New Laws Going into Effect January 1Last session we passed life-changing legislation that will help Minnesotans across our district and state. Here you can find a list of our laws that went into effect on July 1 and August 1 from House nonpartisan staff. There are several new laws going into effect in the new year that I’m incredibly excited about, a few of which I carried this session before they were passed as part of budget bills. I’m particularly excited to say that as of January 1, school districts and charter schools must provide access to free menstrual products. Products will be required to be available in restrooms regularly used by students grades 4 to 12. This was something I passionately fought for this session alongside students, and it’s wonderful to watch it become law. One of the most widespread changes Minnesotans will see in the new year is the enactment of Earned Sick and Safe Time. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Earned Sick and Safe Time will be guaranteed for nearly all workers in Minnesota. Under the law, employers must, at a minimum, allow employees to earn one hour of paid earned safe and sick time for every 30 hours worked. The law applies to any employer with one or more employees, and it covers all employees, including part-time and temporary. So many Minnesotans know all too well the struggle of having to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and going to work for a paycheck. With Earned Sick and Safe Time, folks can breathe a bit easier knowing paid time will be there when they need it. There are more exciting laws going into effect on the 1st. You can find a list here. Conversation on Youth Restorative JusticeI recently had the opportunity to co-present on youth restorative justice with Minneapolis Police Department Lieutenant Kelly O'Rourke to members of Mill City Commons. My collaboration with Lt. O'Rourke on the legislation that created the Office of Restorative Practices is an example of how thoughtful legislation requires partnerships with experts in the community and many different perspectives. Our conversation on Monday was a great exchange of ideas with metro-area seniors interested in public safety and how we can effectively support struggling youth and families.  Induction into the YIPA Hall of Fame I want to thank the Youth Intervention Programs Association or YIPA, for naming me a 2023 Outstanding Achievement Inductee in the YIPA Hall of Fame! I was recognized for my work more than doubling funding for Youth Intervention Programs through YIPA, which funds these programs and provides valuable training and connections for youth workers across Minnesota. I LOVE that the value used to describe me is "Uncompromising." That is absolutely how I feel when it comes to supporting struggling kids. SCROLL DOWN to see my short video speech here! Protecting the Boundary WatersThis month, I joined Friends of the Boundary Waters and supporters, as well as my colleagues Rep. Kaohly Her and Rep. Ethan Cha. Last session, we worked to advance legislation protecting the Boundary Waters from destructive mining practices. I'm thrilled to be working with the Friends on clean water legislation to build on the successful bill we passed earlier this year. We need to be bold when it comes to protecting our precious natural resources for future generations!  Protecting Immigrant Communities with the North Star ActLast session, I carried legislation that created and funded a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This article features an interview with me about the bill, which was one of numerous efforts across the United States and Canada to leverage the workforce opportunities that immigrant and refugee communities bring. Earlier this month, we had a community event at the Midtown Global Market to share information about the North Star Act, which I'm honored to be carrying as the Chief House author, working with Sen. Omar Fateh and community members and legal experts to ensure that immigrant communities across Minnesota feel safe and supported. This is also a bill about ensuring that state resources are not wasted enforcing federal immigration laws and instead are focused on investing in Minnesotans. I’m excited to tell you more as we work on the bill this session!  Civility Caucus efforts continue!As we head into the new year and towards the new legislative session, I am working closely with the Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution to build on our efforts to expand Civility Caucus activities within the legislature. Along with my DFL and GOP co-leads in the House and Senate, we are assessing new strategies to build an environment where we can engage in respectful, productive debate. My New Year’s Resolution for 2024 is to hold fast to this objective of civility, and (as always!) to hold on to my humility and always remember that I have been elected not to pat myself on the back, but to serve my community. It is truly an honor of a lifetime and I look forward to another productive year representing District 39B! |