Dear Neighbors,
I hope your summer is treating you well and that you’ve had the opportunity to spend some time outside with family and friends. Since the legislative session wrapped up in May, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to connect with folks in the community. Here’s an update about some noteworthy items from Saint Paul.
New Laws
With the start of a new budget cycle July 1, several new laws take effect. One of these is a new package of solutions addressing our state’s opioid crisis. Throughout the state, this epidemic has led to too many tragedies with addiction and overdoses claiming lives. No more families should have to experience the loss of a loved one, and this session we enacted a comprehensive response to the crisis addressing prevention, treatment, and recovery.
The new law creates new registration fees on manufacturers and distributors to raise approximately $21 million annually for an Opiate Epidemic Response Account. An advisory committee will make grant recommendations for prevention strategies, with reporting requirements to help measure outcomes and identify best practices to be adopted statewide. Other resources will be appropriated to Minnesota counties to reimburse them for significant child protection costs as a result of families being impacted by the opioid crisis. To date, Big Pharma has refused to be part of the financial solution to the crisis they’ve largely created, and the new law holds them accountable with new registration fees.
Also on July 1, the nation’s toughest wage theft enforcement and prevention measure took effect. Workers deserve to be paid for every penny they earn but unfortunately, unscrupulous employers often take shortcuts. These can take many forms including unpaid overtime, requiring employers to work off the clock, or simply shorting wages on a paycheck. The new law makes wage theft in Minnesota a felony and has penalties for employers who retaliate against employees reporting such theft. It also includes funding for new staff to investigate and prevent wage theft.
For a full rundown of these, check out this news release from non-partisan House Public Information Services here.
Invasive Species
Another new law will significantly enhance aquatic invasive species prevention and management in Minnesota. The surcharge on three-year watercraft registration is increasing from $5 to $10.60 which will raise an additional $880 million per year for the DNR’s invasive species program. Lake associations, boating groups, and many others supported this move to expand the important and effective work Minnesotans are doing to prevent the spread of and manage aquatic invasive species. The DNR reminds boaters to clean aquatic plants and animals from watercraft, drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping drain plugs out while transporting watercraft, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
The Minnesota DNR has more information on how we can stop the spread of AIS here.
Hands-Free Cell Phone Use
August 1, a new set of laws take effect including the state’s “Hands-Free” law prohibiting phone calls behind the wheel unless they are made in hands-free mode. In Minnesota, distracted driving plays a role in one out of five crashes, resulting in an average of 53 deaths per year. This new law is aimed at changing driving behavior to get drivers’ attention on the road, and not on their mobile devices.
For many people, this certainly means habits will have to change, and it’s important for all of us to prepare, and avoid fines. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety has a comprehensive set of information available here.
Explore Minnesota Tourism
Explore Minnesota has announced they are accepting applications for their New Events Grant Program. This program, which delivers grants up to $15,000, is designed to generate economic impact and increase media awareness of the state as an event destination by securing or creating new events in communities. Potential events could include exhibitions, fairs, festivals, entertainment, sports competitions, or leisure events. More information is available here.
Please continue to reach out with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative
Rep. Jack Considine
433 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
www.house.mn/19B
Chair, House Corrections Division
Phone: 651-296-3248
E-mail: rep.jack.considine@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Adam Kopel, 651-296-4165