Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update
Dear neighbors,
House Republicans continue their attack on working families and their right to organize. A new proposal would stop public sector workers from voluntarily contributing to their union’s political advocacy work through their paychecks with voluntary deductions.
House Republicans have one goal: give more power to the super-rich and their corporate donors. This not-so-hidden attack on working families will only make it harder for working Minnesotans to join together for higher incomes and better benefits. DFLers value hard work, fair pay, and the right to organize. Workers joining together to organize allows them to fight for higher wages, safer working conditions, and a path to retire with dignity. This effort is the Republicans’ most recent attempt to put corporations and the wealthy ahead of working families.
Republicans Block Wage Increases for Thousands of Minnesota Families
House Republicans are also continuing to block approval of the state employee contracts that have already been negotiated and approved. It is disgraceful that House Republicans continue to purposely hold down wages for state employees by blocking their contracts and raises. Minnesota has thousands of dedicated professionals who serve our state, and deserve to have their agreed upon contracts approved without further delay.
Thank you to the AFSCME Council 5 members who visited the Capitol. They do important work and I will always stand with workers and their rights.
MNLARS funding signed by the Governor
After weeks of delays Republican leaders finally agreed to a compromise allowing the MNLARS repairs to continue. Frankly, it’s about time. Minnesotans expect a system that works. If it doesn’t work they expect it to be fixed. This proposal is very similar to one I tried to help pass three weeks ago. Unfortunately, it was blocked by Republicans and the repairs have become even more complicated as key engineers and developers have abandoned the project because of these delays. It is frustrating an agreement took so long, I’m glad a solution was reached and we can move forward on the repairs.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michael V Nelson
State Representative