Friends and neighbors, Well, we knew it would come eventually! As we dig ourselves out from under this late March snow, these past two weeks have been especially busy at the Capitol. We've continued crafting solutions to make our state work better for everyone and help Minnesotans have the economic security they deserve. I’m incredibly excited to share what we've been working on. Last week, my bill to fight worker exploitation in the construction industry had its first committee hearing. This bill would ensure greater transparency, standards, and accountability in publicly financed development projects that use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), among others. Wage theft and exploitation remain persistent problems in the construction industry. A recently published report by the independent research institution North Star Policy Action (NSPA) details repeated abuses by contractors receiving public funds for affordable housing projects. Minnesotans deserve to know that their tax dollars aren’t subsidizing abuse and exploitation of workers. When used well, these investments can be a powerful tool to generate development and redevelopment where they are most needed. Our communities need these tools to encourage economic development, but that should not come at the expense of workers’ livelihood or their lives. Another bill of mine was heard in the Commerce committee this week. Years ago, Minnesota enacted a law to require camping tents to be made with non-flammable materials after multiple campers saw their tents go up in flames. However, today’s common tent material such as nylon and polyester are sufficiently safe when it comes to flame resistance, so this rule is redundant thanks to today’s technology. Additionally, the flame-resistant material currently required has been found to cause health complications such as cancer. While once well intended, the requirement no longer makes sense to keep on the books. HF3989 would remove this unnecessary and harmful requirement. TONIGHT: Join Me for a Community Conversation!I want to remind you one last time that I’m holding a community conversation tonight at 6:30pm! We'll be at Atonement Lutheran Church. I hope to see you there! You can RSVP on Facebook now. RSVP is encouraged, but not required. This is a non-partisan event, and all residents of District 51B are welcome. RSVP  State of the StateOn Tuesday, I travelled alongside my colleagues to Owatonna, MN for the Governor’s State of the State address. Many of his words rang incredibly true – though we made historic progress for Minnesota last session, there’s still much to be done. We’re on track to make Minnesota the best place to raise a family, but our work is not finished.  Take my Legislative Survey!One of the best tools I have in setting my legislative priorities is YOU! That’s why I’m inviting you to take my legislative survey, open now through July 1. TAKE THE SURVEY  Chag Sameach, Ramadan Mubarak, and Happy Easter!To all of those celebrating holidays this week and next, I hope you are able to gather with friends and families and have a joyful celebration. |