Legislative Update – May 5, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I was glad to take some time in between committee meetings to visit with students from Open World Learning Community presenting their projects in the Capitol Rotunda. Thank you to Xander (a constituent), Jackson, Sam, and Justin--and keep up the great work! This week was also the Annual Run to the Hill Minnesota Street Rod Association, one of my favorite events that comes near the end of every session!
Paid Family and Medical Leave
This week, the House passed our proposal to guarantee that workers have access to Paid Family and Medical Leave. No one should be forced to choose between earning a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a family member, but the United States of America is the only developed country in the world that does not guarantee some sort of paid leave for its workforce.
Enacting Paid Family and Medical Leave will help to make Minnesota the best state in the nation for children and families. This is a pro-worker bill that will strengthen our state, and I was proud to vote “yes” vote for this legislation.
U of M Regents – Congressional District 2
On Monday, the Minnesota House and Senate met in a joint session to elect members to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.
I would like to congratulate Robyn Gulley, who was chosen as the representative from our Second Congressional District! Robyn has served as a West St. Paul City Councilor, and I am excited for her to bring her voice to the Board of Regents.
Conference Committee Update
We have had a busy week of conference committee meetings to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate Environment and Climate budget bills. I have been working closely with my Senate counterpart, Senator Foung Hawj, who shares our values of protecting our air, water, soil, and wildlife. We are making great progress in accepting similar and same provisions and finding ways to compromise on the few differences that we have.
You can read more about the differences between the two bills here. Updates on the conference committee meetings and agreements will be posted on our committee webpage.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my legislative assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative