Legislative Update - Paid Family Leave

Neighbors,

Last week the Minnesota House passed a measure to allow everyone in Minnesota to have access to paid family and medical leave. If signed into law, the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act would provide Minnesotans with up to 12 weeks of leave to recover from illness, bond with a new baby, or care for a loved one. They would receive a percentage of their regular wages while on leave. All Minnesota working parents and caregivers deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can be there for their families without risking their jobs. I was proud to vote for this bill!

COVID-19 Update 

Public health officials in Minnesota are working around the clock to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19.

For weeks now, MDH has been pulling together local public health officials, hospitals and health care providers for regular conference calls to share information and updates, and coordinate preparations. They’ve held calls with school nurses and superintendents, and will continue to do so in the days ahead.

The Legislature quickly put together a funding solution that is expected to be signed by the Governor this week. 

What can Minnesotans do?

The best available guidance for avoiding coronavirus is to take the same precautions you take for avoiding colds and flu:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand
• Stay home when sick.
• Stay informed. Check the MDH and CDC websites often.

Minnesota is fortunate to have a strong public health sector and world-class health care providers working hard to keep us healthy. We should all do our part and follow their guidance to prevent our neighbors from getting the illness. 

Protections for Renters

We must do absolutely everything possible to remove barriers that prevent Minnesotans from having a stable place to call home. I have introduced proposals that will protect renters and help them stay in their homes.

Minnesotans have shared with me stories of not even knowing about an eviction until they received a letter from the court. That means they had no opportunity to work with their landlord, or to begin trying to find new living arrangements. My legislation would require landlords to provide 14 days' notice before an eviction after nonpayment, and it has been moving through the committee process. You can watch video and read more here. 

Other News

• ICYMI: The Minnesota House made history by passing the two gun safety measures: criminal background checks and a Red Flag law. The Republican majority in the Minnesota Senate has already indicated that it will block these common-sense measures, but I hope that they will reconsider; it’s long past time that we take these steps to help keep guns out of the hands of people who have proven themselves to be dangerous.
• Don't forget to take my survey! Representative Aisha Gomez and I put together a survey to hear from community members in our Senate District. You can take the survey here. 
• I was proud to join Representative Frank Hornstein and advocates last week to announce our effort to address hate crimes and incorporate concerns Minnesotans have shared with lawmakers at listening sessions across the state. You can read more about the announcement here. 
• Grateful I got the chance to meet with members from the U of M community health center dedicated to transforming care and education to advance health equity last week!

Keep in Touch 

If you have friends, neighbors, or co-workers who might be interested in subscribing to this newsletter, they can do so here, and follow me on Facebook here. I’m grateful for the honor of serving you and our community. 

Rep. Hodan Hassan
531 State Office Building
(651) 296-0294
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/62A