Hello Northlanders,

I want to start off by sharing my anger about the violence that occurred last Wednesday at the United States Capitol, and my heartbreak at the loss of life that resulted. For our democracy to function as intended, we count on free and fair elections, and afterward, trust that the peaceful transition of power can proceed. We can all disagree about politics, but causing violent chaos, amplifying threatening rhetoric, and spreading misinformation are never acceptable. Our country has some pretty big challenges in front of us, and it’s time for our country to heal from these divisions

Legislative Session Begins

Last Tuesday, I was honored to take the oath of office to start my new term as your State Representative. These continue to be difficult times for many people throughout our state, and I remain committed to helping businesses, workers, and families overcome the COVID-19 crisis. This session, I’ll serve as chair of the new Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance & Policy Committee. I’ll also serve on the Ways and Means, Agriculture Finance & Policy, and Environment and Natural Resources Finance & Policy Committees.

To keep everyone safe, the House will continue to mostly function remotely this session. To stay connected with what’s happening at the Capitol, please check out House Public Information Services’ nonpartisan resources, including streaming video of floor sessions and committee hearings. I also invite you to follow me on Facebook.

Worker Protections

We’re grateful for our frontline workers, school employees, and other essential workers who put themselves in harm’s way by facing increased exposure to COVID, just by showing up to work. As a result of the economic turmoil caused by COVID, workers in other sectors have found themselves out of a job due to no fault of their own.

Last week, I introduced legislation, House File 2, a package of worker protections to help Minnesotans who have experienced financial harm from this crisis. The legislation would deliver emergency paid sick leave for health care workers, ensure workers’ compensation for school employees who contract COVID-19, help hospitality workers back to work, and allow those who collect social security benefits to also collect unemployment insurance. I hope we can quickly advance this important measure to ensure Minnesotans can have the economic security they deserve.

Broadband Investments

COVID-19 has accelerated our reliance on high-speed internet access, and while we’ve made progress in recent years, the needs in many rural areas remain unmet. This past December, the Governor’s Broadband Taskforce issued its latest report summarizing our progress in expanding broadband access and its recommendations to help us reach our connectivity and speed goals.

Last week, I introduced a bill to invest $120 million over the next two years in the state’s Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program, the amount recommended by the taskforce. Reliable broadband access simply isn’t a luxury for students, businesses, and families. For Greater Minnesota communities to thrive, we need to expand access to this critical technology in every corner of the state.

Please continue to contact me with your feedback and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative