Dear Neighbors,
The three police officers who participated in the murder of George Floyd were found guitly this week. This is the right ruling and it’s important that these officers are held accountable. But we have seen repeatedly that failure to change the greater system will lead to more death. We must continue to fight for true justice and peace.
Minneapolis and St. Paul teachers recently voted to go on strike to demand fair wages and improved mental health resources. Our students deserve the highest quality education possible and a safe environment where they can learn and receive necessary mental health guidance. I stand with our education professionals and urge the administration to give them the resources they need to educate our children properly.
Frontline Worker Pay
This week the Minnesota House passed the frontline worker bonus pay legislation HF 2900, which appropriates $1 billion for bonus payments to at least 667,000 frontline workers. The frontline worker bonus pay legislation builds upon the efforts of last year’s working group on this issue, and invests $1 billion in order to meaningfully recognize the Minnesotans who have worked on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible workers would receive payments of up to $1,500.
In order to receive a bonus check, workers must meet the following individual eligibility requirements:
- was employed in one of the frontline sectors in Minnesota for at least 120 hours from 3/15/20 to 6/30/21
- was not able to work remotely due to the nature of their work, and worked in close proximity to other individuals (not in the same household);
- meet income restrictions. For workers providing direct care to COVID patients, the maximum income is $350,000 (joint filers) and $175,000 (single). For all other workers, the limits are $185,000 (joint) and $85,000 (single); and
- did not collect more than 20 weeks of unemployment benefits from 3/15/20 to 6/30/21.
No-Knock Warrant Limits
On Friday, the Public Safety committee advanced a bill to severely limit the use of “no-knock warrants.” This legislation is in response to the tragic death of Amir Locke, which reinforced that these warrants can put residents and officers in great danger. They are also largely unnecessary, though Minneapolis has requested dozens in the last few years.
Affordable Housing for All
I have heard from many of you that housing affordability is a major concern. The House DFL is proposing major investments in housing to solve this crisis. We’re proposing to build more homes Minnesotans can afford, save the affordable homes we already have, provide pathways to home ownership and out of homelessness, and ensure landlords and renters are made whole. We have a golden opportunity this session to invest in solutions to create more housing options and lower costs throughout the state, which will in turn create more economic opportunity for families, businesses, and our state’s future.
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. Please, now more than ever, feel free to reach out to my office.
Rep. Hodan Hassan,
531 State Office Building
(651) 296-0294
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/62A