Dear Neighbors,
I hope the summer is treating you well. August marks several important things for Minnesota. The last large batch of new laws have been implemented, Farmfest showcased the success and innovation of Minnesota’s agriculture, and of course the Minnesota State Fair is underway!
Celebrating and Supporting our Farmers
This month, I attended Farmfest in Redwood County. Farmfest is an annual event showcasing all of what makes Minnesota’s farmers the backbone of our community, and now The Great Minnesota Get-Together will do the same in St. Paul. As Vice Chair of the House Agriculture and Food committee, in addition to the farm festivities, we are also celebrating the successes of our legislative work this year while keeping an eye on the work that remains.
In the midst of trade wars, a damaging winter, and low commodity prices, Minnesota’s family farms are struggling. With a focus on improving mental health access in these rural communities, we also established mutually beneficial markets that deliver fresh food to our schools and underserved communities, cut farmers’ property taxes, and funded the Minnesota Department of Agriculture so our farmers are able to get the help they need. There’s more work to be done to support our farmers, but we’re committed to doing that work.
New Laws
Several new laws from our work this session took effect this month, including the new hands-free law, which you can read about in-depth on the Office of Traffic Safety website. This legislation prohibits holding a cell phone while driving on Minnesota roads. Drivers will still be able to make calls, text, listen to music, and get directions as long as they use voice commands or single-touch activation. We heard countless tragic stories of avoidable accidents due to distracted driving, and with similar laws in other states producing safer roads, this is the right thing to do.
Other new laws taking effect this month will:
- Protect seniors and vulnerable adults who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities from retaliation after they file a complaint.
- Improve transparency in our health care system by requiring clinics to disclose facility fees so patients aren’t surprised by higher out-of-pocket costs.
- Make it easier for people with disabilities to obtain disability license plates and permits.
- Allow deployed service members to participate remotely in local government meetings.
- Fully incorporate the wage theft prevention and enforcement measures passed this year. Minnesotans deserve to be paid for their work, and the laws we passed this year will ensure those who seek to deny workers their wages will be held accountable.
More information about all of the new laws from this year’s legislative session can be found here.
Keep In Touch
The Minnesota Legislature is currently adjourned until February 11, 2020, meaning until then I’ll be in the district working with folks to find solutions to the issues that facing our community and our state. Please feel free to contact me at (651) 296-8634, or at rep.jeff.brand@house.mn if you ever need anything. I look forward to hearing from you.
Your partner in Saint Paul,
Jeff Brand
State Representative, District 19A |
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