Legislative update,
With the new year, several new laws that passed during the 2023 legislative session have gone into effect. Many of those new laws reflect the Democrats' expensive and extreme policies, where even with a historic $17.5 billion surplus, they raised taxes by $10 billion and grew government by 40%.
Some of the new laws in effect now include:
- Earned Sick and Safe Time. While this is different from the expensive and far-reaching Paid Family and Medical Leave bill that also passed last session, the changes to earned sick and safe time will have major impacts on our job creators and workers. The law will require all employers to offer full paid time off, and it applies to any employer with just one or more employees. It covers all employees, including part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. The Department of Labor and Industry has put together a helpful FAQ page for any job creators who still have questions about this new law.
- Gas Tax Indexed to Inflation. Minnesota's gas tax will be tied to inflation starting in the new year. The expected tax hike is 5 cents per gallon over four years – a $423 million increase.
- Real-Time Driver's Exam Appointment Availability. The Public Safety Department will be required to provide real-time information about the location and availability of driver's exam appointments. People will be able to enter their address to find out the availability of exam stations closest to them.
- "Red Flag" Law. The new law allows family or household members, a chief law enforcement officer, a city or county attorney, or a guardian to petition a court for an “extreme risk protection order,” including on an emergency basis, that will prohibit a respondent from possessing firearms for up to one year if they are found to pose "a significant danger of bodily harm to other persons or is at significant risk of suicide by possessing a firearm." It also allows law enforcement to remove all firearms from the subject of the order's possession within 24 hours of issuing the order.
You can learn more about the new laws going into effect here.
I had a great time touring the Southside Boys and Girls Club remodel ! There are so many new development areas to help children learn different skill sets.
I enjoyed delivering Christmas gifts and cards to Sterling Nursing Home and visiting with some of the residents!
Thank you to St. David's staff for the wonderful tour!
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!
Bernie