Dear Neighbors,
As we settle into 2024, I wanted to take a moment to send you my heartfelt wishes for a year filled with joy and exciting possibilities. This year began with several impactful bills taking effect, bringing positive changes to Minnesotans' lives. Including:
- Stronger tenant protections: New laws strengthen protections for renters, promoting fairer housing practices and stability for Minnesotans. Discover how you can benefit. Read more below.
- Transparency in hiring: Prohibiting past pay disclosure in the hiring process helps combat wage discrimination and promotes fairer hiring practices.
- Free menstrual products: School districts and charter schools must now provide free menstrual products to students, ensuring period equity and removing a barrier to education.
- Earned sick and safe time: Nearly all workers in Minnesota now have the right to accrue paid sick and safe time, offering greater security and flexibility in managing personal needs.
- Pay increases for home care workers
This list just scratches the surface. Last year we made historic movements that will improve the lives of all Minnesotans, like paid family medical leave, providing free school meals for students, codifying reproductive freedom, and providing emergency funding for food shelves across the state.
It was an honor to lead the first Queer Caucus at the Minnesota Legislature. We have a massive responsibility to our LGBTQIA2S+ communities and their families to ensure we make our state a place of refuge and protection against the rise of hateful legislation from extremist Republicans across the country. Another major celebration to note is our fight to invest $2 million in grant funding for gender-inclusive school restrooms in our schools.
I’m so grateful to represent my district, my community, and Minnesota. I love this work and will do it tirelessly alongside my colleagues to build a Minnesota where every family thrives, and every child inherits a legacy of opportunity. These new laws represent a step forward in achieving a shared future that represents the state of Minnesota and I look forward to continuing to champion policies that make our state a better place for all.
You can read my legislative report here to learn more about the direct accomplishments of our district. I look forward to the 2024 legislative session and bringing more achievements back to our community.
Summaries of all laws passed by the 2023 Legislature are available online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services.
Thank you for the honor of representing our vibrant district at the Capitol.
Cold Weather Rule
Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” is now in effect, which protects residents from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To ensure your service is safe from disconnection you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.
New Tenant Protection Laws
Minnesota took a big step forward for renters in 2024 with the enactment of several new tenant protection laws. These laws will make it easier for renters to find and keep affordable housing and will help to ensure that they are treated fairly by their landlords. Tenants facing eviction for nonpayment will now have a crucial 14-day notice period to address the issue before the landlord can file. Additionally, unwelcome visits are a thing of the past, with landlord entry restricted to 8 AM - 8 PM and requiring at least 24 hours' notice.
Despite being one of the coldest states in which to live, Minnesota had no statewide law requiring landlords to maintain a minimum temperature for rental units. Starting January 1, Minnesota landlords will be required to keep rental units at a minimum of 68 degrees from October to April, if the tenant does not control the thermostat.
While there's more to be done, these significant steps mark a pivotal shift towards ensuring winter stability and empowering tenants with greater peace of mind. Moreover, these critical steps are essential in combating the housing/homelessness crisis in our state.
You can find more provisions included in the public safety and judiciary finance bill directed at landlord and tenant relations here: https://www.house.mn.gov/hinfo/leginfo/01012024NewLaws.pdf.
Minnesota Values Project Survey
Almost seven years ago, the Minnesota House DFL started the Minnesota Values Project (also known as MVP), a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials, and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. Working together, we’ve strengthened our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable health care a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans – yet we know there is more to do. As we approach the 2024 session, which begins February 12, I would like to hear your input on creating solutions as we set our next agenda and deliver on our shared values. As part of this effort, I would appreciate it if you took part in the new Minnesota Values Project survey that only takes a few minutes, and as we build a shared vision for our state, your input is crucial in this process.
Take the survey today by clicking this link.
Winter Warming Space
In preparation for the coldest winter months, Ramsey County has opened winter warming spaces in Saint Paul for residents who are experiencing homelessness. Through the end of March 2024, several locations will be open every night for people needing a place to warm up.
Warming gear, like hats and gloves, light snacks and hot beverages will be provided. A free shuttle service will also operate each day to help transport people to and from warming spaces. Ramsey County housing services and support staff will be answering calls and emails to help refer people to available warming spaces or extra shelter beds.
Stay connected
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can follow my new Facebook page or contact my office.
It’s an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative – 66A
Committee Assignments:
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Human Services Policy
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Legacy Finance
Legislative Assistant
Robin Mercer-Taylor
robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov