Legislative Update – April 26, 2024Dear Neighbors, There is just one month left in the 2024 Legislative Session, and I am proud of the legislation we are passing to build on last year’s success and ensure Minnesota is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Recently, I was honored to meet with some bright students from Cedar Island Elementary ISD 279 last week and answer their questions about all the work we do here in Saint Paul!  Federal Support for the Minnesota Kids CodeLast week, the House Judiciary Committee passed the Minnesota Kids Code, my legislation protecting our children online. The bill solidifies basic product safety and pushes tech companies to build better, safer, products by design before they harm our children. We have heard testimony from organizations like SAVE Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, Good Trouble, a youth-led Minnesota organization, as well as doctors and clinicians who spoke to the harm of online products. We also have heard testimony form a brave young woman and her mom who shared a horrifying story of illegal online interactions. Thank you to the advocates, families, and children who testified in support of this critical legislation.  We have also received nationwide attention on this legislation. I was proud to be joined by former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO) and former U.S. House Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN) who met with the offices of the Governor and Attorney General about their strong support for the Minnesota Kids Code and how this bill is a critical piece in the Governor’s goal of making Minnesota the best state in the nation to raise a family. Both former representatives are part of the Council for Responsible Social Media. From Congress to Minnesota, politicians from both sides of the aisle agree we need to pass this bill! Learn more here: https://minnesotakidscode.com/. House Floor VotesThe House passed a labor policy bill that includes provisions to strengthen the minimum wage, ban shadow non-competes, and my bill to increase pay transparency. My legislation aimed at reducing the wage gap by having transparent salary ranges in job postings was included in the labor policy package. Data shows companies that use transparent salary ranges receive more qualified candidates, more productive workers. It also means workers will be empowered to take jobs that meet the needs of their family budgets. You can read more here: Minnesota lawmakers want to require salary ranges in job postings. The House also passed: - I am proud to serve as Vice Chair of the Human Services Policy Committee which just passed a human services policy bill that continues to make tangible progress for Minnesotans with disabilities, those in recovery from substance use disorder, and recipients who rely on our waiver services to help them thrive.
- A K-12 education policy bill that prioritizes policies to improve the experiences of students in Minnesota schools while strengthening academic outcomes including expansion of the READ Act that has improved literacy outcomes.
- A commerce policy bill that focuses on consumer and child protections, debt reform, net neutrality, and a strong bill on data privacy for youth and adults which I am a co-author and vocal supporter!
- An environment and natural resources bill that supports native fish, expands opportunities to protect prairies and prepares for a long desired digital outdoor recreational licensing system.
 Out in the CommunityThis past weekend I had the privilege to join in community with our Indian neighbors as a part of the Telugu Community Celebration. The event celebrates the Telugu language, and we honored Dr. Swarnalatha , Dr. Jasthi Siva RamaKrishna & Deepak Chinta for their dedication to the community.  Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson joined in for the presentation of a proclamation from Governor Walz, and the children performed and regaled the crowd with a lovely song and dance while local vendors were on hand with beautiful wares for sale and good food for fellowship. Free Park Day!Get your hiking boots ready -- Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!  Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers. You can find the full list of vacancies here. |