Dear Neighbors,
We’re now in the middle of the fourth week of the legislative session, which will end in mid-May. On Monday, we will receive an updated forecast of the state budget, giving us the final details that we will need to make fiscal decisions for the rest of the session. Here is an update from the Capitol.
Frontline Worker Pay
This week the Minnesota House passed the frontline worker bonus pay legislation HF 2900, which appropriates $1 billion for bonus payments to at least 667,000 frontline workers. The frontline worker bonus pay legislation builds upon the efforts of last year’s working group on this issue, and invests $1 billion in order to meaningfully recognize the Minnesotans who have worked on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible workers would receive payments of up to $1,500.
In order to receive a bonus check, workers must meet the following individual eligibility requirements:
- was employed in one of the frontline sectors in MN for at least 120 hours from 3/15/20 to 6/30/21
- was not able to work remotely due to the nature of their work, and worked in close proximity to other individuals (not in the same household);
- meet income restrictions. For workers providing direct care to COVID patients, max income is $350,000 (joint filers) and $175,000 (single). For all other workers, the limits are $185,000 (joint) and $85,000 (single); and
- did not collect more than 20 weeks of unemployment benefits from 3/15/20 to 6/30/21.
Transportation Safety
The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee recently held two informational hearings to learn more about and how to address the growing problems associated with traffic and pedestrian safety. The committee received expert testimony from the State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety showing that despite fewer cars being on the road last year, Minnesota still saw 498 deaths in traffic related crashes. 58 of those were pedestrian related fatalities, which averages more than one death a week. Speed was cited as a key contributor, but also, the lack of access to strong and safe pedestrian infrastructure. The StarTribune covered the hearings, and you can read more about various proposals on the table to address the surge in fatalities and injuries, here.
Affordable Housing for All
I have heard from many of you that housing affordability is a major concern. The House DFL is proposing major investments in housing to solve this crisis. We’re proposing to build more homes Minnesotans can afford, save the affordable homes we already have, provide pathways to home ownership and out of homelessness, and ensure landlords and renters are made whole. We have a golden opportunity this session to invest in solutions to create more housing options and lower costs throughout the state, which will in turn create more economic opportunity for families, businesses, and our state’s future.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. You can also follow me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative