Dear Neighbors,
I want to take an opportunity to share with you some initiatives underway for two very important groups in our state: our small children, who need access to a healthy start, and our courageous veterans, who may face various daily challenges that need to be addressed.
Early Childhood; “Prenatal to 3”
The “Pre to 3” legislative package targets investments and reforms that support children and families from prenatal to three years of age, a critical time period to ensure that children are healthy and prepared for success later in life.
I have served as the Vice-Chair of the Early Childhood Committee. Based on my graduate education, I have been at the forefront in the Legislature in bringing awareness of the importance of early childhood growth and brain development.
I support introduced legislation that seeks to give all children this strong start in life. Fully funding Head Start is one component of a comprehensive approach. It targets care and services needed to promote healthy brain and social/emotional development. Some families can be supported by home visiting services that help new parents and babies get a good start.
Extending parental leave time will give families the opportunity to establish good parenting.
We also seek to make child care more affordable, support child care providers, and expand access to care. Our introduced legislation makes these kinds of investments in quality child care to give children a healthy and safe place to stay while their parents work. Targeting reforms in this area is important both for the well-being of our children and economic opportunities for their families.
Veterans Legislation
We are indebted to our veterans, and I believe we can give more by improving the quality of life for many of our neighbors who have served our nation. Beyond helping those who return physically disabled, it is possible to do more to support the men and women who have already given so much to this country.
There are real problems facing our veterans, and we have an opportunity to act by taking meaningful legislative action.
I have authored a bill that will help veterans under the age of 35 gain employment. Although the overall rate of unemployment for veterans is very low, it is approximately 12% for younger veterans. This is unconscionable. My bill incentivizes employers with a tax credit to hire a vet who is under the age of 35. This is one small way we can help our vets thrive in a competitive economy.
Other legislation has been proposed to increase access to mental health services for all veterans, to address homelessness among veterans, and to look into how we can make sure their health insurance coverage is meeting their needs.
It's an honor to represent you in Saint Paul. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 651-296-4331 or by email at rep.carolyn.laine@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Laine
State Representative