Update from Rep. Tabke: Allowing Compensation for Student Athletes

Your Friday Update from the Office of Representative Brad Tabke: 

This week, Rep. Tabke announced bipartisan legislation to allow college athletes to be compensated for use of their name, image, or likeness.

“Playing college sports takes a significant toll on students’ bodies and academic schedules,” said Rep. Tabke. “The players producing the revenue in a $14 billion industry deserve to see the benefits.”

The highest-paid head coach in 2018 made $8.3 million. Even the lowest-paid coaches in the SEC make salaries of at least $1 million. Jim Delaney, the head of the Big Ten Conference, made $5.5 million in 2018. The head of the NCAA, Mark Emmert, made $4 million. Universities profit by making multimillion dollar sponsorship deals with athletic brands, yet the athletes are prohibited from taking a paycheck.

This legislation wouldn't directly pay students for playing, but it would lift NCAA restrictions on their ability to earn money on their own. California unanimously approved a similar bill in 2019. 

You can read more about the legislation from KARE11 here, and from Session Daily here. 

Other News

• Thanks to the Shakopee students who visited Rep. Tabke at the Capitol to be interns for the day! 

• Last night, the House passed a measure that would allow Minnesotans to take time from work after having a baby, going through surgery, or caring for a loved one without worrying that the missed paycheck will mean they won't make rent or be able to afford the groceries. Rep. Tabke voted for the legislation because everyone will need time off at some point in their lives, and people shouldn't have to make impossible choices because of it. 

• Rep. Tabke got the chance to talk with future farmers during their day at the Capitol on Tuesday. 

• Reported Coronavirus illnesses have ranged from mild to severe symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
    • The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 

For up to date information on COVID-19, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html

• Don't forget to apply for your REAL ID - beginning October 1, your standard driver's license will not be enough for you to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. Here's a quick video with what you need to know. 

Have a great weekend!

Brad Tabke, State Representative|Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn

Eric Petersen, Legislative Assistant|Eric.Petersen@house.mn