Legislative Update – December 4, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you have had a great fall and I am wishing you a happy and healthy upcoming holiday season! Before the holidays arrive, I want to provide a quick update about some of the work I have been doing here at the Capitol.
As we prepare for the upcoming 2024 legislative session, which begins Monday, February 12, House DFLers want to hear about the issues that are most important to you! That’s why I want to share with you our Minnesota Values Project Survey, an easy way to share your values, hopes, challenges, and ideas on solutions with us at the legislature. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and can be found here or using the QR code below. Thank you!
Advocating for Local Projects on the Capital Investment Committee
When I was first sworn in, I was thrilled to be selected to serve on the Capital Investment Committee, which comes together to pass “bonding bills” or packages of local infrastructure projects seeking state funding. As a member of the committee, I’ve spent the last couple of months on our 2023 bonding tour, seeing firsthand projects seeking funding–from wastewater plants, to museums, community buildings, and more.
I was proud to advocate in favor of the City of Maple Grove’s request for improvements to our community center, which is over 30 years old and needs several upgrades related to energy efficiency and sustainability. I have also been working closely with staff from the City of Plymouth on their proposals–including upgrades to the Plymouth Ice Center.
Last session on the committee I secured almost $7 million for safety improvements to the Chankahda Trail, and I am excited to get back to work in 2024 and continue delivering results for our district. You can read more about this project and the bonding tour in Maple Grove’s Press and News article here: Maple Grove reps advocate for state funding for Community Center hometownsource.com
Community Celebrations
I was honored to join the Marathi Association of Minnesota (MAM) for their Diwali celebration at the Park Center High School recently alongside Rep Ginny Klevorn, Rep Laurie Pryor, Rep Lucy Lucy Rehm, and Sen Bonnie Westlin. Also present was Kendal Takeshita, on behalf of Gov Walz and Lt Gov Flanagan. We joined for the lighting of the traditional Lamp, witnessed a cultural program and enjoyed a fantastic Maharashtrian meal.
I also attended the 2023 Hmong New Years Celebration in Saint Paul alongside fellow legislators and community members. There were tens of thousands of visitors throughout the two day event, which you can read more about in this MPR Story.
Cold Weather Rule Going into Effect
The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To ensure your service from disconnection you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility agree on. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.
Resources for Laws Going Into Effect
Last session we passed life-changing legislation that will help Minnesotans across our district and state. I wanted to take a moment to share some helpful resources with you.
We passed a higher education budget that will help 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 eligible Minnesota residents at state colleges and universities. You can find more information on the Office of Higher Education’s webpage here.
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law 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.
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.ned.carroll@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5510, and I will be happy to help.
Warmly,
Ned Carroll,
State Representative