Legislative Update – February 5, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
The 2024 Legislative Session starts next week on Monday, February 12th. The legislature runs on a two-year biennium, with one budget year and one policy/bonding year. This year we will continue focusing on legislation to improve the lives of working families, supporting critical infrastructure projects, and more.
The House DFL caucus has launched a 2024 Minnesota Values Project Survey, which is 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.
Accountability
In October, I was stopped by local law enforcement under suspicion of driving under the influence. Late last month, I pled guilty to the charges. I accept responsibility for driving under the influence of alcohol. I regret my decisions and I am sincerely grateful that no one was hurt.
I want to thank the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office for ensuring my safety and the safety of others. I know that trust is earned and once broken, is difficult to repair.
Since October, in recognition of the seriousness of my actions, I have been attending courses and training related to the dangers of drunk driving. I am sorry for the decisions I made, and by pleading guilty, I accept full responsibility.
This Week: Water Policy Town Hall
I would like to invite you all to attend a Water Policy Town Hall this week on Thursday, February 8th from 6-7 pm at Heritage Hall in Gem Lake (4200 Otter Lake Road, Gem Lake, MN 55110). I will be joined by fellow state representatives Peter Fischer and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger.
In September, I hosted the House Capital Investment Committee in Gem Lake to hear a presentation about the Municipal Water System which is seeking state funding in this year’s bonding bill. Last session, I passed legislation establishing a water use work group for the White Bear area with the support of partners in city and county governments around the east Metro.
Protecting our water and our public health is one of the most important functions of government, and our work on this issue is just beginning. I hope you can join us and make your voice heard. If you are unable to attend, you can email me (rep.brion.curran@house.mn.gov) with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Resources on New Laws
Last session, we passed critical legislation that will help Minnesotans across our district and state. You can find a list of our laws that went into effect on July 1 and August 1 from House nonpartisan staff.
As of January 1st, many laws that the legislature passed last session have come into effect, including increased tenant protections and our red-flag gun safety law. Our nonpartisan research department has more details here and WCCO News has an article with some highlights here.
One such measure taking effect January 1 is our earned sick and safe time law! It requires employers to provide one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and workers 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.
I’m also glad to share 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. I was proud to vote for this legislation last year, ensuring that no child must learn on an empty stomach.
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.brion.curran@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4342, 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!
Sincerely,
Brion Curran
State Representative