[ST. PAUL, MN] – On Monday, April 1^st, Governor Tim Walz signed a bipartisan Snow Day Relief bill that allows school districts and charter schools to count school days that were canceled due to inclement weather during the 2018-2019 school year as instructional days. Minnesota statutes require 165 instructions days, which some districts may not be able to achieve this school year due to the particularly harsh winter of excessive snow and extreme cold. The bill also requires that employees who were scheduled to work but did not receive compensation must either be given an alternative work day or compensated for their scheduled hours.

As a former teacher, Governor Walz trusts local school districts to know best how to keep their students safe. That’s why he worked with both Republicans and Democrats to relieve local school districts of penalties.

“Nothing brings Minnesotans together like our weather,” Governor Walz said. “Local school districts had to make tough choices this winter, and this bipartisan bill ensures our schools aren’t penalized for keeping students safe.”

“Many hourly employees, like bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodians, are feeling financially pinched this winter because they aren’t paid when schools are closed,” Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan said. “This bipartisan bill compensates these employees for lost time or gives them the opportunity to make it up. These dedicated workers support our children every day, and I’m proud this bill ensures we support them.”

The Governor and Lt. Governor were joined at the bill signing by educators from around the state as well as Senator Carla Nelson and Representative Shelly Christensen who authored the legislation.