Dear Neighbors,
Session has settled into a fairly straightforward routine as we continue to push legislation through the committee process ahead of the bill deadlines beginning in late March and early April. Here is some of what I’ve been shepherding through the process in the last couple of weeks:
- We continued the important conversation and testimony on my Legalize Affordable Housing Act. I was really encouraged by the robust testimony and am hopeful for the future of this bill. Watch here.
- My bill to allow the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority to expand its board from 5 to 7 members in the interest of creating a more diverse board was heard in the Local Government Division. Watch here.
- My bill that would strengthen the authority of the Minnesota Attorney General to prosecute anti-trust violations will be heard in the Commerce Committee on Wednesday.
- My transit safety bill that would enable Metro Transit to put more public safety personnel on trains and buses was passed to the House floor for a final vote.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month! I am proud to work alongside so many amazing women, and I will continue to fight to make the future a better place for all women! Here are some of the bills we are working on to improve the lives of women across the state:
Transportation Safety
The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee recently held two informational hearings to learn more about and how to address the growing problems associated with traffic and pedestrian safety. The committee received expert testimony from the State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety showing that despite fewer cars being on the road last year, Minnesota still saw 498 deaths in traffic related crashes. 58 of those were pedestrian related fatalities, which averages more than one death a week. Speed was cited as a key contributor, but also, the lack of access to strong and safe pedestrian infrastructure. The StarTribune covered the hearings, and you can read more about various proposals on the table to address the surge in fatalities and injuries, here.
Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund
There has been a lot of debate at the Capitol around how best to refill the UI Trust Fund. The House DFL’s UI Trust Fund proposal would prevent a 16% tax increase on Minnesota employers, strengthen the Unemployment Insurance program for everyone, and expand eligibility to hourly school workers like bus drivers and cafeteria staff. The main difference between our proposal and the Senate Republican proposal is that ours prioritizes workers, while theirs prioritizes large corporations. For instance, under the Senate proposal Walmart would get a $7,890,500 tax cut. These are funds that should go to Minnesotans, not an immensely profitable global corporation.
Keep in Touch
Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any assistance. Please follow me on my Facebook page for further updates and invite your friends and family to do so as well.
Thanks for the honor of representing you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Steve Elkins
Representative, District 49B
Minnesota House of Representatives