Week in Review: Feb. 7 – Feb. 11

From health care to child care to lawn care, there was no shortage of subjects discussed and debated in the House of Representatives this week.

High-profile issues, such as $1 billion to pay frontline workers, infrastructure and looming tax increases on small businesses were addressed, as were areas such as the plant-based food industry and local control of landscaping regulations.

Next week will begin on Valentine’s Day, but there will be no honeymoon for lawmakers with contentious issues like paid family medical leave and creation of a public option for MinnesotaCare on the day’s schedule. However, Monday’s afternoon floor session could be a short one, with no bills on the Calendar for the Day.

So have a nice weekend, and here’s another look at what you may have missed this week.

Remember to stay up-to-date with House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.

AGRICULTURE
State lawmakers consider seed money for growing plant-based food industry

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17060

BONDING
Who will get big bucks coming state’s way from federal infrastructure act?

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17062

CIVIL LAW

Student data privacy bill moving through House would bring MN laws ‘into the 21st century’

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17063

EDUCATION

Start young: House bill would add early childhood to housing grant program

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17090

House education panel approves Increase Teachers of Color Act

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17077

Legislation seeks solution to special education funding shortfall

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17074

Education committee holds over plans for English Learner funding increases

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17064

Proposed changes to teacher licensure headed to House Floor

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17059

ELECTIONS

Opting in or out? Proposal aims to provide easier voter registration

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17089

EMPLOYMENT

House workforce committee OKs $1.2 billion plan to repay MN's unemployment trust fund

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17082

Committee OKs $1 billion plan for bonus pay to frontline workers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17076

Warehouses could see increased workers’ safety requirements

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17069

Allowing younger liquor servers may be temporary solution to staffing shortage

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17067

House workforce panel ponders action to avoid tax increase for employers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17061

ENERGY

Electricity from renewables experiencing a holdup in getting hooked up

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17085

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Bills banning use of PFAS approved by House environment committee

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17088

Native plants vs. lush lawns — state or local governments best to decide?

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17071

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Money for worker incentives, IT in supplemental DHS budget request

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17086

Effort to bring back child care waivers takes first step

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17083

Dental exam could be just another school test under new proposal

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17073

HIGHER EDUCATION
Education, advocacy next step in solving student loan ‘crisis’

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17081

Minnesota State officials seek more than $300 million in state support

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17078

U of M makes a ‘bold’ ask of lawmakers: $400m in extra funding through ‘25

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17070

HOUSING

House committee approves increased renter protections

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17084

Proposed grant program would provide $75 million to help emergency shelters provide for MN homeless

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17075

Speaking to lawmakers, state’s top housing official offers explanation for abrupt end to rental assistance program

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17065

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Feeding veterans: Metro Meals on Wheels could add veteran focus

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17080

PUBLIC SAFETY

Public safety panel OKs expanded police powers to track stolen vehicles

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17087

Public safety panel hears new proposal to fund fight vs. sex trafficking

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17066

STATE GOVERNMENT

Funding, use remain topics of debate surrounding state’s disaster contingency fund

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17072

Results of race equity resolution reviewed by committee, more change requested

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17058

TAXES

Late property tax payers could see some relief

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17079

TRANSPORTATION

Speed to blame for surge in traffic fatalities, officials tell House lawmakers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17068