(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota labor and business groups have come to an agreement on a presumptive workers’ compensation insurance proposal for the state’s first responders, health care workers, and others if they test positive for COVID-19. Because of the often highly controversial nature, changes to the state’s workers’ compensation insurance laws are first considered by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC), which is comprised of an equal number of members representing labor and business. After receiving approval from the WCAC, the proposal will go to the legislature for approval, and finally to the governor.

In a statement, Minnesota Senate President Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) said, “I applaud the efforts of those representing the public employee unions and business groups for coming together on a presumptive workers’ compensation agreement to provide safeguards for nurses, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, health care providers, personal care attendants, corrections officers, and others if they contract COVID-19. While I was happy to help broker this agreement, I’m most pleased to continue showing our hard-working Minnesotans on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis that we truly appreciate and support their efforts. We hope it’s not needed, but it is vitally important for these heroes on the front lines to know that this policy is in place to help protect their health and safety during this difficult and uncertain time.”