Neighbors, It’s been another exciting couple of weeks in Saint Paul. Here’s what we’ve been working on. Giving our Kids a Great Start On Monday, the House passed a pair of bills with robust investments aimed at stabilizing childcare and early learning. HF 13 increases the maximum reimbursement rates for all Child Care Assistance Program-eligible children. HF 150 increases the amount of childcare stabilization grants – a key initiative launched during the pandemic – for childcare programs. The bill also expands eligibility for early learning scholarships to children age five or younger. A lack of access to affordable, accessible childcare for working families is one of the most pressing issues I’ve heard about since joining the Legislature. Additionally, with low reimbursement rates, childcare providers are struggling to offer competitive wages, and in some cases, to even keep their doors open. Childcare and early learning are both crucial for kids to develop, grow, and learn, but also for family economic security. If a parent can’t afford daycare (if they can even find a daycare spot), they can’t join the workforce. If businesses can’t hire workers, then they can’t grow. I was proud to support these investments to help kids, families, and communities thrive. Making Moves for Veterans An exciting piece of legislation I recently introduced is aimed to help disabled veterans as the housing market remains inflated. HF 236 makes important changes to the homestead market value exclusion for disabled veterans and would increase the inclusion rate to $400,000 to account for the current housing market. The current rate is set at a max of $300,000. The bill also would expand eligibility of widows of disabled veterans and eliminate time constraints on application periods. The bill passed its first committee hearing in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee with bipartisan support. Earned Sick and Safe Time All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be successful, but too many must choose between work and taking care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves. The time to act is now, and DFLers have been taking firm action to address these problems. This afternoon, we will be hearing legislation on the House Floor that would guarantee, 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. I can’t wait to vote in favor of this bill.  Fighting Food Insecurity Last week, the House passed HF 5, a bill to ensure that every student in Minnesota can get breakfast and lunch. Minnesota is a state that values education and we all want to see every child succeed, but that is not possible when 1 in 6 students are trying to learn on an empty stomach. Food is as critical to learning as desks and books, and making sure every student can count on having something to eat will make a huge difference for everyone.  Nobody in Minnesota should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or choose between paying for groceries and paying rent. Addressing food insecurity both in schools and at home is vital to ensuring a safe and healthy community, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. We have more work to do, and DFLers are taking swift action to lift up struggling families and ensure all Minnesotans can live and thrive here. The Brodkorb Report PodcastThis week, I was on the Brodkorb Report Podcast hosted by Michael Brodkorb and Becky Alery to talk about legislation to re-design the state flag. You can listen to the episode here. Keep in TouchTo stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4176, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. Sincerely, Mike Freiberg State Representative |