Greetings Northlanders,

It’s been a treat to visit with the many folks who have traveled from northern Minnesota to visit the Capitol. Last week, these included fire chiefs from the district, some members of the Grand Portage band, Jake and Jill Hasbargen, owners of Jake's Sawmill south of Baudette, and Becky Roeder, a deputy registrar in International Falls.

A Second Chance for Minnesota Veterans

Last week I had the opportunity to share a few words at the annual Second Chance Day on the Hill Rally. For over a decade, the Minnesota Second Chance Coalition has recognized that most Minnesotans who become incarcerated will one day renter their communities. It’s important to ensure they have the chance to rebuild their lives to allow them the opportunity to be successful and help ensure they don’t reoffend.

This session, I’m renewing my effort to enact the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, a bipartisan bill which will expand veterans courts in Minnesota and provide support to veterans to help direct them away from incarceration. The Minnesota House approved the measure last year, but for reasons still not evident to me, the Republican-led Minnesota Senate wouldn’t consider the bill. When our military veterans return home from combat, they often do so with trauma, which can lead to slipping up with substance abuse or poor decision-making, and as a result, landing in the criminal justice system. Our veterans have sacrificed for our nation, solutions like the Veterans Restorative Justice Act can ensure they have an opportunity to succeed following their service.

Strengthening Economic Security

All Minnesotans should have time to care for themselves or loved ones. Right now, far too many Minnesotans are forced to choose between taking care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves when they are ill, or earning a paycheck. Last year, the Minnesota House approved legislation to create Earned Sick & Safe Time and Paid Family & Medical Leave policies to ensure all workers aren’t forced to choose between their health and a paycheck. Unfortunately, this is another instance of the Senate failing to move them forward.

Many of us are lucky enough to have these key benefits – either through collective bargaining or other employee benefit packages – but they aren’t universal, especially among low wage workers. Considering many of them work in public-facing positions like food service, it’s a public health issue as well. We’re one of two industrialized countries in the world that doesn’t require paid leave, and I look forward to supporting these policies again soon on the House Floor.

Precinct Caucuses

While we’re selecting our presidential nominees in a primary election this year, Minnesota’s four major parties are still holding precinct caucuses tonight night at 7 p.m. There, attendees will conduct party business such as electing officers and delegates, and considering resolutions. You can find out more from the Secretary of State’s office here.

Please continue to contact me with your viewpoints, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative