Dear Neighbors,
This week, we finished passing out House supplemental budget proposals, but before I provide an overview of those, I’d like to share the latest on frontline worker bonuses. Last week, the Legislature struck a deal to replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and deliver bonus checks to the frontline workers who kept our state running during the darkest days of the pandemic.
This has been a contentious issue all session, but House Democrats refused to leave behind the workers who sacrificed so much in a time before vaccines, adequate PPE, and when we knew very little about COVID-19. These workers risked their wellbeing, and our state wouldn’t be in the position it is today without their efforts.
As is the nature of compromise, not everyone got what they wanted, but we were able to double the initial investment in frontline worker bonuses to $500 million, and expanded the group of eligible workers. Based on the pool of eligible workers, we expect checks to be around $750 per worker.
You can find more information here. While applications are not yet open, you can sign up for notifications. Now that the Legislature has resolved its unfinished business of funding frontline worker bonuses and replenishing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, Democrats will focus on getting our Republican colleagues to join us in funding public education, reducing rising costs, and investing in public safety before the session adjourns on May 23.
The House Supplemental Budget Proposals
This week was similar to the last, with long days on the House floor passing bills crafted by our committees that build upon our budget work from last year. With a historic budget surplus, it’s important we use this moment to help Minnesotans who have been struggling, especially as other sectors of our state recover and thrive - we need to build a recovery for ALL Minnesotans.
Since my last update, we’ve passed our remaining bills in these issue areas:
These are all incredibly important bills, but as I serve on the House Commerce and Climate committees, I’d like to highlight some crucial provisions in those bills.
With these bills passed, they now go into conference committees where we’ll work with members of the Senate to craft bipartisan legislation. As the Senate is controlled by Republicans, their proposals are very different from ours, and most take Minnesota in the wrong direction. I’ll be spending the remaining weeks of session ensuring we’re passing the best bills possible for our community and state.
Stay Connected
We’ve got just over two weeks left of the regular legislative session, and the end will be here before we know it. If you have any questions about our work, or ideas for our community, now is the time to reach out. You can contact me at 651-296-4262 or email me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Fue Lee
State Representative