Dear Neighbors, It’s difficult to find the words to fully express my heartfelt condolences to the family of our Inver Grove Heights Police Officer Ben Bidon, who tragically died on April 28 after experiencing a medical emergency. In our IGH community, we take care of each other and look out for our neighbors. I am keeping Officer Bidon, his wife Ashley and their daughters Addison, Evelyn, and Eleanor in my thoughts.  We’re wrapping up our budget work at the State Capitol and have made progress passing final conference committee reports (which serve as the final negotiated version of a bill between the House and Senate), in the following areas: Housing; Legacy; Veterans; and Higher Education. As the vice chair of the House Education Finance Committee, I’ve been appointed to the Education Conference Committee and we’ve been working around the clock to finalize our investment package for all students and schools. We're working toward a brighter future for the next generation and vibrant communities in every corner of the state.  I recently had the opportunity to participate in a bipartisan panel sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Metropolitan School Districts with my colleague Rep. Bakeberg. It was a chance for school districts to share their concerns, and what kinds of supports are needed to help our students thrive.  Paid Family and Medical LeaveMinnesota is poised to be the 12th state in the United States to have a Paid Family and Medical Leave program after the House and Senate both passed the legislation.  The bill would provide 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for family or themselves and would be funded by a small employer and employee contribution, meaning lost wages from time off will be recovered by the State fund, not employers.  Every day in Minnesota, workers face the impossible choice of either going to work to earn a paycheck or staying home to take care of themselves or a sick family member. While some workers have jobs that provide paid sick leave, thousands of Minnesotans do not have access to a single paid day off. Additionally, those in the lowest wage positions and our BIPOC community members face stark disparities. I was proud to support it. Expanding PTSD Care for Public Safety WorkersThe Minnesota House also recently passed with broad bipartisan support House File 1234, legislation to ensure police, fire, and public safety workers can access mental health treatment to receive duty disability benefits from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). You can read the Star Tribune’s coverage of the legislation here. AAPI Month As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I want to take a moment to recognize the contributions of this vibrant and diverse community to our nation. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made huge advancements and groundbreaking discoveries in every field, from science and medicine to business and the arts. This is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to honor the rich and diverse cultures that make up the AAPI community.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3533 with questions, ideas, or to let me know how I can help. You are welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page for more updates on what I’m working on at the Capitol for our Inver Grove Heights, West Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, Lilydale, and Sunfish Lake neighbors. Thank you for the honor of representing you and your family in the Minnesota House of Representatives! Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |