27, how to conduct a science activity to fourth-grade students Hailey Haugen, 10, from left, Jamison Daly, 9, and Danny Sorto, 10, at Kennedy Elementary School in Willmar. Students and teachers in Willmar were making the most of the two days they had together before school closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune

ST. PAUL - Minnesota lawmakers are on their way to passing legislation ensuring public schools' hourly employees continue to get paid throughout the COVID-19 pandmic, but some question whether the move is necessary.

In a Wednesday, April 8, video conference hearing, members of the House Education Policy Committee passed by a 12-5 vote House File 4415, which would require school districts to pay hourly employees like bus drivers or janitors their hourly rates for days they were unable to work due to COVID-19-related school closures.

https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/5035440-Minn.-legislators-move-bill-to-pay-K-12-hourly-employees-through-COVID-19-shutdown