Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are well. We have been very busy at the legislature, here is some of what I’ve worked on.
Presenting Bills
Several of the bills I chief authored are moving through the committee process, and I have recently presented bills that do the following: 1) helping law enforcement apprehend carjackers and prevent dangerous high speed chases through the use of GPS technology, 2) adding community supervision agents to be included as public safety officers for line of duty death benefits, 3) preventing predatory towing practices, 4) and supporting students, teachers, and school staff with resources to address mental health needs. Most of these bills have bipartisan support. You can view the bills I’ve chief authored here.
Creating a Great Start for Every Child
A lack of access to affordable, accessible child care for working families is one of the most pressing issues facing our state.
Last week the House passed a pair of bills with robust investments aimed at stabilizing child care and early learning. HF 13 increases the maximum reimbursement rates for all Child Care Assistance Program providers. HF 150 increases the amount of child care stabilization grants – a key initiative launched during the pandemic – for child care programs. The bill also expands eligibility for early learning scholarships to children age five or younger.
Child care and early learning are both crucial for kids to develop, grow, and learn, but also for family economic security. If a parent can’t afford daycare (if they can even find a daycare spot), they can’t join the workforce. I am proud to support these investments to help kids, families, and communities thrive.
Kids also need nourishment in order to properly focus in school and learn. Last week we passed a bill to provide free school meals for all students. We pride ourselves on our strong education system, but with 1 in 6 students trying to learn on an empty stomach, we are not living up to our values. We have the resources to prevent student hunger and it’s our duty to step up and provide the food security families need and the high-quality education our children deserve.
Earned Sick and Safe Time
Last Thursday we approved legislation to expand Earned Sick and Safe Time benefits to all Minnesota workers. The legislation would ensure, 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. Many workers are still forced to make an impossible choice between earning a paycheck and taking time off to care for themselves. People who lack access to paid time off are disproportionately in low-wage positions, women, and members of BIPOC communities. With this bill we are prioritizing the health and well being of every worker.
Stay In Touch
Please feel free to contact me directly with your viewpoints or if I can be of assistance. My email is rep.kelly.moller@house.mn.gov and my phone number is 651-296-0141. You can learn about bills that have been introduced here and keep track of the bills I’ve authored here.
If you have neighbors, friends, or family who you think would find these updates valuable, please share this with them; they can subscribe here. I also encourage you to follow me on Facebook.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Moller
State Representative