Dear Neighbors,
We have already completed week four of the 2024 Legislative session! The House had another busy week debating legislation, listening to constituents, and discussing how we can solve the biggest issues facing our state.
As we continue the work of empowering Minnesotan families and communities in our democracy and economy, it is critical to center the values and voices of our constituents here at the Capitol. I’m grateful to all of you who have come to the Capitol for a visit or a rally and who have called, emailed, and written to share your opinions on the issues and policies you care about.
Here is an update from St. Paul.
Student Voices at the Capitol!
March 5 marked Student Voices Day in the Minnesota House Education Finance Committee. We got to hear from students across the state who advocated for a range of issues, from increased mental health support in schools to more education around pre-registration of 16 and 17-year-old students. One thing is clear – the future of Minnesota is bright!
Ending Misclassification Fraud
All workers deserve economic security and protections of earning minimum wage and overtime, unemployment insurance when they get laid off, and worker's compensation when they get hurt on the job. But some employers are cheating the system through what’s called misclassification fraud, where bad actors label legitimate employees as “independent contractors.” By incorrectly classifying workers like this, irresponsible employees refuse to pay decent wages or overtime pay, not provide workers compensation when their workers are hurt on the job, withhold benefits, and more
Misclassification Fraud is a huge problem - and it’s only growing. It hurts workers and law-abiding businesses in almost every industry, and it hinders our ability to provide and protect the economic security and workplace freedom that generations of Minnesotans expect and rely on.
That’s why I introduced legislation to ensure Minnesota has the legal and enforcement tools to turn the tide on the problem of misclassification fraud to protect workers, law-abiding businesses, and the Minnesota public for generations to come. My bill was heard in the House Labor Committee this week and it makes clear we will have a whole government approach to a whole economy problem.
Last week, I was joined by the Attorney General and several workers who shared their stories of being cheated out of the worker protections and social safety net that Minnesotans rely on. You can watch our press conference on the issue here.
Minnesota Voting Rights Act
On Wednesday, the House Elections Committee passed my bill the Minnesota Voting Rights Act, which codifies, streamlines, and strengthens the protections against voter suppression and vote dilution under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. This bill is a response to a ruling by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which last November upended decades of precedent in its decision to deprive citizens in the 8th Circuit, including Minnesota, of the right to file a lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for claims of voter suppression or dilution.
The Minnesota Voting Rights Act will ensure Minnesotans can vindicate these essential protections to combat racial discrimination in voting and strengthen them to respond to the threats faced by voters of color today. It protects voters from practices that have discriminatory effects including closing or shifting polling places, language access denial, inadequate voter registration efforts, notary requirements, and/or off-cycle non-standard election days. It ensures every Minnesota voter has the equal opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice by prohibiting the adoption of or preserving legislative maps that dilute the power of voters of color. The Minnesota Voting Rights Act improves upon the Voting Rights Act by establishing streamlined and predictable causes and actions that will reduce the need for and the cost of litigation.
While other states seek to dismantle voting rights, Minnesota has been a North Star to protect and strengthen the freedom to vote. The Minnesota Voting Rights Act will ensure that every Minnesota voter, regardless of their race or the language they speak, has an equal opportunity to participate in our democracy
Debt Fairness Act
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why DFLers have introduced the Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds and causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt and help working and middle-class families make ends meet.
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 and let us know about events and meetings you’d like me to attend. And always 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. I'm very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together and look forward to the work we have ahead of us. Together we can create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!
Best,
Emma Greenman
State Representative