Neighbors, I chair the House Human Services Policy Committee, and on Monday, the Minnesota House approved the Human Services Policy Bill. The most vulnerable Minnesotans need someone in their corner and last session we addressed issues impacting those most at risk across the state. This policy bill clarifies, changes, and improves several items in last year’s bill to address concerns from the disability community and others. We continue to make tangible progress for Minnesotans with disabilities, those in recovery from substance use disorder, recipients who rely on our waiver services to help them thrive, and more.  Among the legislation highlights: - Guarantees people with disabilities get to stay in their communities while they live in group homes by exempting certain facilities.
- Modernizes deaf and hard-of-hearing statutes.
- Provides for increased transparency in nursing home related party transactions.
- Modifies behavioral health licensing and eligibility.
- Ensures opioid treatment programs are responsive to workforce shortages and availability of counselors.
- Modifies sober homes requirements so all residents can use medications for opioid use disorders and co-occuring mental health diagnoses.
The legislation phases out the special minimum wage for persons with disabilities. Since 1938, qualified employers have been authorized to pay these workers less than the applicable minimum wage. This practice has grown out of favor, and 16 states now ban subminimum wages. In 2021, the Legislature created the Task Force on Eliminating Subminimum Wage, which recommended the Legislature “take immediate action to end the practice by Aug. 1, 2025, and to allow for a phased implementation period." According to the Minnesota Coalition for Disability Wage Justice, the average Minnesotan under a 14C waiver makes $4.15 an hour. In committee, we heard testimony from a person who was only being paid seven cents an hour. A section of the legislation prohibits the classification of recovery peers as independent contractors, as highlighted in a series of KARE 11 news stories. It is important to give those on their recovery journey the support they need, and not be concerned with peers working for a company whose only interest has more to do with finances than getting help to those in need. You can read the non-partisan Session Daily news story. You can also watch the bill presentation. Additional Policy Measures PassedEarlier this week the House passed the Environment Policy Bill. The policy package includes nation-leading legislation modernizing statutes on native rough fish, expanding opportunities to protect native prairies, and preparing Minnesota for a new Electronic Licensing System. Late last week, the Minnesota House approved additional policy legislation, including the Education Policy Bill, building on the historic education budget approved in 2023. The legislation focuses on giving schools flexibility, addressing students’ mental health, eliminating some paperwork, and establishing clear protected speech guidelines, among other provisions. Also on Thursday, the House passed measures ( HF 1989 / HF 3438) cracking down on hidden, deceptive fees to ensure consumers have fair, upfront pricing for event tickets, restaurant meals, hotels, credit cards and more. This price transparency is important for seniors, single parents, and working families. Additionally, we passed a bill related to general fund surplus dollars to the disaster assistance contingency account. And we approved the Labor Policy Bill, which includes provisions to enhance worker protections, strengthen the minimum wage, ban shadow non-competes, increase pay transparency, and more. Veterans Day on the HillThank you to everyone who made their way to the Capitol to attend Veterans Day on the Hill today. The Capitol Rotunda rally was well-attended, and again showed the commitment of legislators and supporters to those who served. DEA Prescription Take Back DayOn Saturday, April 27, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is holding their annual Take Back Day, encouraging everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in unwanted prescriptions. If you don’t properly dispose of unneeded medications in your home, they might find a new one. To find out more information and a location near you, click here.  Local School District Recognized as a Blue Shirt DistrictNorth St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District was recently named Playworks’ first Minnesota Blue Shirt District. The Playworks’ signature Blue Shirt Award recognized districts and individual schools going above and beyond to ensure high quality play and recess are a priority for all students. I was happy to join State Sen. Tou Xiong and others at the announcement.  Vacancies in State Boards, Councils, and CommitteesThe Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has released notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply and serve in these important positions. The full list of 921 vacancies / 602 positions can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website Open Positions. Stay in touchIt is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol. Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call (651) 296-5363 or email any time at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov. You can find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page. Sincerely, Peter Fischer |