Dear Neighbors,
I hope you have enjoyed our recent spate of warm weather! We have been very busy at the legislature here is some of what I’ve worked on.
2019 Stillwater Pony grad Haley Jostes presented research from her work at Gustavus Adolphus College during MPCC Scholar Day in the Capitol Rotunda!
Reducing Barriers to Teach
Teachers are an integral part of our community, but there simply aren’t enough of them across the state. That’s why I introduced a bill to modify the licensing process to allow for highly qualified individuals with teaching experience to teach in Minnesota. This is a simple low cost way to help us reach the level of teachers we need so our students and communities can succeed. Watch my introduction of this important bill here.
Earned Sick and Safe Time
On Thursday, we approved legislation to expand Earned Sick and Safe Time benefits to all Minnesota workers. The legislation would ensure, at a minimum, one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year. Many workers are still forced to make an impossible choice between earning a paycheck and taking time off to care for themselves. People who lack access to paid time off are disproportionately in low-wage positions, women, and members of BIPOC communities. With this bill we are prioritizing the health and well-being of every worker.
Free School Meals for All Students
Last week, we passed a bill to provide free school meals for all students! We pride ourselves on our strong education system, but with 1 in 6 students trying to learn on an empty stomach we are not living up to our values. We have the resources to prevent student hunger and it’s our duty to step up and provide the food security families need and the high-quality education our children deserve.
Creating a Great Start for Every Child
A lack of access to affordable, accessible child care for working families is one of the most pressing issues facing our state.
This week, the House passed a pair of bills with robust investments aimed at stabilizing child care and early learning. HF 13 increases the maximum reimbursement rates for all Child Care Assistance Program providers. HF 150 increases the amount of child care stabilization grants – a key initiative launched during the pandemic – for child care programs. The bill also expands eligibility for early learning scholarships to children age five or younger.
Child care and early learning are both crucial for kids to develop, grow, and learn, but also for family economic security. If a parent can’t afford daycare (if they can even find a daycare spot), they can’t join the workforce. I am proud to support these investments to help kids, families, and communities thrive.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.josiah.hill@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4124. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Josiah Hill, District 33B
415 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155