|
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re well and enjoying the official start to Spring! A big thank you to everyone who attended our virtual town hall meeting last Saturday morning. We had a robust conversation with over 60 participants on several important topics such as protecting our environment and wildlife, the governor's budget, adult-use cannabis legalization, and more. If you didn’t get a chance to join us, you can check out a recap of the town hall here.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with input or questions anytime.
On Monday, I presented legislation to the House Capital Investment Committee that would make critical improvements to County Road 47. The roadway was originally designed for a rural setting and its curves and limited visibility have proven dangerous for drivers in our community and for those passing through. Additionally, it lacks safe facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists even though it provides connections to parks and schools. The bill is being considered for possible inclusion to a larger bonding bill, and I’ll continue to advocate for its passage.
This week, legislative activity has been dedicated primarily to COVID-19 recovery and relief in addition to assembling our state’s budget. Here’s a look at the bills we are planning to take up on the House Floor for a vote today.
Securing Worker’s Compensation for First Responders
Health care and public safety workers continue to respond to the needs of Minnesotans to keep us safe. Last year, we passed a bill to ensure these Minnesotans would receive workers’ compensation if they contracted COVID-19 or were exposed to it on the job. That provision is set to expire on May 1, but first responders are still in a vulnerable position- especially with new variants of the virus appearing across the west metro. Today, the House will vote on a bill that would extend that deadline. Nurses, doctors, paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, and child care workers are covered under this proposal.
Preventing Wage Discrimination
Yesterday was Equal Pay Day, an annual reminder that American women continue to be paid less than men. For every dollar that a White man is paid, Asian women make 85¢, White women make 82¢, Black women make 61¢, Indigenous women make 58¢, and Latina women make 53¢. One of the reasons that this gap exists is that employers can ask job applicants about their pay history and use it to make compensation decisions, which perpetuates the cycle of discrimination. We’re considering the Preventing Discrimination Act, a bill that halts this practice and brings us one step closer to closing the pay gap.
Helping Hospitality and Service Sector Workers Return to their Jobs
Many Plymouth residents employed at hotels, airports, event centers, and related businesses were laid off last year. Since many Minnesotans are still avoiding travel and large events due to COVID-19, many of these workers haven’t been able to return to their jobs yet. That’s why we’re championing legislation to help hospitality and service sector workers return to the jobs they had before the pandemic.
Expanding Access to Earned Sick and Safe Time
One of the bills we’re voting on today would ensure our Plymouth families aren’t forced to choose between a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a loved one. Under this legislation, workers would earn at least one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year. Workers could use this time to stay home when they’re sick or to take care of a family member.
The pandemic has demonstrated that we all benefit when workers have the ability to stay home without missing a paycheck. This bill would help make our workplaces, schools, and communities healthier, and I look forward to supporting it.
Summer Learning Package Advances
Students, parents, and families have been hit hard by the pandemic, academically and emotionally. The robust summer learning package we passed on Tuesday would help address learning loss through hands-on tutoring and programming, ensure our students have an opportunity to get caught up, and provide critical mental health support to those who need it. Proud to have voted 'YES' to helping our kids succeed.
Plymouth Plant Sale
Earlier this month, the City of Plymouth opened their annual tree and shrub sale. Each year, City forestry staff select plants that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. The plants this year were selected because of their environmental benefits and resistance to pests and disease.
They serve as good replacements for invasive species, such as buckthorn, or for ash trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer. The available discounted plants for sale also provide food and shelter for pollinators, butterflies and other wildlife. Check out the plants available for pick up and place your order by May 1 here.
Keep in Touch
Please reach out anytime with input, questions, or ideas at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn or 651-296-5511. It’s an honor to work with you and serve our Plymouth residents at the State Capitol.
For more news from the Capitol and community, you are welcome to follow or ‘like’ my Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Ginny Klevorn
State Representative
|