Dear neighbors,
We had another busy week with more late nights at the State Capitol, as we continue to debate and vote on policy packages aimed at improving the lives of hard-working families.
We passed a number of policy packages off the House floor this week, including bills relating to Environment and Natural Resources, Commerce, Human Services, and Climate and Energy.
Notable provisions include strong consumer protections, safeguards for children on social media, phasing out the sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities, and expanding opportunities to protect our native prairies. I’m looking forward to passing more bills that build on our historically productive 2023 legislative session and help Minnesotans afford their lives!
Last week, we passed the Labor Policy bill, which included provisions to enhance worker protections, strengthen the minimum wage, ban shadow non-competes, increase pay transparency, and more. As Vice Chair of the Labor Committee, and as a proud union member, I know firsthand that when we lift up our workers, it benefits not just them, but all Minnesotans.
Moms Demand Action
I had the pleasure of meeting with constituents and advocates from Moms Demand Action this week. They were at the State Capitol to make sure that gun violence prevention is a top priority in Minnesota this session. Thank you for everything you do to make our children and our communities safer!
Expanding Insurance to Cover Prosthetics & Wigs
DFLers are laser focused on making sure all Minnesotans can work, go to school, run errands and afford their lives with dignity. Two bills that are advancing would require insurance companies to cover the costs of wigs for people undergoing cancer treatment, and the costs for prosthetics for those who need them. As families work through a new transition in their lives or navigate a new diagnosis or health challenge, the last thing they should have to worry about is their financial security. These are common sense proposals I support, and will advocate for as we continue to pass legislation that puts Minnesotans first.
Free Park Day!
On Saturday, April 27, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will be offering free admission to everyone– no vehicle permits needed! In Minnesota, we are lucky to have amazing state parks all across the state, and these fee-free days are a great opportunity to experience them! You can find out more information about the fee-free days here.
Environmental Funding Survey
Did you know that a portion of Minnesota’s lottery proceeds go towards protecting our environment and natural resources through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund? Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $700 million to over 1,700 projects around the state.
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is now gathering input about the future of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending and taking feedback about what environmental issues are most important to you. Make your voice heard about how to improve Minnesota's environment & natural resources.
Take the survey here.
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies here.
Stay In Touch
If you have questions, ideas, or feedback you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email me at rep.kaela.berg@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-5387. For more regular updates, you can subscribe to these regular legislative updates if you haven’t already, here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Kaela Berg
State Representative