Dear Neighbor, It’s been another busy week in the House, with many more visitors from District 11A among the highlights. Those who stopped by my office recently include:  Representatives of the Farmers Union, including former state Rep. Mike Sundin and former Carlton County Commissioner Mark Thell.  Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association.  Carlton County attorney. In other news: Second Amendment As mentioned in last week’s update, Second Amendment supporters should be on alert regarding gun-control bills House Democrats are moving through the committee process. While those four bills are concerning enough, Senate Democrats have assembled an extreme omnibus gun-control bill of their own, reportedly including everything from registration of all firearms to requiring all gun owners to have liability insurance, creating a crime to carry a firearm past a sign, banning the purchase of most semi-automatic rifles and more. I will continue defending our constitutional rights and encourage people to reach out to the authors of these bills (found at the links) to let them know they are going too far. Minnesota workers I have submitted a column to area newspapers taking a look at how Minnesota can improve its business climate to help get our economy on track after some serious challenges the last couple of years. In the column, I mention that Minnesota’s tax rates are in the top 10 highest for both individual and corporate taxes. Our state also remains one of just 12 states imposing an estate tax. It’s time to improve the tax climate in our state, pulling down barriers to economic growth that undermine our region’s ability to attract and maintain talented workers and their families which are essential to our long-term sustainability. And I get into how, with a state surplus of around $18 billion, we are staring at a golden opportunity to unleash our economy and help workers thrive and House Republicans have authored numerous bills to make that happen. Check local publications or click here for the full text. As House Republicans continue working to make life better for Minnesota workers and families, bills House Democrats are advancing take us the wrong direction with onerous, one-size-fits-all mandates – particularly related to worker leave. Just last night, the House majority approved a bill with sweeping changes to Minnesota’s existing laws regarding employee leave. There are numerous reasons for concern with this bill (H.F. 19), specifically how new mandates will damage Minnesota’s job creators and Main Street businesses who are still recovering from COVID, while also facing ongoing inflation, supply chain issues and workforce shortages. This certainly will increase labor costs at a time our goal should be to avoid placing additional burdens and mandates on our job providers who are doing their best to keep their doors open and Minnesotans employed. Furthermore, this bill does not include most of the employer protections under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, such as employers with less than 50 employees being exempt. This language applies to all Minnesota employers who employ one or more persons. I will continue working to solutions that will benefit all the people of District 11A by freeing up our economy so workers can earn more and we can keep more families here at home to live, work and go to school. Sincerely, Jeff |