Greetings,
A very snowy and busy week has ended at the State Capitol, as lawmakers debated a number of proposals over the past few days. Here are some highlights.
HEALTH CARE WORKER RETIREMENT ANNUTIES AUTHORIZED
On Thursday, we approved a bill for health care workers who came out of retirement to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic. Because these retired workers risk a reduction or suspension of their annuities if earnings or hour limits were exceeded, the Legislature needs to act in order to protect their retirement. Because they helped us out when our state was in crisis, this is the least we can do to thank them.
FRONTLINE WORKER BILL NEEDS WORK
This week, the House majority moved a bill that I believe devalues the sacrifices made by the health care professionals who risked their lives during the early portions of the pandemic to save those who were devastated with COVID.
The flawed bill ignores previous hero pay agreements between the House and Senate, spends nearly $1 million just to promote that this funding is available, fines businesses if they fail to notify their employees about the available revenue, and lowers the threshold to claim full benefits to three weeks of work over a 15-month period.
Our frontline heroes deserve better, and by the end of session I’m hopeful we will approve something more sensible for them.
TOWN LINE ROAD LEGISLATION
This week, Senator Howe and I introduced legislation that would upgrade Town Line Road west of Sartell. Specifically, $7 million would be allocated to fix the stretch between Stearns County Road 5 near St. Stephen and Stearns County Road 4 near St. Cloud. As this road has become more popular over the years, it needs upgrades to maintain driver safety. I will keep you posted on the bill’s progress.
STATE OFFICE BUILDING WILL SOON REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The House Speaker has lifted a ban that prevents members of the public from entering the State Office Building in St. Paul to speak face-to-face with their elected representatives. Beginning March 21, the building will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If you’re in the area during these days of the week, please stop in!
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Be well,
Tim