Neighbors, This week, the House passed Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation. I have supported Paid Family & Medical Leave for many years because it makes sense for families, businesses, and communities. We are all just one illness or mishap away from being forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for ourselves or an ill loved one. This legislation recognizes our humanity and our basic needs to provide the care needed when, not if, we find ourselves in a dire situation. Fewer than 20% of United States workers have access to paid family and medical leave through their employers. The rest, predominantly lower-wage workers, face some impossible decisions. Under the federal Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), workers in the U.S. can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave following the birth of a child or if the worker or a family member has a serious illness or suffers an injury. Most workers, however, cannot afford to take unpaid leave and the FMLA offers little relief. The United States is the only high wealth country in the world not allowing workers to take paid family leave. Further, a compelling majority of Americans support paid family leave. In one national poll, 84% expressed support for a national paid family leave program. The paid family leave program would be administered by the Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in conjunction with its Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. This collaborative benefit will help families across the state, while providing businesses with another incentive for employees. After all, this is a common-sense solution to our caregiving crisis, will provide economic security for our families, and benefit businesses by reducing turnover. It gives everyone the freedom and flexibility to take care of themselves and their loved ones. I was proud to cast a ‘yes’ vote.  Advocates for Paid Family & Medical Leave gathered outside the House Chamber Governor Walz Signs the Democracy for the People Act into LawToday, I attended the State Capitol bill signing ceremony for the Democracy of the People Act. The legislation protects and strengthens the freedom to vote, amplifies the power of Minnesotans by reducing the influence of dark money and foreign-influence corporations in our politics, and ensures our democracy is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans across the state. This is nonpartisan legislation, and all Minnesotans will benefit, regardless of political persuasion.  The Community and the CapitolSen. Frentz and I met with Mankato Mt. Olive Lutheran students during their tour of the Capitol.  I met with local community members who are employees of a west central meat processing plant set to close. They are in the U.S. with work visas and were promised three years of work. Now with the plant closing before the time is up, their work futures are uncertain, and they are looking for guidance about next steps. Mankato’s unemployment rate is very low. I am committed to finding a solution, if one exists, to benefit everyone.  Smiles Center for Independent Living advocates came to the Capitol to talk about supporting people with disabilities to realize their full potential.  I attended the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives Day event at the State Capitol.  REMINDER: Important Medicaid Information Needed Next WeekDuring the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, annual renewals for our public health programs – MinnesotaCare and Medicaid – paused. In less than two weeks, on May 11, the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency is ending and those on MinnesotaCare or Medicaid will need to update their information to determine their ongoing eligibility. If someone is no longer eligible for coverage under Medicaid, they should be able to get low-cost health insurance through the federal and state insurance marketplaces. You can watch a short video here for more information.  Stay connected with the LegislatureThe Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here. I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248. Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Luke Frederick State Representative |