Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are able to enjoy some time outside in this mid-February warm up. With temperatures above 30 degrees over the next few days - I’m hoping to sneak in a morning walk around Lake Nokomis before another packed week at the Capitol this session!
Speaking of the Capitol - it’s been great to see many of you in St. Paul for lobby days, constituent visits, and rallies about the issues you care about. Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of welcoming local Girl Scout Troop 18122 (and their parents) to the House Floor for a great visit. I always welcome visits from folks in the District so please let me know the next time you’re at the Capitol or want to arrange a visit!
Democracy for the People Act is Heard in Committee
Last week the House Elections Committee heard and voted to approve HF3, the Democracy for the People Act.
This is a critical moment for our democracy. We know that solving our most significant challenges requires all of us to come together and build a democracy that centers the voices of all Minnesotans. I am grateful for the Elections Committee's commitment to urgent action to protect and strengthen our democracy, which is what this legislation does.
The Democracy for the People Act seeks to protect and strengthen the freedom to vote, amplify the power of Minnesotans by reducing the influence of dark money and corporations in our politics, and ensure that our democracy is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans across the state.
Free Lunches
Here in Minnesota, we value education and want to see every child succeed, but with 1 in 6 students trying to learn on an empty stomach we are not living up to those values. With our budget surplus, we have the resources to step up and provide the food security families need and the high-quality education our children deserve.
Last week the House voted to provide free school meals for Minnesota’s students. Every child deserves a world-class education, but academic performance suffers when students are hungry. House File 5 will feed children so they can concentrate in the classroom and achieve their dreams. I was proud to vote for this important bill that will feed Minnesota kids, slash grocery bills and help families save money.
Providing Economic Security for Hourly Schoolworkers
Under current law, hourly school workers, in schools and at colleges and universities, don’t have access to unemployment benefits during the summer months. If they lose a second job or have their hours cut during the summer months, they cannot collect unemployment insurance like other Minnesota workers, including other seasonal workers. This forces dedicated, talented workers to leave the field.
The House Education Finance Committee recently heard and passed out my legislation to provide hourly school workers with unemployment benefits in the summer. Minnesotans who care for, feed, educate, and transport our students are currently excluded from unemployment benefits that other Minnesota workers receive. We must come together to end this unfairness. If we provide hourly school workers in our classrooms and on our campuses with the basic economic security they deserve, these Minnesotans will be able to continue supporting our students and coming back to a job they love.
Stay in Touch
Thank you for your time, energy, and all you do to make our community a great place for everyone. Please reach out to me with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is rep.emma.greenman@house.mn.gov or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page for updates.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative and I look forward to working with you to create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!
Best,
Emma Greenman
State Representative