Meatpacking workers — their plight spotlighted amid pandemic — afforded more protections under bill advancing in House
By Nate Gotlieb
Minnesota meatpacking companies could be required to install more stringent COVID-19 measures, while their workers could be allowed to refuse to work in dangerous conditions without getting fired or facing retaliation.
HF800, sponsored by Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud), would implement a series of pandemic-related measures, from requiring companies to space workers at least 6 feet apart to providing them sufficient personal protective equipment.
It would also create paid sick time requirements for meatpacking workers during the pandemic and require companies to pay workers who refuse to work in dangerous conditions.
That's provided the employees report the dangerous conditions and they aren't corrected.
Recent Dailies
Multiple approaches could bring more dentists to rural Minnesota
By Victoria Cooney
HF620, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring), would use a few different strategies to attract new dentists to high-need areas, including an expansion of the state’s Health Professional Loan Forgiveness Program to include dentists practicing in rural Minnesota.
Recreational cannabis bill clears first committee in House
By Tim Walker
A bill to legalize recreational Marijuana in Minnesota cleared its first committee hurdle Wednesday.
Auditor’s report says use of tax increment financing down, but revenue up
By Rob Hubbard Tax increment financing is a means of funding local development projects in Minnesota that’s being used less often but generating more revenue.Education committee considers ‘Seizure Smart Schools’ legislation
By Rachel Kats An estimated 7,400 children with epilepsy live in Minnesota. To make schools a safer place for them, advocates are asking for “Seizure Smart Schools” legislation. Sponsored ...Costs of soil friendly farming would be defrayed under approved bill
By Nate Gotlieb HF701, sponsored by Rep. Todd Lippert (DFL-Northfield), would create the Soil-Healthy Farming Program, which would provide grants and direct payments to farmers who implement such practices.Mental health workforce shortage, cultural competency demand range of solutions
By Victoria Cooney
Minnesota has long struggled with a shortage of mental health professionals – but that shortage becomes even more dramatic when considering rural areas and culturally informed providers.
Proposed ban on flavored tobacco moves ahead
By Jonathan Mohr
The bill seeks to ban flavored tobacco and related products, defining them, in part, “as nicotine or a delivery product that imparts a taste or smell other than the flavor of tobacco.”
Repeal of local government compensation cap gets OK in House division
By Mike Cook Sponsored by Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL-Eagan), HF325 would repeal state statute established in 2005 that caps the compensation for an employee of a political subdivision.Met Council reform measure met with House panel's approval
By Mike Cook
Sponsored by Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL-Eagan), HF344, as amended, would stagger the four-year terms of Metropolitan Council members, so that, for appointments beginning Jan. 1, 2022, half the council would be appointed every two years.
Support program for Twin Cities homeless adults could be expanded
By Nate Gotlieb
A program that provides rental assistance and support services for homeless adults in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin and Ramsey counties who have HIV/AIDS, mental illness or histories of substance abuse could be expanded
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Latest budget forecast puts state back in the black
By Rob Hubbard
About those looming state budget deficits? Never mind.
Minnesota Management and Budget officials released the February 2021 Budget and Economic Forecast Friday, and the...
Legislative leaders announce 2021 committee deadlines
By HPIS Staff
Legislators and the public officially know the timeline for getting bills through the committee process.
