Dear Neighbors,
Last week, I added another layer to my campaign for living wages for Minnesota’s home health care workers. I’ve been sending one letter a day from districts all around Minnesota to the representative of the person sending the letter. These letters tell of 60, 70, sometimes 80-hour weeks. It’s appalling that we allow these workers to struggle with low wages while they provide such an incredible service to our most vulnerable residents.
Simply put, they are overstretched; poor wages have led to a workforce shortage, putting the quality care of some of our most vulnerable residents at risk. Home and community-based health care workers deserve a living wage.
Bonding bills
We passed a bonding bill unanimously off the House floor on Monday which will provide funds for the Rural Finance Authority’s agricultural loan programs. It was an important bill and one we could all get behind, as evidenced by the 129-0 vote. However, my DFL colleagues share my concern about doing bonding one project at a time. Addressing critical bonding issues piecemeal is delaying passage of other important projects; we need a more comprehensive bonding bill this year since we were unable to get it done last session.
I’m encouraged by what I’ve heard from Senate Republicans and their desire to develop a more comprehensive bonding bill. Ideally, the House Republicans will share that motivation.
If you have questions or concerns on any issue, please feel free to contact me by phone or email.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative