Legislative Update
Childcare Solutions – Building Blocks of Learning
Over the past eight years, we’ve lost more than 35% of our childcare providers and what remains of our system is unaffordable for too many families. Unfortunately, the people in charge in St. Paul are not making it easier. There is a significant focus on expanding government-controlled school-based programs, but this expansion should be integrated, increase overall capacity, and not compete with committed private sector providers. We need to stay focused on what’s best for families and children, not what the government wants.
That is why I’m proud to say that on Tuesday, myself, and the other members of the Suburban Solutions Caucus, announced our new Building Blocks of Learning Initiative. This proposal takes the first two steps by increasing the Dependent Care Credit (House File 4349) and expanding the amount employers may put into Employer Flexible Spending Accounts (House File 4776). The third step will be a bill that reduces regulatory burdens on the industry.
This approach empowers families, employers, and providers to use their financial resources in a way that works for them. It does not raise taxes, pick winners or losers, or shift the burden of childcare on others. The dependent care credit is expanded up to $24,000 for two or more dependents and allows employers to increase contributions to FSA accounts up to $10,000 per employee.
I will continue working to reduce regulatory burdens by expanding who non-licensed providers can care for and provide a framework for childcare cooperatives that have shown promise in other regions. By doing so, we can address the challenges in this field without shifting the burden. These goals are ones I will continue to work toward.
Rideshare Ruckus
As many of you may have already heard, Uber and Lyft have threatened to end rideshare services in the metro on May 1. This is in response to the Minneapolis City Council's decision to insert themselves into a contractual relationship between drivers and rideshare agencies.
Losing rideshare services would be extremely detrimental to our region. The Twin Cities would be the only major metropolitan region in the country without Uber or Lyft. In 2022, riders took 18 million rides, the majority of which are in the metro area. It would especially affect those in our community who are disabled and guests who are flying in to visit friends and family.
The solution, like so many other issues, will require compromise. Politically motivated knee-jerk reactions are becoming far too frequent, but I’m confident that we can find a solution that pays drivers a reasonable rate without destroying the service, and that’s what I’m committed to working toward. Stay tuned to this issue.
Please Contact Me
Pease be sure to contact me to share your questions, comments, and concerns. I can be reached at 651-296-4315 or rep.danny.nadeau@house.mn.gov.
Have a good day,
Danny