Dear Neighbors,
We’re dealing with a major bill at the Capitol that has attracted a lot of media attention lately.
You’ve probably heard it referred to as the preemption bill (HF 600); it’s designed to prevent towns, cities, and municipalities from setting their own minimum wage or enacting ordinances requiring earned sick time and paid family and medical leave; it could also potentially negate project labor agreements.
It’s surprising to me that Republicans are now in favor of removing control from local government and handing it to themselves in St. Paul.
Our state sets the floor for wages and workplace protections; local communities should have the right to improve on those standards to attract workers and reflect the values of their residents.
The bill was heard on Wednesday by the Government Operations and Elections Committee and elicited a great deal of feedback from residents and business owners. You can watch the proceedings by clicking this link.
Eagan High School Cultural Night
I had the opportunity to attend Somali Cultural Night at Eagan High School last Friday. It was a very moving event that included singing, dancing, poetry, and other activities. One young woman spoke about the love and security her parents provided in her life - some of which was spent in a refugee camp.
The event, and involvement of the community, made for an extremely special evening and the students should be applauded for their efforts.
If you have any questions or concerns about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative