Dear neighbors,
Paid Family and Medical Leave
The Family Medical Leave Act passed out of its first committee recently and will be heard next in the Commerce Committee. I continue to meet with lots of stakeholders to ensure broad input. Small employers have testified that this policy would help them attract and retain workers. Others have shared moving stories about their struggles with family caregiving. A nurse testified about the difficulties of taking care of her aging parents, who lived in North Carolina, and her household in Minnesota. When her parents needed her, she had to quit her job as no paid leave policy was available to her. This proposal would give families like hers the chance to spend precious time with their loved ones while still retaining a percentage of their salary.
I encourage you to watch the Labor Committee public hearing here.
Credit Union Day
I met with representatives from local credit unions during Minnesota Credit Union Day. I also spoke with students who run a credit union in their school. This program gives young people hands-on experience in financial careers and supports financial literacy among students.
Public Lands Day
Dozens of Minnesotans gathered at the Capitol to rally for public lands. Our public lands provide us with clean air and water and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing. The advocates called on lawmakers to protect public lands so future generations of Minnesotans can enjoy our open spaces and traditions.
Super Bagging
On Super Bowl Sunday several dozen community leaders from business to education to elected officials volunteered to bag groceries at Cub Foods locations in Eagan, Rosemount, and Apple Valley with a goal of raising $50,000 for the Open Door Food Pantry. This is the sixth year of the “Super Bagging” event and it continues to grow. The Open Door is celebrating its tenth year of serving families in Eagan and surrounding communities. Thanks to the Cub Foods, event founder Scott Swenson, and local sponsors and volunteers for a great event. One of the wonderful things about our community is that people come together to support their neighbors.
Watch Scott Swenson and Sarah O’Brien from the Open Door talk about this event here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative