I wanted to check in as we wrap up week two of the 2019 legislative session. Beginning my ninth term as your state representative has been a great honor. We have a lot of work to do in these next couple of months to pass legislation to invest in education, make sure workers are protected on the job and expand the middle class.
Committee Assignments
I will continue working for you as chair of the State Government Finance Division committee. I will also serve on the following committees: Government Operations, Labor, Transportation Finance and Policy Division and Ways and Means.
Election Security
It’s no secret that our elections have been targeted by bad actors. That’s why I chief-authored the bipartisan Help America Vote Act to allow Minnesota to use $6.6 million in available federal funds to maintain our election integrity and security. Minnesota was the only state not to receive this money by last November’s election – we should have gotten this done last year and I’m committed to making sure this gets done quickly and early in this session.
Check out MPR’s coverage of the issue here.
Workforce Development
I co-authored a bill to fund workforce development nonprofit Helmets to Hardhats, which helps match veterans with apprenticeships, training and good-paying jobs in the construction industry. As our state faces a record level of job vacancies, this program helps both small businesses and those who serve our nation by matching employers with the skilled workers they need to succeed.
Workforce development is more than just matching workers with jobs. It’s making sure employees have the resources and support they need to be productive and safe on the job. That’s why I also co-authored a bill to provide earned sick and safe time to all workers. Minnesotans deserve to take time off from work to care for themselves or their loved ones without putting their economic security at risk, and they want their neighbors and community members to have the same opportunity.
Upcoming Event
On February 2nd I will host a town hall meeting to get your input and hear about your issues, priorities and concerns. I’ll join Senator Eaton and newly-elected Representative Samantha Vang from 10:00 – noon at the Brooklyn Community Center.
What: Town Hall Meeting
Who: Representative Mike Nelson, Representative Samantha Vang and Senator Chris Eaton
When: February 2, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Brooklyn Community Center, Cohen Room, 6301 Single Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center
Thank you for the honor of serving you in the legislature. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-3751, by email at rep.michael.nelson@house.mn, or by sending mail to my office: 585 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155.
Michael Nelson
State Representative
District 46A