Dear Neighbors,
It’s weeks like this that remind us that Minnesota summers are the best! This summer I’ve been busy out in our community, working on new policy ideas, attending events that highlight the powerful legislation we passed in the last two years, and talking to constituents like you about how we can continue working together to improve the lives and livelihoods of everyone in our community.
This e-newsletter is one of the ways I share all that with you. But I’m sad to say that this is the last e-newsletter that we’ll be able to send out until after the 2024 election. There is a legislative policy that during an election period, legislators cannot send out official newsletters or communications to ensure it is not confused with campaigning or perceived as creating an unfair advantage for incumbents. Rest assured I’ll still be out in our community and working hard on our legislative priorities and you can stay updated by following my official State Representative Facebook page.
???Even though communications will be more limited, I am still available to help with state-level problems, answer your questions, show up at events in our district and discuss important issues in our community. So please stay in touch by following my official Facebook page and reaching out to me at rep.emma.greenman@house.mn.gov.
Ways to Keep in Touch
During the legislative interim there will be several ways to stay in touch with me. On my Facebook page, you can follow my “Connecting Communities to the Capitol” series, where 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.
Please take this poll and let me know which issues and topics you’d like me to do a deeper dive on!
I am also continuing my interim office hours every ??Thursday from 1 to 3 pm. Please contact sowmya.kannan@house.mn.gov to sign up for a slot to discuss what’s on your mind.
I am also pleased to announce District 63B coffee chats. Where the last Saturday of every month will be dedicated to community conversations at a local 63B coffee shop - no appointment necessary. Come for a conversation with me and your neighbors! You can view a list of shops below, and keep an eye out for all the details which we will posted on my Facebook page
Standing with Workers
I’m proud to stand in solidarity with Minneapolis Park Board LIUNA 363 workers as they strike for a fair contract. These workers maintain, staff, and care for the natural and recreational gems like Minnehaha Falls, Lake Nokomis, dozens of parks, and miles of path and parks along Minnehaha Creek that grace my South Minneapolis district. These are the workers who make the Minneapolis parks system one of the best in the country and they deserve a contract that pays them what their worth and respects workplace democracy and their rights on the job.
New Laws Now in Effect
On July 1, some of the new policies and investments we passed at the State Capitol this year took effect, including a ban on shadow non-compete clauses ensuring employers cannot evade Minnesota’s prohibition on non-competes and no-poach agreements in service contracts.
Other new laws that went into effect include making sure our driver’s license exams utilize plain language, criminalizing the use of “deep fakes” to influence an election, and investing nearly $80 million in lottery proceeds towards more than 100 projects to protect Minnesota's natural resources.
You can read about these new laws and more in this nonpartisan summary of what was enacted on July 1 or in this Fox9 News article: New Minnesota laws starting July 1 that could affect you.
Share your Input on Prescription Drug Pricing
DFLers are interested in hearing from Minnesotans about how prescription drug prices impact their health care, what affordability concerns exist, and which drugs might benefit from pricing transparency. If you are interested in providing your insights, you can complete the Public Input on Prescription Drug Price Transparency in Minnesota form to share your experiences and help guide the Minnesota Department of Health’s ongoing drug price transparency work.
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 please follow my Facebook page for updates and information during this interim period.
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