Minnesota lawmakers are racing against the clock to close a deal that will deliver $250 million in COVID-19 pandemic bonus pay to essential workers to avoid a July 1 government shutdown. House Speaker Melissa Hortman said a nine-member panel will be appointed to make recommendations by Labor Day on which essential workers should qualify for a bonus. She said the House DFL would prioritize essential workers who are lower paid, and didn’t receive paid time off if they got sick or had to quarantine, and who were at the most personal risk by showing up to work.
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