Tribune Editorial

In a surprise move last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives advanced a more than $3.7 billion proposal to replenish the state’s jobless fund and send out checks to front-line workers.

The plan would repay the federal government for helping the state pay unemployment insurance benefits during the pandemic. It would also replenish the state’s unemployment insurance fund.  According to recent reports, Minnesota employers have seen their payroll taxes jump by double-digits since lawmakers failed to refill the fund prior to March 15. Those who have already paid the higher taxes would see a reimbursement credited to them under the House proposal.

The Republican-controlled Senate in February approved a $2.7 billion plan to repay the federal government and to replenish the state’s unemployment fund. But Democrats who control the House waited to approve a similar plan, saying it should be paired with payments for those who remained on the front lines during the pandemic.

Remember, both parties couldn’t agree on federally funded “hero checks” that were to reward frontline workers for their commitment during the pandemic.  So, that never happened. Now, it’s being linked to something both Republicans and Democrats really want—repaying the feds for the unemployment insurance benefits during the pandemic.  

It seemed to be reelection politics 101.  Legislators in both parties want something but both disagree about how to offer the same thing.  Largely, it’s about getting credit for something as we head into an election year.  Both issues, on their own won’t get the other party’s support.  Together, it won’t get one party’s support.  

In the end, an issue that both parties want, finally came together last week with the DFL House agreeing to the Senate’s reduction from $1,500 to $750 for roughly 667,000 front-line workers. 

We’re not sure what was behind the partisan bickering over sending the checks for hero pay and finally an agreement was made that did two things, repaid the unemployment insurane fund and provided hero checks.  Maybe the political games finally took a back seat to getting something accomplished. -TJD