Hello neighbors!
What I am Hearing:
Mental health continues to be an important topic that threads through every issue area. I’m continuing to work with health care leaders, advocacy groups and constituents to address the growing need for mental health services. I am currently signed on a few bills that address mental health and continue to look for opportunities to work across the aisle on this important and bi-partisan issue.
Last week I had the opportunity to chat with many different groups, including the folks visiting for Fire Services Day at the Capitol and Humane Lobby Day, pictured below:
Capitol Conversations:
Pre-emption (HF600): On Thursday, the Job Growth and Energy Committee heard H.F. 600, authored by Rep. Garofalo (R-Farmington). For background, within the last year the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul passed municipal ordinances allowing hourly workers to accrue Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). Additionally, businesses, advocacy groups, workers and elected officials in those cities are looking at passing ordinances regarding fair scheduling, paid family leave and the minimum wage. H.F. 600 is a bill that takes away a city’s ability to set their own labor standards; something colloquially called “preemption.” I’d like to note preemption is defined as “taking action in order to prevent something from happening” but H.F 600 is retroactive to January 1st, 2016--so really H.F. 600’s goal is to undo work done by local democracies. The committee heard more than 4 hours of testimony, some in favor and most opposing the bill. Those in favor of the bill stated that the ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul created “administrative headaches” and were annoying to comply with. Those opposed to the bill, namely hourly low wage workers who now have ESST, explained they no longer have to choose between losing a paycheck or going to work sick, can take a sick day without fear of not making rent or paying other bills, and can get sick without fear of losing their job.
At three different candidate forums this past summer, I specifically stated I was against “preemption.” I believe that local democracy is a crucial and important function of our government. I do not believe the State Legislature’s job is to undermine the work of local citizens and their elected officials when other legislators (who do not represent said cities or their citizens) don’t like it. H.F. 600 takes earned sick time away from 150,000 Minnesotans. An August 2015 report showed the lowest income earners have the least access to paid sick leave, and we know low income earners are more often people of color. As we continue to work to end the racial disparities in Minnesota, I believe taking earned sick time away from 150,000 workers will increase and perpetuate racial disparities in our state and as such, voted against H.F 600 in committee.
Dontcha know? (What am I learning?)
Any member of the legislature can rise for a “Point of Personal Privilege” on the floor to discuss something important to them. I have organized members of my caucus to honor a Black leader everyday that the House is in session during Black History Month. I kicked off the month on Wednesday, Feb 1st and recognized Ella Baker, the “Godmother of SNCC;” my freshman colleague Fue Lee (DFL-Minneapolis) recognized Dr. Josie Johnson.
Hotdish
A large group of constituents and I met for our weekly Coffee and Conversations last Saturday. A few people wanted to discuss bills they are concerned about--including a proposed tax on electric cars, instituting permits and fees to ride in bike lanes, the unnecessary immigration status component attached to the REAL ID bill and the aforementioned gun bills. I also discussed my efforts at the legislature to address mental health, access to childcare and my first week with job shadowing. Each Friday, I spend the day shadowing a teacher in a different school in ISD196. My goal is to get to every grade and every school in my district, as well as the Alternative Learning Center, Dakota Ridge and visit a home where students are homeschooled. As a member of the Education Policy committee, I want to ensure I am have a deep understanding of the issues students, educators and parents are facing.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues or concern you may have.
Sincerely,
Erin Maye Quade
State Representative