Legislative Update – December 28, 2023Dear Neighbors, I hope you all have had a great holiday season and I’m wishing you a happy new year! I want to take a moment before the end of the year to update you on some of our work during the legislative interim and share some helpful resources on laws that have recently taken effect. With the 2024 legislative session just around the corner, DFLers want to hear about the issues that are most important to you! That’s why I want to share with you our Minnesota Values Project Survey, an easy way to share your values, hopes, challenges, and ideas on solutions with us at the legislature. It only takes a few minutes to fill out and can be found here or using the QR code below. Thank you!  Advocating for Local InfrastructureEvery two years, the Minnesota Legislature comes together to pass a “bonding bill” or packages of local infrastructure projects seeking state funding. I was proud to host the House Capital Investment Committee to hear about Savage’s request for the ongoing expansion and reconstruction of the Quentin Avenue Bridge to relieve congestion and high traffic in the area, and Burnsville’s request for funding to rehabilitate its water treatment plant.  Since I was first elected, I have been dedicated to working with our local partners in Savage and Burnsville to pass legislation to improve constituents’ lives. Last session, I was proud to secure funding for Savage to start the first phase of the Quentin Ave Bridge project, and I look forward to working to invest in these important infrastructure priorities during the 2024 session. You can read my press release here. Resources for New Laws Going Into EffectLast session we passed life-changing legislation that will help Minnesotans across our district and state. You can find a list of our laws that went into effect on July 1 and August 1 from House nonpartisan staff. You can find a list of laws going into effect on January 1 here. We passed a higher education budget that will help increase access to college for thousands of students in the state. Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at state colleges and universities. You can find more information on the Office of Higher Education’s webpage here.  Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law requires employers to provide one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount. An employee is eligible for sick and safe time if they work at least 80 hours in a year for an employer in Minnesota, and are not an independent contractor. You can find more information on the Department of Labor and Industry’s page here.  Metro State University EventEarlier this fall, I was proud to participate in an event at my alma mater, Metropolitan State University, alongside community members and fellow representatives Mohamud Noor, Emma Greenman, and Samakab Hussein. It was great to connect with students about how we can make a difference in our state and make higher education attainable for all who want it!  |