Dear Neighbors,
Here’s a quick update on the first few weeks of the session and what is coming up.
Protecting Workers
The House passed its first bill of the session, HF1203, which extends the workers’ compensation presumption that eligible workers who test positive for COVID-19 contracted the virus during employment and are covered for worker’s compensation. I am proud to stand with frontline workers and advocate for their protection.
During the pandemic, we have seen how important mental health is to the overall health of a society. This week, my bill H.F. 3418 will have a hearing, which allows eligibility to additional mental health professionals for the Health Professional Education Loan Forgiveness program, Mental Health Provider Supervision Grant Program, and Mental Health Professional Scholarship Grant Program. Like many industries in the state going through severe workforce shortage, this bill adds a tool in the box to recruit and retain mental health professionals in the workforce. This is a huge step in the right direction in giving back to the mental health professionals who work so tirelessly, particularly in the last three years. We have workers’ backs!
Paid Family Leave
Paid Family Leave has been at the heart of the House DFL agenda, and I’ve joined several of my colleagues in introducing H.F. 1200 to offer paid family leave to every Minnesota family. All Minnesota families deserve the opportunity to be successful. But too often, people are forced to choose between their work and taking care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves.
The House Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy Committee reviewed the Bill on Monday, and it now goes to the Labor and Industry Policy Committee.
House Climate Action Plan
As one of the fastest warming states in the country, Minnesota is already experiencing impacts of climate change. We need to act boldly to prevent irreversible and potentially catastrophic consequences. This science-based plan, developed by members of the House Climate Action Caucus, will help address the climate crisis while creating jobs and reducing costs for Minnesotans. At a glance, the plan includes:
- Investing in solar, cutting-edge energy initiatives, and renewable development in Greater Minnesota.
- Bus rapid transit lines, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle promotion.
- Weatherization and efficiency improvements, and other efforts to reduce the carbon impact of our built environments.
- Conservation of natural lands and natural greenhouse sequestration methods.
I look forward to working with my colleagues from both parties to make this package a reality.
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or please contact my legislative assistant Josh, josh.kilgard@house.mn. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn