Dear Neighbors,
Greetings to you from the Capitol! Here some updates from a busy week!
Anti-Worker Legislation - Preemption
Yesterday, the Minnesota House passed HF 600 (76-53), which would preempt local governments from setting workplace policies. I was a strong no vote on this bill. This ALEC model legislation is the top priority of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce in 2017. The Chamber is defying the many small businesses in Minneapolis that supported earned sick and safe leave policies and is instead supporting their major corporate donors who want to squash these pro-worker policies wherever they arise.
If enacted, it would prevent local communities like Minneapolis from enacting earned sick leave, paid family leave, fair scheduling, and a higher minimum wage, among others. Earned sick time for 150,000 Minnesotans would be taken away, and future wage and benefit increases prevented.
Minnesotans including nurses, faith leaders, labor leaders, city officials, neighborhood groups, and workers all spoke out against this bill in committee, but Republicans pushed it through. Thankfully, Governor Dayton has said he will veto the legislation. You can find House Public Information Services’ coverage here.
Sunday Sales Update
Yesterday, the House took final action to approve Sunday liquor sales after a 159 year ban. Now the bill heads to Governor Dayton, who has said he will sign the bill.
Budget Forecast
On Tuesday, Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Economic Forecast, revealing a projected $1.65 billion surplus.
This improved forecast continues to show a strong and stable Minnesota economy, but we know that many of our neighbors feel less certain about their own economic future. We must seize this moment to invest in the things that make us great: education, jobs and infrastructure.
The public is calling on us to invest this surplus in support of students in E-12, avenues to affordable higher education and job training, improved transit networks, and better supports for struggling families like reducing the costs of childcare, senior care, and health insurance. We cannot be successful as a state if we don’t ensure the success of all Minnesotans.
First Bill Hearing
This week I presented my first bill in committee. HF 1575 would provide funding for summer academic enrichment programs, with special focus on students of color and helping provide experience in a higher education setting.
Congratulating Minneapolis Students
We recently honored Minneapolis North High School Football Team for their 2016 State Championship.
You can always contact me at rep.ilhan.omar@house.mn or at 651-296-4257. I appreciate hearing from you.
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Sincerely,
Ilhan Omar
State Representative