SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House is expected to approve a new Jobs and Energy budget (HF 2208). It includes major House DFL priorities such as giving every Minnesotan access to Paid Family and Medical Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time. Both priorities are inspired by Minnesotans who have told the Legislature that they are being forced to choose between earning a paycheck or caring for a family member, or themselves.
“Too many Minnesotans, especially those working in low wage positions, continue to feel squeezed by an economy that has largely looked out for the most well-off among us rather than those struggling to get by,” said Rep. Jack Considine (DFL – Mankato). “I’m proud to support our Jobs and Energy bill which contains some overdue protections for Minnesota workers so they can go to the doctor, take care of a loved one, and ensure they get paid fairly for every minute they work.”
The House DFL Jobs and Energy budget includes tougher protections against wage theft. With 39,000 Minnesotans experiencing wage theft in some form every year, the budget would protect wages and hold employers who take advantage of workers accountable.
Throughout Minnesota, many areas are either underserved or completely unserved by high-speed broadband. A lack of fast and reliable broadband remains a significant barrier toward taking full advantage of education opportunities, building strong regional economies, and helping advance crucial state industries like agriculture and health care. This budget expands high-speed internet access with a $70 million investment over two years in the state’s Border-to-Border Broadband Program, the amount recommended by the Minnesota Broadband Taskforce to meet the state’s speed goals. The program provides matching grants which leverage private investments from internet providers to expand access across the state.
A cornerstone of the House DFL Jobs and Energy budget is establishing a pathway to adopt 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2050. This transition would reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and encourage the use of clean energy alternatives. The budget ensures that electricity is reliable and affordable during and after the transition. New opportunities for utility consumers to conserve energy and save money by switching to cleaner electricity sources are also included.
Other major components in the Jobs and Energy budget include:
- Minnesota Innovation Collaborative
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative (DAIRI)
- Net Neutrality
- Protections against predatory payday lenders
- Solar on Schools program
- Electric bus grants
After the Minnesota House and Senate approve their respective jobs and energy budgets, lawmakers from each chamber will form a conference committee to reach agreement on a final version.