Neighbors, Last week was another busy and productive week at the legislature. Here is an update from the Capitol: Earned Sick and Safe TimeThursday night, legislation was approved to expand Earned Sick and Safe Time benefits to all Minnesota workers. The bill passed on a vote of 69-54. The legislation would ensure, at a minimum, one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year. Over 900,000 Minnesota workers – a third of the state’s workforce – lack access to any paid time off when they or a family member are ill or need to see a doctor. Video of the floor session is available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube Channel. The legislation is advancing in the Minnesota Senate where it awaits a hearing in the Finance Committee.  Childcare AssistanceEarly last week, I voted with all my DFL colleagues to pass a pair of bills to stabilize childcare and early learning in the state. HF 13, increases the maximum rates for all childcare assistance (CCAP)-eligible children. A review of state rates shows Minnesota is currently near the bottom. The rate change would apply to Minnesota children of all ages. The second bill, HF 150, delivers $12.25 million in emergency investment in childcare stabilization grants. It also includes $40 million in early learning scholarships, with expanding eligibility to start at birth, rather than the current age of three. This will provide early learning and care to an estimated 4,000 additional children. Video of the floor debate can be viewed on the House Public Information’s YouTube Channel.  Committee Work The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, which I chair, heard a number of bills regarding state veteran’s cemetery burials, veteran’s license plate requirements, funding for veteran’s retreats and funding for treatment through the veterans’ resilience project. Another measure would modify property tax provisions and increase the market value exclusion for disabled veterans. In the Climate and Energy Finance & Policy Committee last week, I presented HF826, a bill to mandate all work done on projects using Renewable Development Account funds be performed at the prevailing wage. This bill had input and support from organized labor and ensures workers are not being exploited and paid less than they rightfully deserve. Visitors to the CapitolLast week, Minnesota nurses visited the Capitol to talk to lawmakers about their legislative agenda. Among my visitors were residents of Coon Rapids who work at Unity Hospital in Spring Lake Park and the Anoka Treatment Center in Anoka. Kay Bauer was a nurse in Vietnam at the same time I served in country and remains a good friend.  A group of students from the Coon Rapids Paladin School also stopped by my office last week.  Lead Testing This Weekend A reminder the Minnesota Department of Health is urging employees of the Federal Ammunition plant in Anoka to have their children tested for lead exposure after MDH, Anoka County, and St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health identified four children with elevated blood lead levels due to exposure to lead dust brought home accidentally on the clothing and personal items of family members who work at the plant. Workers are encouraged to connect with their primary health care provider to ensure all children up to age 17 and pregnant household members receive a blood lead test. Workers at the plant may also wish to be tested if they have not received occupational blood lead testing through their employer. In addition, free blood lead testing is available on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.- the Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, MN 55102 SD 35 Town Hall - February 28Rep. Zack Stephenson and I invite you to a Zoom Town Hall on Tuesday, February 28 to discuss the legislative session. We look forward to your questions and will send more information closer to the event on how you can participate.  Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt’s easy to stay in touch which the State Capitol activities. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can find my information on my House website. Also, make sure to ‘like’ my Facebook page. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Jerry Newton State Representative |