Do you Have a High School Senior Graduating this Year?
Dear Neighbors,
As the year winds down to a close and we look back at all the amazing things we passed at the legislature this year, I wanted to take a moment to share some helpful resources with you regarding new laws that are going into effect.
One accomplishment I know will change lives for the better is our North Star Promise Act, which will increase access to college for thousands of students in the state. Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for Minnesota residents in families making under $80,000 at state colleges and universities. You can find more information on the Office of Higher Education’s webpage here.
I’m also happy to report that our Free School Meals Act has been in place since July 1st 2023 and has been providing meals to children in schools across the state. No child should have to learn on an empty stomach and I was proud to vote in support of this common-sense bill last session.
Another life-changing piece of legislation taking effect is our Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law. It requires employers to provide one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount. An employee is eligible for sick and safe time if they work at least 80 hours in a year for an employer in Minnesota, and are not an independent contractor. You can find more information on the Department of Labor and Industry’s page here.
Mayo Clinic Project Announcement
Late last month I attended the Mayo Clinic’s unveiling of five new buildings they are planning on building on their Rochester campus, estimating over $5 billion dollars in total. The expansion will include two new clinical buildings that will bring treatment, labs, consultation and other services nearer to each other. You can read more in this Minnesota Reformer Story.
Session Priorities Constituent Survey
As we prepare for the upcoming 2024 legislative session, House DFLers want to hear about the issues most important to you.
That’s why I wanted to share with you our Minnesota Values Project Survey, an easy way to share your values, hopes, challenges, and ideas with us on solutions at the legislature. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and can be found here or using the QR code below.
Psychedelic Medicine Task Force
This fall the Psychedelic Medicine Task Force, which was created through a bill I passed on last session’s Health Committee, has started holding public meetings! Meetings will be accessible to the public and will be streamed live during meeting times via the task force’s YouTube channel. Meetings will generally be held on the first Monday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m
I am proud to be one of the House’s designated task force members and will be working alongside medical professionals, mental health experts, and more to break down the stigma associated with these drugs. You can read more in this Fox9 News report.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.andy.smith@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9249, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!
Warmly,
Andy Smith,
State Representative