[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointments of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Commissioner Roslyn Robertson, and Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Robert Doty to the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group. The working group will direct financial support to Minnesota’s essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Minnesota’s essential workers have borne a large burden of the COVID-19 pandemic to protect our communities and save lives. Now, with our COVID-19 Recovery Budget, we are able to provide hard-earned financial support to those who have fought on the frontlines,” said Governor Walz. “Today, I am proud to appoint Commissioners Grove, Robertson, and Doty to the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group to recognize the sacrifices of our frontline heroes and help ensure they get the support they deserve.”

“I have tremendous gratitude to the essential workers who have put their lives on the line each and every day through the COVID-19 pandemic to take care of our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I am confident Commissioners Grove, Robertson, and Doty will work closely alongside frontline essential workers to ensure our frontline heroes are not left behind as we continue to recover from this pandemic.”

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget includes $250 million in direct financial support to Minnesota’s essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nine-member Frontline Worker Pay Working Group, including members of the legislative and executive branches, will make recommendations about who is eligible for the payments by September 6, 2021.

The Commissioners will serve terms effective today, July 14, 2021, and expiring upon the submission of the Working Group’s recommendations.