Democratic legislative leaders Saturday night announced a ride share deal that they say will lead to Uber and Lyft remaining in Minnesota.
Drivers receive a pay raised and increased insurance protections in the proposal, which still needs House and Senate approval before it goes to the governor for his signature.
The announcement came as House and Senate Republicans fumed over not being included in the talks.
Uber and Lyft had threatened to leave Minnesota on May 1, later extended to July 1, if a workable compromise wasn't reached.
"The people who made this happen are our authors, working with the drivers, and so many of our colleagues, who kept centered in this effort the needs of working people, and the needs of Minnesotans to have access to ride share," said Senate Democratic leader Erin Murphy.
According to DFL leaders, the pay rate in the deal for drivers is $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute, which they say amounts to a 20 percent pay raise.
It also includes increased insurance for on-the-job injuries, and protections against unfair deactivation.
"No one else has been able to do this in the country," said Gov. Walz, crowded among the House and Senate Democrats that held the late-night news conference at the state capitol building. "They set a standard in this across the country, making sure that folks are able to get their rides when they need them, but the drivers are being paid accordingly to make that happen."
State Rep. Lisa Demuth, the House Republican leader, says she found out about last night's press conference on social media.
"We represent 50 percent of the state, and we were kept in the dark the entire time tonight," Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson said. "So this is very disappointing to see all that rolled out here today."
The session ends on Monday, giving the House and Senate about a day to pass legislation.