Dear Neighbors,
As we finish out the 2023 Legislative Session, I want to provide a quick update on our biggest bills that are now in conference committees. Instead of being outside in the beautiful spring weather, I’ve been hard at work in the Capitol finalizing policy and budget bills that deliver for Minnesotans. But it’s all worth it because we are working on passing important policies like Paid Family and Medical Leave, transformative education funding, and increasing the child tax credit to support Minnesotans across the state.
Here’s an update from Saint Paul.
House Passes Paid Family and Medical Leave
Minnesotans believe in caring for one another. Yet the vast majority of Minnesotans don’t have access to paid family & medical leave benefits. This means every day, Minnesotans face the impossible choice between losing a paycheck or caring for a new child, an aging loved one, or themselves.
No one should be forced to choose between earning a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a family member, and Minnesotans have been telling the Legislature for years that our current system isn’t working well for most people. That’s why the House DFL passed bills to establish a Paid Family and Medical Leave program multiple times in recent years under a divided government. We’ve fought for this issue for many years, and now the DFL trifecta will finally move this priority across the finish line.
This bill will help to make Minnesota the best state in the nation for children and families. In addition, it complements all the other work Democrats are doing to help Minnesotans afford their lives, like investing in affordable housing, providing free school meals, and reducing health care costs.
House Passes Housing Conference Report
This week the House approved the conference committee report on House File 2335, the state’s Housing Budget. The legislation makes investments of $1 billion into our state’s most significant Housing commitment in our history. With this, the legislature will create housing stability for Minnesota families on the brink of homelessness, spur the production of new homes across the state, and deliver pathways to homeownership for thousands of Minnesotans. Housing is fundamental for all Minnesotans and should be a human right, and I was proud to vote Yes.
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