Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the long days of summer daylight!
Last week I was honored to join workers from LIUNA and CTUL to highlight the legislation we passed this year to combat worker misclassification fraud. Misclassification fraud cheats workers out of wages and protections, and steals from taxpayers & law-abiding businesses.
All workers deserve economic security and the protections of earning minimum wage and overtime, unemployment insurance when you get laid off, and workers compensation when you get hurt on the job. But when irresponsible employers don’t play by the rules, workers get hurt, law-abiding businesses can't compete, and safety net protections like unemployment insurance are put at risk. The legislation we passed ensures Minnesota has the legal and enforcement tools to turn the tide on misclassification fraud to protect workers, law-abiding businesses, and the Minnesota public for generations to come.
Take our Poll! Connecting Communities to the Capitol
With the goal of deepening our understanding on key issues, over the last few years, I have taken the time we have during the summer and fall when we are not in session to dive deep into different areas of policy that impact our communities and our state. With session over, once a month, I’ll pick an interesting topic and talk to experts, my legislative colleagues, advocates, and members of our community to provide a richer understanding and perspective on an issue. These will be conversations and interviews, filmed and posted to Facebook, along with recommended articles, podcasts and books if you are interested in deepening your understanding on the topic.
I’m happy to announce the continuation of this project, and am excited to get out into our community to highlight the work being done in our neighborhoods and around the state to tackle the important issues!
Please take this poll and let me know which topics you’d like to see!
E-Bike Rebate Update
The Minnesota Department of Revenue is continuing to work with their external technology providers to reopen applications for the e-Bike Rebate. The Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate (e-Bike Rebate) is designed to reduce the cost for Minnesota residents to buy a new e-bike at eligible retailers, providing a discount of up to $1,500 on a qualifying e-bike. I encourage you to read the Department of Revenue’s update here, as the application process will re-open July 2 at 11:00 am.
Minnesota OSHA Issues Citations to Amazon for Warehouse Worker Safety and Hazards
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI) Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Compliance has issued a $10,500 penalty to Amazon in Shakopee, Minnesota, regarding worker safety hazards at a warehouse distribution center.
This biennium I authored the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, the strongest warehouse worker safety protection bill in the nation. But DLI's investigations confirm what workers have been telling me since the law went into effect - Amazon isn't complying with requirements to tell workers the quotas they are expected to meet, or to keep workers safe from repetitive injuries. This is unacceptable. You can read my full statement here.
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 and information.
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