Delivering Emergency Rental AssistanceLast week, the House approved HF 1440, which will provide emergency funding to Minnesota’s Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program. Rent and COVID-related protections and resources are expiring, and many families are struggling. This funding will help families who are at risk of losing their homes stay housed while they get back on their feet.  State Budget TargetsThis week, the House Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and Governor Walz reached an agreement on a framework for a new state budget. With Democratic leadership in the House, Senate, and Governor’s office, we’ve been able to work together to agree on a budget almost two months earlier. This means committees will have more time with their budget targets to carefully consider legislation rather than rushing to decide at the last minute. Beginning in April, committee work will conclude and each chamber will pass budget bills off the floor. Protecting Reproductive Rights for EveryoneEarlier this week, the Minnesota House voted to pass legislation to protect reproductive freedom for Minnesotans and people across the country coming to Minnesota in need of access to the full range of reproductive health care options. Once law, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act will guarantee out-of-state subpoenas, and court orders for records related to reproductive care cannot be weaponized for prosecution where such care is considered a crime. Earlier this session, we established a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions on reproductive care. However, many other states are passing or operating under laws that make it difficult or impossible to access reproductive health care, including every one of our bordering states. These laws can include criminal penalties for providers and patients, as well as restrictions on the types of care that can be provided. Because of this, we’re making sure that Minnesota laws are explicit about protections for both health professionals and patients. We will not allow other states to persecute people for simply seeking or providing reproductive health care.  Making Minnesota a Trans Refuge StateEarly this morning after a long night on the Floor, we voted to pass legislation with similar protections for our trans neighbors. With the passage of the Trans Refuge bill, we made Minnesota an island of refuge for the trans community, who continue to face obscene levels of discrimination across the country. With our neighbors from the east, west, and south also threatening the lives and well-being of our trans neighbors, Minnesota will remain a safe place for those seeking gender-affirming care without fear of criminal penalty in states that have stripped these human rights.  Occupational Safety and Health ActAs always, one of my main priorities is improving worker safety. This week, I introduced HF 1522 in the House Labor Committee, which makes changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (known as OSHA) data that will make it easier for employers to find and comply with safety regulations, help the state to track and analyze safety data, and overall improve workplace safety. |