Minnesota House Expected to Pass Jobs and Energy Budget
St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota House is expected to pass the Jobs and Energy budget tonight (HF 2208), which includes access to paid family and medical leave and earned sick and safe time for all Minnesotans; tougher protections for the 39,000 Minnesotans who report wage theft every year; and a pathway to adopt 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2050.
"This bill is not just about the growth of our economy, but about the livelihood of our residents and the strength of our communities," said Rep. Mohamud Noor, vice chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee. "We are taking steps to maintain our economic strength, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and allow for more people to participate in and benefit from our dynamic economy."
Rep. Noor (DFL- Minneapolis) is the chief author of a provision in the bill to create a Minnesota Innovation Collaborative to encourage and support the development of new technology.
"Our world economy is rapidly changing. This budget invests in the technology and innovation sector with programs like the Minnesota Innovation Collaborative that will support the equitable growth of our economy," said Rep. Noor.
The House defeated a Republican amendment that would have preempted municipalities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, from requiring a $15/hour living wage for its workers.
Other major components in the Jobs and Energy budget include:
-
Vocational rehabilitation services
-
Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative (DAIRI)
-
Net Neutrality
-
Protections against predatory payday lenders
-
Electric bus grants
After the Republican-controlled Senate approves their jobs and energy budget, lawmakers from each chamber will form a conference committee to negotiate a final budget.
###