Dear Neighbors,
In my last update, I discussed our work to deliver premium pay to Minnesota’s frontline workers. These dedicated Minnesotans kept our state running while risking the health and wellbeing of themselves and their families. Last night, the House approved a bill to deliver $1,500 checks to first responders, health care workers (including nurses, physicians, and long-term care workers), child care providers, janitors and so many others who sacrificed during the pandemic.
Additionally yesterday, the House passed my bill to update the law regarding Minnesota’s disability waiver rate system, which is used to determine service rates for people with disabilities. The bill is largely technical in nature, and didn’t change any policy or rates, but makes the law easier to read and understand which will ultimately help people with disabilities and their service providers.
Here is some other news from the State Capitol:
Prohibiting Non-Compete Employment Agreements
In recent years, employers have enforced non-compete agreements on workers with increasing frequency, and not just on whom you might think, like executives and other high-ranking corporate officials. Those who work at fast food chains, Amazon facilities, and salon and spa establishments – to name a few – have become subject to onerous agreements limiting where and when they can find other employment.
This week, the House Labor Committee approved my bill to limit non-compete employment agreements. The legislation prohibits non-compete agreements unless the employee earns a salary at least the median income in Minnesota for a family of four. When enforcing a non-compete, the employer must provide “garden pay” to the former worker during the restriction period of at least 50% of their earnings during their last two years of service. Attorney General Keith Ellison testified in favor of the bill, as did an official from the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis, economists, and an independent contractor who worked in the salon and spa industry who described her terrible experience trying to find a job with the cloud of a non-compete hanging over her head.
The widespread, increasing enforcement of non-competes only tilts the tables steeper against workers. Given the tight labor market, we need flexibility for job mobility so we can take full advantage of all the talent we have in our state. There’s momentum nationwide toward banning non-competes, and I hope Minnesota can be next to limit this practice that harms workers.
Naloxone Locator
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdoses have continued to be a major concern. In 2020, a record 678 Minnesotans tragically died as a result of an opioid overdose. Naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan) is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose.
To help save lives, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has launched a new Naloxone Finder at knowthedangers.org. The map will display pharmacies, naloxone access points, and syringe service programs with naloxone typically available in a designated area. The tool also provides contact information, an address, and other guidance so a person can confirm with the site whether it currently has naloxone available.
An opioid overdose requires immediate medical attention. Please call 911 immediately if you or someone you know exhibits any of the symptoms. Steve’s Law, which the Legislature enacted in 2014, is a Good Samaritan law providing immunity protections to people who call 911 and/or administer naloxone in response to a suspected or known drug overdose.
Heating Assistance
The Minnesota Reformer recently highlighted how too many Minnesotans are struggling with the high costs of heating their homes this winter. No one deserves to be left in the cold, and if you or someone you know is behind on bills, help is available. The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program can assist with electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil or biofuel payments, as well as emergency fuel deliveries, and repair or replacement of broken heating systems. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. More information about shut off protection is available from the state Public Utilities Commission.
Please continue to stay in touch with your viewpoints, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. Thank you for the honor to work as your public servant.
Sincerely,
Jen Schultz
State Representative