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Dear Neighbor,
This week we took a huge step to ensure older and vulnerable Minnesotans can live in safe environments with dignity. Colleagues of both parties joined me to introduce comprehensive eldercare legislation directly addressing abuse, assault, neglect and other maltreatment in Minnesota’s assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The bill would provide a licensing framework for assisted living facilities, end deceptive marketing practices, and strengthen the civil rights of residents and family members. The Department of Health gets over 400 complaints per week, and this bill, constructed with consumer voices like AARP Minnesota at the table, would lower that number significantly.
PRIDE
Last week, cold temperatures led to many schools closing, which subsequently meant many children of legislators and staff alike joined us at the State Capitol. MPR News ran a story on some of the challenges we face holding dual roles of parent and lawmaker and particularly highlighted Rep. Erin Koegel who has had her newborn with her frequently at the Capitol.
All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to bond with a new child or take time to care for a sick loved one, but for too many, this would mean forgoing a paycheck. That’s why I’m proud the Minnesota House is advancing a Paid Family and Medical Leave bill to ensure no one is forced to make this choice.
EXCITEMENT
When passed into law over a decade ago, few thought Minnesota could actually reach a renewable energy standard of 25 percent by 2025, but we’ve already met this ambitious goal several years early. With the progress we’ve proven we can make, we can’t sit idly by as the effects of climate change continue to take hold. Yesterday, I was excited to see Minnesota youth, faith leaders, local officials and others come to the Capitol to join legislators to launch a goal for 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
ACCESS
I recently got to join Rep. Mary Murphy of Hermantown for “Citizens in Action,” an annual event hosted by the League of Women Voters the past 20-plus years. Making sure our work in Saint Paul is accessible to our community is something I take seriously, and groups like LWV and events like this aid in this tremendously.
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