Legislative Update - New Year, New Laws

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope the new year is treating you well. Now that we’re in 2024, I’m hitting the ground running as we prepare for this year’s legislative session to begin in February. This year, we have the opportunity to build upon 2023’s historic accomplishments - some of which have only recently been enacted.

On January 1st, several new laws went into effect, including Earned Sick and Safe Time, which requires employers to provide one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, earning a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount. An employee is eligible for sick and safe time if they work at least 80 hours in a year for an employer in Minnesota, and are not an independent contractor. You can find more information on the Department of Labor and Industry’s page here.

Another notable change is the new Red Flag Law, which keeps guns out of the hands of people who pose a known, serious risk to themselves or others. All Minnesotans deserve to be safe in their communities, and I am dedicated to ensuring public safety through these common-sense measures. In Minnesota, we're putting people first, and taking action to keep our loved ones safe.

Summaries of all the new laws we passed during the 2023 Legislature are available online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services, and can be found here.

Supporting Our Firefighters

I am grateful for the recognition from the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association for protecting firefighter’s pension and investing in care for job related PTSD. It was especially meaningful to be recognized at my local fire station, Saint Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21. Thank you to the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving the public.

Minnesota’s first responders have seen a sharp increase in PTSD claims in the past few years. This not only impacted the wellbeing of our service men and women but also the health of their pension plans. The bill - now law - that I authored, developed in conjunction with peace officers, firefighters, retirees, municipalities and pension plans, ensures that our first responders have access to up to 32 weeks of PTSD treatment while still receiving pay and benefits.

The Pension Commission in Fergus Falls

Yesterday, the Pension Commission held its last listening session before the start of the regular session. It has been a wonderful learning opportunity to meet and hear from pension members in different parts of the state. We heard from law enforcement, first responders, labor and educators. I look forward to continuing the work with stakeholders to protect pensions for our public employees.

Minnesota’s Ag Economy

Agriculture is an important part of Minnesota’s economy. According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota is the 4th largest agricultural exporting state in the nation. Minnesota's agricultural exports bring in $9.2 billion a year, and agricultural exports account for more than a third of the state's total exports, with our top export commodities including soybeans, corn, feed, and pork.

Thank you Kaitlyn Root, Executive Director of Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, for inviting Rep. Cha and I to your convention and annual meeting. We not only learned about issues important to our farmers but also took home some tasty silent auction treats.

Youth in Government

Civic engagement of our youth is the surest way to ensure future participation in our democracy. Thank you YMCA of the North for ongoing investment through the Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government program. It was a delight to watch mock legislative hearings, lobbying, and Supreme Court proceedings led by high school students.

Since 1946, students across our region have participated in Youth in Government, an immersive four days that includes focused discussions on current issues, a wide variety of social events, engaging evening activities, time for small-group reflection, and hands-on leadership development.

If you have interested students, you can find more information on the Youth in Government website. 

Stay Connected

The 2024 legislative session is a month away, and as we prepare to continue delivering for our community and state, I want to hear from you! You can contact me and my office at rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov or 651-296-8799. Also feel free to follow along on my official Facebook page.

Here’s to a productive new year!

Sincerely, 

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative