Dear Neighbors,
Last week, Gov. Tim Walz unveiled his “Budget for One Minnesota.” The proposal is focused on three main themes: strong schools, more affordable and accessible health care options, and prosperity in communities across the state. The Governor’s budget is just a starting point, but it’s put together in a fair, honest fashion that looks to the future. You can find out more information here.
Gun Violence Prevention
Over the past two days, the House Public Safety Committee, of which I am a member, took a pair of bold steps forward to protect Minnesota communities. The committee, with my support, approved HF 8, a bill to expand criminal background checks for gun sales and HF 9, a bill to allow “red flag laws” to allow for court petitions to temporarily remove firearms from someone who may be a danger to themselves or others.
Minnesotans have been loud and clear in their desire to see action on this issue. These are research-based solutions which will help reduce homicides, suicides, and mass-shooting events. The committee heard from law enforcement officials, doctors, students, veterans, brothers, and even gun owners about the urgent need to adopt this legislation. Minnesotans deserve to be safe at work, at school, while worshipping, or anywhere else in their community. These are common sense proposals which we know will help save lives.
Earned Sick and Safe Time
I’m excited that HF 11, my bill to ensure all Minnesota workers can access earned sick and safe time, is carrying a great deal of momentum and has already been passed by two House committees. A person having the ability to take care of themselves or a family member without forgoing a paycheck is a matter of basic economic security. Unfortunately, too many Minnesotans don’t have any paid sick time available. This puts them in an unenviable position of choosing between going to the doctor or going to work.
My bill would change that by allowing employees to earn one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked once they’ve been on staff for 90 days. This could be used for an employee to address an illness, or get help following a traumatic event like domestic violence or sexual assault. Research shows this type of policy significantly improves public health. I’ve carried this legislation for over a decade, and with cities like Saint Paul already leading the way on delivering this benefit, I’m committed to moving it forward at the State Capitol this year.
Ending Elder Abuse
When Minnesotans make the difficult decision to enter an assisted living facility or a nursing home, they deserve compassionate care and the opportunity to live in comfort and with dignity. We should all be able to count on this standard for older and vulnerable Minnesotans. Unfortunately, there have been some rather significant cases of abuse, neglect, assault, and other forms of maltreatment in assisted living facilities as well as nursing homes.
There’s a plan, HF 90, advancing in the Minnesota House to address this. It includes recommendations that emerged from a consumer workgroup convened by AARP Minnesota. The bill includes licensing requirements for assisted living facilities, bans deceptive and misleading marketing practices, and clarifies the civil rights of residents and their family members regarding both maltreatment and retaliation for an allegation of maltreatment. This week, the House Judiciary Committee, which I chair, voted in favor of the legislation. Protecting seniors and vulnerable adults is a bipartisan priority and I look forward to a bill with strong protections coming to the House Floor soon.
Please continue to reach out with your ideas, input, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent our community at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
John Lesch
State Representative