Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re staying warm as the temperatures are once again dropping. As has become tradition, MnDOT is offering its Name a Snowplow contest, and the list of nominees has been narrowed to 60. Take a look at the finalists and vote for your favorite! Voting is open through Friday, February 3.
A Budget that Works Better for Everyone
Tuesday, Governor Walz announced his proposal for a new two-year budget. While we will dive into the details in the coming days and weeks, overall, the proposal invests in our state’s children and families, economic future, health and safety, and a state government that works for all Minnesotans.
Soon, lawmakers in the House and Senate will begin developing our own budget proposals, and as chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I’ll be deeply involved in ensuring our budget reflects the values Minnesotans hold deeply, including ensuring our students receive a world-class education, helping families with rising costs, keeping communities vibrant, and more.
Last night, I appeared on public TV’s Almanac at the Capitol to discuss the Governor’s proposal. You can watch it here.
Earned Sick and Safe Time
During the COVID-19 pandemic’s darkest days, we saw just how important it was for people to stay home when they’re sick. Unfortunately, about 900,000 Minnesota workers – a third of the workforce – don’t have access to any paid time off. As a result, workers are forced to make a terrible choice between caring for themselves or loved ones in need, and loss of wages or even their employment. People in the lowest wage positions, as well as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, face this inability to care for themselves or loved ones disproportionately.
I’m once again honored to be the author of legislation guaranteeing all Minnesota workers access to Earned Sick and Safe Time. The bill 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. Workers in Duluth, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington already have access to Earned Sick and Safe Time due to local ordinances, and it’s time to extend this critical benefit to all Minnesota workers.
Three committees have already passed the bill, and I look forward to the momentum at the Capitol for Earned Sick and Safe Time continuing so all Minnesotans have time to take care of themselves.
A Clean Energy Future
Minnesota is one of the fastest-warming states in the entire country. Globally, the last eight years have been the hottest on record. Minnesotans are counting on lawmakers to take urgent action to protect our climate and planet, and reliance on fossil fuels is impacting our environment, our infrastructure, and our health.
Later today, the Minnesota House will vote on the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation to help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. The bill requires the state’s utilities to use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040, putting us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals. House DFLers are committed to combating climate change this session and I look forward to voting for this important legislation.
Please continue to keep in touch with your input. I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative