SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate adjourned the 93rd Minnesota Legislature sine die. Lawmakers representing the city of Duluth issued the following statements:
Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth):
“I’m deeply proud of the work we did – together – for Duluth and for the state of Minnesota this session. Last year’s session will leave an impact to be felt for generations. This year, DFLers built on that progress to deliver additional resources for students, continue our work protecting our environment and addressing climate change, expand access to health care, and improve opportunities for workers and their families to thrive. We were able to support our local community with increased investments in Duluth Public Schools, delivering funding for career training and resources to implement the READ Act to boost student literacy. A bipartisan agreement will also help keep St. Louis County whole after the recent Supreme Court decision regarding tax-forfeited property. It’s difficult to look back on this session without reflecting on my entire eight years at the Capitol, which have been extremely rewarding. I leave the Capitol with a full heart, and I’m grateful for the honor of serving Duluth and for all the engagement from our community along the way.”
Rep. Alicia “Liish” Kozlowski (DFL – Duluth):
“Minnesota is a labor state where we believe every worker deserves a living wage, safe working conditions, and the right to organize their workplace. Eliminating these carve outs to minimum wage laws fights the growing income inequality we see across our state. These to raise wages without risking jobs and tether the wage to inflation will put Minnesota workers in a stronger position financially and close gaps that until now, have left workers behind. Workers deserve so much better, and this is the least we can do for those who are making the least for equal work. I am proud to help lead out state in updating our minimum wage standards and will continue to address the needs of workers and move closer to economic justice for all Minnesotans.”
Sen. Jen McEwen (DFL – Duluth):
“As we close the 2024 session, I am immensely proud to look back on what was achieved for Duluth and for all Minnesotans. The legislation we passed this year builds on our transformational achievements in 2023 and will help Minnesotans live with dignity and prosperity. We opened the door for thousands of University of Minnesota workers to exercise their right to unionize; we invested in literacy and protected free speech in libraries; we took decisive action to limit predatory debt practices; and so much more. The breadth of the work is evidence of what we gain when we work together. As we look to the future, let’s keep the momentum going and make Minnesota the state we know it can be: a north star where every person can live a full, prosperous, joyful life.”