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Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to the folks who joined Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, Rep. Jim Davnie, and me for our virtual town hall last Saturday. I appreciated the great questions and conversation about ensuring our democracy and economy works for all Minnesotans and their communities. If you weren’t able to join us, a video of the event is available here.
Supporting Earned Sick and Safe Time
On Monday, we heard powerful testimony in the House Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee from Minnesota workers and small business owners about how important it is for every worker to have Earned Sick and Safe Time. You can listen to their testimony here.
No one should fear losing their paycheck or their job if they get sick, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. Earned Sick and Safe Time gives Minnesotans time to take care of themselves and their families and helps keep us all healthy and safe. I’m proud to support this urgent legislation.
Expanding Health Care Access
Everyone should have access to high-quality health care that they can afford to use. Last week, House DFLers announced a plan to expand access to MinnesotaCare, a proven program that provides coverage for low-income Minnesotans. The proposal expands MinnesotaCare, allowing people to buy in, making sure Minneostans can go to the doctor and afford their medication.
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of health care for all and exposed the vulnerabilities and inequalities of our current system. Expanding access to MinnesotaCare would help people get the care they need and move our state one step closer to a health care system that prioritizes people, not profits. I am eager to see this proposal move forward.
Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis
Minnesotans recognize it's time to legalize cannabis for adult use. As a lawyer who began my career as a public defender, I've seen firsthand the need for legislation to reduce the unnecessary stops, searches, and arrests that target Black, brown, and Indigenous communities. On Monday, some of my House DFL colleagues announced a plan to create a responsibly regulated cannabis market in Minnesota.
This legislation would help address racial disparities in our criminal justice system, as well as concerns around youth access, public health, and road safety. In addition, it would help veterans and Minnesotans with PTSD, cancer, chronic pain, and other illnesses get the care they need. This is a good, commonsense plan to legalize, expunge, and regulate adult-use cannabis.
I always appreciate hearing from community members. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at rep.emma.greenman@house.mn or 651-296-4200.
Sincerely,
Emma Greenman
State Representative
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