Report from the Capitol: Week 3

Dear Granite City Neighbors, 

I am proud to report that last week's newsletter received a record number of replies! I want to thank everyone who took the time to share feedback and ask questions. Knowing what's on your mind helps me do my job, so please don't be shy and keep the responses coming!

Unlike the Vikings, we spent the week moving the ball forward and scoring victories for Minnesota. Here is your weekly report on a few of the things we are working on here at the Capitol:

PASSED: The Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act

Last night, I voted YES to put into state law the fundamental right of Minnesotans to make their own reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians.

With Roe v. Wade overturned by the United States Supreme Court, state legislatures are now on the front lines for protecting reproductive freedom. The Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision in Doe v. Gomez established the right at the state level to an abortion in 1995, but we know the makeup of supreme courts and legal precedent can change over time, on the state and federal level. Putting this fundamental right into statute provides stronger protection for reproductive rights.

The debate was passionate, but overall thoughtful and respectful. You can watch yesterday's floor session here.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

Visit with St. Cloud Fire Department

Tuesday was Fire Service Day at the Capitol. I had the honor of meeting with some incredible public servants from the St. Cloud Fire Department, including our Fire Chief, Matt Love.

We discussed the ways that our state can better invest in the safety of our firefighters, increase operations and efficiency, and make much-needed investments in firefighter pensions. I am so grateful for the service and sacrifice of our firefighters, and will continue to be a champion for them in my work at the Capitol.

That helmet is one of my most prized possessions, given to me from the officers of SCFD after completing a Fire Ops Training in 2019.

Earned Sick and Safe Time

Through my seat on the House Labor and Industry committee, I voted YES for HF 19, which delivers guaranteed earned sick and safe time to all Minnesota workers. Nobody should have to make the gut-wrenching decision to choose between earning their income and caring for themselves or a loved one. 

Here's how it works: all workers would become eligible for what is termed “earned sick & safe time” upon logging 80 hours on the job. Paid sick time would be accrued at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked; up to 48 hours could be accrued per year. Any unused hours would be available to be rolled over to a new calendar year, with a maximum of 80 hours to be banked at any given time. These hours would be paid at the same rate as normal hours worked.

It passed out of our committee on a 8-5 vote. Its next stop is the Judiciary Committee. You can read more about our hearing in the Labor and Industry Committee here.

This bill would help 36% of Minnesota's workforce (900,000 workers).

Boring but Important: Adjusting the Budget Forecast to Inflation

I've co-authored a bill that is rather boring but very important: HF 35, a bill to factor inflation into our state's budget forecast.

Economic forecasts from Minnesota Management and Budget are a key tool for legislators as we set the state’s budget. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to factor inflation into their forecast. This is because of a law originally enacted during the Jesse Ventura era, and I view it as an irresponsible political gimmick. It causes a problem by making our future budget estimate look better than it really is. HF 35 fixes that. 

Factoring inflation into the forecast will give us less rosy, but more accurate, information to better empower our ability to make responsible budget decisions. 

Our bill is headed to the House floor, and I am working to pass it quickly so that it will apply to the upcoming February forecast. You can read more about it here. 

Please Ask Questions and Share Feedback

Again, I really loved hearing from so many folks last week. Please keep the replies coming. I am always bragging to my colleagues that I have the most engaged constituents in the state, and you continue to prove me right! 

You can reach me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn.gov or 651-296-6612. You are my boss and I work for you, so always feel free to get in touch and let me know how I can best serve you and your family. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely, 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Speaker Pro Tempore

District 14B