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Every child, in every corner of the state, deserves an excellent education. We realize that not everyone is able to come to the Capitol to provide input, so we’re holding a series of field hearings throughout the state. So today, the House Education Finance Division took to the road for a public hearing in Windom, Minnesota to hear the unique perspectives on public education in rural Minnesota and to hear bills HF 1142 and HF 1143.
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Paid Family Leave
We need to ensure that no one has to choose between receiving a paycheck and caring for a loved one. Unfortunately, too many workers in Minnesota lack any type of paid leave meaning that new mothers, for instance, are sometimes forced to head back to work before they’ve had adequate time to bond with a newborn. Progress continues to create a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave policy as this week, HF 5 passed the House Commerce Committee.
Angel Investor Tax Credit
This week, Governor Walz unveiled his budget proposal. I am glad to see the renewal of our Angel Investor Tax Credit included. Entrepreneurs are working to develop their ideas in the tech industry and others, but startup capital can often be difficult to obtain. That’s why I am sponsoring this bipartisan proposal (HF 1268) in the Minnesota House, which delivers a tax credit to the investors who support emerging businesses by providing venture capital. This legislation has strong support from Democrats and Republicans and is an exciting opportunity to support and strengthen our thriving business community. I anticipate my bill will have a public hearing soon in the Jobs and Economic Development Division.
Prenatal Care and Home Visiting
Bipartisan support continues to grow for the concepts in one of my bills, HF 1, “the Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act.” On Thursday, advocates for health care, mental health, and early childhood education joined legislators of both parties to rally for prenatal care and home visiting proposals that are critical components of the legislation.
These initiatives will help deliver voluntary resources to parents and children and will also enable reductions in some significant racial and economic disparities, especially regarding infant and maternal mortality. I’m excited by the momentum for these ideas which will improve the wellbeing of Minnesota families. |
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Constituents at the Capitol
This week I had visits from neighbors discussing everything from athletic training to humane treatment of animals and college affordability to credit unions. I’m always glad to have the opportunity to discuss your thoughts and concerns in person.
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If anyone you know may be interested in receiving these updates, they are able to subscribe here. Please continue to reach out with your feedback, ideas, and questions. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn
State Representative |
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