Legislative Update - April 12, 2019

Neighbors,
 
As we head into tax weekend (the tax deadline is Monday, don't forget), the DFL unveiled a timely budget to reverse Trump's tax giveaway to corporations. Our budget would reduce the tax burden on families and raise revenue from corporations and their foreign profits. Three quarters of that new revenue will go toward education. 
 
Education
Funding for public education has not kept pace with the rate of inflation, which has resulted in teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, and less support for students. I believe all of our children deserve a world-class education, no matter where they live in our state. That’s why I support a budget that invests in every student in every public school. This new tax revenue will go directly to closing opportunity gaps, funding early childhood education, and increasing education opportunities across the state.

Speaking of education - this week I got to hold class at the legislature for these kids (and my kid!)  

Minnesotans deserve the education and job training needed to get a good-paying job. Our Minnesota Values Budget also freezes tuition at our public colleges and universities — a step to stop increases in college debt.

The Star Tribune has a story about the new House DFL tax bill here. For more specifics, check out a fact sheet here.

I-94 Bridge 
I'm excited to announce that my bill to build a pedestrian and bike bridge over Interstate Highway 94, connecting Cedar-Riverside and Seward neighborhoods on 22nd Ave., is advancing. After we break next week we will come back to finalize our budget bills, and I will continue to fight to make sure we get the investment for this project to connect our community in a safe, reliable way. 

Transportation Safety Bill Passes House & Senate 
House Democrats and Senate Republicans worked together this week to pass a bill to increase drivers' safety. There are a lot of distractions out on the road, and our cell phones are a constant cause of accidents and distraction. I proudly voted for this bill that will make our roads safer for everyone by requiring Minnesotans to put down their phones and focus on the road. I was honored to be a conferee on this bill and participated at Governor Walz's signing of bill into law, surrounded by victims’ family members.

Housing
Minnesotans deserve safe, affordable housing. Our housing budget puts more power in hands of renters and tenants, works toward eliminating homelessness, and makes new investments in affordable housing. Last week, the House passed my bill to increase renter protections and ensure greater transparency from landlords.
 
Economic Development & Jobs 
Ensuring paid family and medical leave is a key component of our plan to boost economic development. Paid family leave will allow Minnesotans to take time off of when unexpected life events happen - like serious illness, hospitalization, or a newborn baby - without having to fear losing a paycheck. This is an important step toward putting more power into workers’ hands.

Every year, 39,000 Minnesotans experience wage theft by their employers, meaning they don't receive the wages or overtime pay that they've earned. The House DFL budget will hold employers accountable for taking advantage of hard-working Minnesota families.
 
Drivers' Licenses for All  
Last Friday, the House passed a bill ensuring the freedom for all Minnesotans to earn their driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. This bill will make our roads safer, more inclusive, and more accessible to Minnesotans who need to put food on the table for their families. This bill is about people, not politics. It's about dignity and respect. 

Immigrants are part of the fabric of our state and our country. The very least we can do is to have compassion for those who have left their home country, their customs, safety, and their friends behind to build a better life for their family.

Watch Rep. Noor's speech on the House Floor here