Neighbors, As we near our scheduled May 20 adjournment date, many committees are wrapping up their work for the session. There is still much work ahead as we craft legislation to help build a future for all Minnesotans to thrive. I serve as vice chair of the Human Services Policy Committee, and last week the committee approved the wide-ranging policy bill. Among the highlights is a provision to abolish the subminimum wage, which pays individuals with a disability less than the state minimum. We heard emotional testimony from workers impacted by this issue. I agree with ending this practice, but I also hear the concerns people have about its end without adding additional supports. The implementation date for this elimination is 4 years away which should give plenty of time for these supports to be developed. Should more changes be required, I am committed to making them as the date approaches. You can read the nonpartisan Session Daily article on the hearing here. You can watch the video here. The measure now heads to the Ways & Means Committee. Recovery Community Organizations Legislation AdvancesYesterday in the Human Services Finance Committee, I presented my legislation prohibiting recovery peers from being classified as independent contractors. The measure also expands the duties of the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities to include reviewing complaints and other issues related to peer recovery support services. It is important to give those on their recovery journey the support they need, and not be concerned with peers working for a company whose only interest has more to do with finances than getting help to those in need. I was interviewed by A.J. Lagoe for a KARE 11 news segment on this topic which aired last night. Budget FrameworkLegislative leaders and Governor Walz have agreed on the supplemental budget framework for the 2024 session. The budget allows lawmakers to address the most urgent challenges impacting working families and communities. In addition, it maintains our stable economic forecast into future years. This legislative session focuses on crafting a bonding bill, and we are committed to investing in statewide infrastructure projects to help communities protect access to safe drinking water, fix roads and bridges, encourage innovation at our colleges, universities, and tech schools, get tools to our first responders to they can answer the call during emergencies, and help all Minnesota communities thrive. I am strongly advocating for inclusion of the Eagle Lake water treatment project, MSU building improvements and construction, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) lab. Updating the Minnesota Human Rights ActI have authored legislation to update the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). My bill addresses how discrimination can show up in multiple ways at the same time. For example, someone could be discriminated against because of a disability and the color of their skin in the same instance, it would not have to be just one or the other. The legislation also addresses how not all disabilities are visible, and it clarifies language about service animals. What my bill does not do is touch the topic of religion. I opposed a Republican effort which would allow religious institutions to discriminate against people based on their gender identity. The amendment offered would expand legal forms of discrimination and is the exact opposite of the purpose of the Human Rights Act. My legislation does not deal at all with gender identity or religious exemptions. During the 2023 session, various House and Senate committees debated and approved inclusion of gender identity in another bill. My legislation does not threaten or restrict religious liberty. Any member of the legislature is free to introduce their own legislation without adding divisive language to another bill. I encourage anyone to read my bill and reach out with any questions about the specifics of the legislation. We want to ensure Minnesota is a state for all, no matter who you love, where you live, and your abilities. My goal with this legislation is to enhance the Human Rights Act to make sure everyone is welcome here and to build a state where everyone can succeed. 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. You can also visit my House of Representatives website. 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 |