Minnesota Legislature 39 , CD3 DFL

House Transportation Committee Examines Climate Impacts on Transportation

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House Transportation Finance Committee examined climate impacts on transportation in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

“It was important for our committee to hear the science-driven data from various climate experts regarding the intersection of climate and transportation,” said Chair Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis). “We must be intentional about the action we can take now to combat the effects of climate change for future generations.”

Climate experts and advocates in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors shared presentations to the committee, including: Frank Kohlasch, Climate Director of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Chris Clark, President, Xcel Energy Inc., Co-Chair – MnDOT Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council; Bree Halvorson, with BlueGreen Alliance; and Paul Douglas, Senior Meteorologist and founder of Praedictix.

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: February 8, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

Health Care Pricing

Last week, my bills related to Healthcare Pricing Transparency surmounted their first hurdle when all three were passed by the Commerce Committee and referred to the Health Finance and Policy Committee for their consideration. Healthcare is the only thing that we buy where we’re not told the price until after the service is rendered. If my bills pass, you’ll be able to compare the prices charged by different providers for, say, a hip replacement, a lasik eye surgery or an expensive drug infusion, at a one-stop shopping website provided by the Minnesota Department of Health so that you can to build that information into your decision about where to have the procedure performed. The bills are numbered HF 57, 58 and 59.

I’ve been invited to address the members of the Minnesota Medical Association at their annual legislative luncheon on Wednesday (via Zoom, of course) to discuss these and other healthcare information issues with them.

Virtual Town Hall

Join Rep. Edelson, Sen. Franzen and I for our first town hall of the 2021 Legislative Session, tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9 at 7-8:30pm. Please RSVP, and submit a question to be asked during the event. We will send out the Zoom link later today. You can join on Zoom or watch it on Facebook live. We look forward to your engagement (and we apologize for last week’s mixup about the date).

Rep. Kristin Bahner (HD34B) Update: February 8, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

So much has happened in the past few weeks. We have a new President at the helm, a new congress and new state legislators here at home. While we all are united in believing violence is never the answer, we respect the need for every individual to have a voice. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t. And yet that is the core of our American values. The right to dissent at times, the ability to unite with one another and to engage in healthy debate – all of which make us stronger. I have always believed that. I know from talking to many of you, that people in our community across ideology or party lines, feel the same.

In a unified effort, House Democrats and Republicans of the Minnesota House of Representative joined together and passed House Resolution 1. A resolution condemning violence and violent rhetoric directed at the United States Capitol and state capitols, and affirming support for democracy, rule of law, and the certified results of our election. The resolution passed on a vote of 111-8.

Now is the time to reinvigorate the spirit that makes us who we are by reaffirming the right to free and fair elections, the will of the people to decide our leaders, and the grace we grant each other in the peaceful transfer of power. I believe that as Americans, we understand that neighbors caring for neighbors transcends any political party or ideology.

House Democrats propose new pandemic assistance to help laid-off hospitality and service sector workers

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Rep. Andrew Carlson (DFL-Bloomington) and House Democrats are proposing new legislationto help laid-off hospitality and service sector workers return to their jobs. It’s one of many immediate actions that House Democrats are proposing to respond to the needs of workers, families, and small businesses hit hardest by the pandemic. High-quality video and audio of this virtual press conference will be available here this afternoon.

“In 2020, many of us had to cancel our travel plans for graduation, summer vacation, Thanksgiving, Christmas and so on. However, behind these visible personal impacts are our hospitality workers that are hit hard by the pandemic due to restaurant, hotel and airport layoffs.” said Rep. Carlson. “We need to pass legislation that will create a pathway forward to economic recovery for Minnesotans, especially communities of color who make up 71% of displaced hospitality workers. My new bill will ensure that these workers are heard and supported by their state government.”

Rep. Carlson’s bill applies to Minnesotans employed by hotels, airports, and event centers; the facilities attached to them, including restaurants, bars, and retail; as well as related services, including maintenance, security, ticketing, ground-handling, and food and beverage services. It also applies to an enterprise providing maintenance and security services to office, retail, or commercial buildings, like a staffing agency.

Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: February 8, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

As the COVID-19 vaccine pilot sites are open, please let me know if there are concerns and questions regarding getting vaccinated. Several locations, including the Brooklyn Center site are continuing to serve those 65 years and older. To schedule a vaccination appointment and learn more click here.

Paid sick and safe

No one should have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and a paycheck. That’s why the House DFL introduced a new bill to expand Earned Sick and Safe Time. The bill aims to provide an important short-term benefit to workers by allowing them to accrue sick time based on the number of hours that they work. The impossible choice between a paycheck and taking time off to care for a sick child is a real problem in Minnesota, especially for low-wage workers and those in the service industry. This requirement has several key additional benefits, including healthier workplaces and schools, greater support for caregivers, and reduced health care costs. I will continue to support this critical legislation.

Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Update: February 8, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

Last week was the beginning of Black History Month, a month where we focus on the history of Black Americans so that we can better understand the events of today. It is clear that while we have come far in our fight for equity and justice for all, we have not come nearly far enough. This pandemic has also revealed the continued disparities throughout our state, for instance the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reports that an estimated one in two Black workers in Minnesota have applied for unemployment since mid-March compared with one in four white workers. For an illuminating look at the disparities in our state I encourage you to read the House Select Committee on Racial Justice’s report on racial justice in MN, here. I was honored to be selected to serve on the Select Committee. I also encourage you to read the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus’ statement on Black History Month.

Paid sick and safe

No one should have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and a paycheck. That’s why the House introduced a new bill to expand Earned Sick and Safe Time. The bill aims to provide an important short-term benefit to workers by allowing them to accrue sick time based on the number of hours that they work. The impossible choice between a paycheck and taking time off to care for a sick child is a real problem in Minnesota, especially for low-wage workers and those in the service industry. This requirement has several key additional benefits, including healthier workplaces and schools, greater support for caregivers, and reduced health care costs. I will continue to support this critical legislation.

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: February 6, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the end of week 5 in the 2021 session. At this point bills are flying and many if not all committees are in full swing. The budget still poses some issues in what the Governor has proposed and we will be working to create a Senate Budget that we believe will reflect Minnesota.

It has been a busy and sad week. Friends have passed and issues have been raised but we move forward and address what we can. I hope this finds you and your families safe and staying warm, as winter comes back in full force the upcoming week. Please reach out if you have any ideas or need to connect on an issue.

John

Senate DFL Week in Review: September 5, 2021

Celebrating Black History Month
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.

Senate DFL celebrates Black History Month

February 1 through March 1 is recognized federally and state-wide as Black History Month. In recognition of that, DFL members are taking time to reflect and listen to those who have consistently been underrepresented in our Legislature. As we take this month to reflect on their legacy, we take up the mantle of change. Read more >>

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: February 5, 2021

Volume 6, Issue 5

February 5, 2021

Weekly Review Video

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

We are at the end of the fifth week of our legislative session. As a reminder if you want to watch what is happening at the Minnesota Senate committee hearings and floor sessions online.

I started this week with a press conference where we introduced the Minnesota adult-use cannabis bill. Fifteen states and Washington D.C. have passed adult-use cannabis, and Minnesota should be the next. Two years ago, I introduced a bill outlining the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota, and I remain committed to these efforts. We have seen racial disparities in our criminal justice system for minor cannabis offenses, which have rippling effects in our communities. Our neighbors in South Dakota voted for adult-use cannabis, and North Dakota will likely hear legislation regarding it. Minnesota needs to progress forward and join these other states. I am the lead author on this bill, and I look forward to having many discussions about this bill and moving Minnesota forward.

Rep. Kelly Morrison (HD33B) Update: February 5, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

As of today, 497,843 Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 138,212 have completed the vaccine series.

VACCINE ALLOCATION UPDATE

Many in our community have expressed their frustration with not being able to get a COVID-19 vaccine. I share your frustration, and appreciate your patience and understanding while our public health experts work as quickly as possible to get the vaccine out to those most at-risk. The current weekly allocation Minnesota is getting from the federal government is 68,000 doses. Unless we receive more weekly allotments, it’s estimated to take four months to finish the first priority group.

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A weekly message from your Senator

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VACCINE ALLOCATION UPDATE

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