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Neighbors and Friends,
Week four of the 2020 legislative session is finished and, as usual, was filled with committee hearings, visitors and floor sessions.
Prayer of the Day on Monday
On Monday, we welcomed Pastor Dave Greenlund from Peace Lutheran Church in Lauderdale to deliver the opening prayer for the day in the House of Representatives. Last year, City Pages published an article about how the church was revitalized under the leadership of Pastor Greenlund.
Housing bills heard in Capital Investment and Housing Committees
This week, I presented the Homes for All agenda in the Capital Investment Committee. This measure will address critical local housing needs by funding permanent rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low-and middle-income Minnesotans throughout the state. Few things in life are more important than having a place to call home and this bill works toward that goal. You can listen to the presentation here.
We also heard several tenant protection bills in the Housing Finance & Policy Division.
Paid Family Medical Leave approved in the House
All Minnesotans should have time to care for themselves or a loved one, but right now many must choose between caring for family and collecting a paycheck. On Thursday, the Minnesota House again passed the Paid Family & Medical Leave bill to ensure greater stability when health issues or major life changes occur. We also passed the measure last year, but it was blocked by the Senate. When employees have economic security, everyone realizes the benefits.
Our Minnesota Values Podcast topic this week was earned sick and safe time. Click here to listen.
COVID-19 virus briefing
Amid all the legislative activity of the session is the underlying concern of if, when and how the COVID-19 virus will affect Minnesota. The virus, which is disrupting commerce and daily life around the world, is seriously concerning to everyone. So far, there are no confirmed cases reported in Minnesota. You can read the latest information here from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Visitors to the Capitol
One of the highlights of my weeks are meeting with visitors. Over the course of a week or two, I meet with dozens of people. Here are some of my visitors the last two weeks:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Day on the Hill
Youth Day at the Capitol
Disability Advocacy Day
NAHRO Day at the Capitol
Hospitality MN Day
Private College Day
Occupation Therapy Day
MN Child Care Association Day
County Day at the Capitol
Protect MN
Hunger Day on the Hill
YMCA Day at the Capitol
Humane Lobby Day
FFA Day on the Hill
Land Title Association Day
MN Solar Energy Day
Nursery and Landscape Day
Charter School Day on the Hill
Home Care Day on the Hill
MMA Day
PACER Day
Bank Day on the Hill
AARP Constituent Day
PHOTOS
Charter School Day on the Hill
Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day on the Hill
YMCA Youth at the Capitol Day
PACER Day on the Hill
REAL ID
Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Minnesotans won’t be able to use their standard driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Minnesotans will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID card, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of identification for federal purposes.
The Department of Public Safety is urging Minnesotans to submit applications no later than June 15, 2020 if you want to receive a REAL ID prior to Oct.1. You can save time by making sure you have everything needed before you visit a driver’s license office. Pre-apply online at realid.dps.mn.gov.
Minnesotans who have questions or concerns about the status of their license or ID card can contact DVS at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us or 651-297-3298. Include your full name and date of birth with your question in the email. Click here for information about the documentation you’ll need to apply and here for documentation examples.
March is Women’s History Month
During Women’s History month, the Ramsey County Historical Society will post past articles from the Ramsey County History magazine. Some interesting reading!
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I welcome your questions and comments. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn,
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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