Dear Neighbors,
We’re a month into the 2019 legislative session, and so far the weather hasn’t stopped the Minnesota House from moving right along. With legislation, floor votes, committee hearings and more, there’s plenty for me to update you on.
New Appointments
In addition to the committees I serve on, I’m proud to announce that I have been appointed to the Legislative Water Commission and the Center for Rural Policy and Development Board. The Legislative Water Commission was established to review water policy reports and recommendations from numerous state agencies, and The Center for Rural Policy and Development is a nonpartisan nonprofit that provides policy makers with information and issues from a rural perspective.
House Floor Vote
Minnesota is a great state, but work still needs to be done so that greatness for some can become greatness for all. I'm committed to working toward a better, more equitable future for our state, and that’s why I’m excited to tell you about the first bill we voted for on the House floor this session.
HF 51 seeks to address the racial disparities that have long existed in the housing history of our state. If signed into law, it would allow homeowners to formally denounce restrictive covenants on their home titles. Restrictive covenants were used in the past to prevent minority communities from moving into residential neighborhoods, and this bill would allow homeowners to attach a formal document to their home title repudiating the racist language. I’m happy to say that the bill passed the House unanimously.
Paid Family leave
All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to thrive, but too many have to choose between work and taking care of a loved one or themselves. This is why last week, the first hearings were held for the Paid Family & Medical Leave Program, a bill I am proud to co-author.
The hearings consisted of families who have struggled to make ends meet while caring for a loved one. These are our friends and neighbors, if not something that many of us have experienced ourselves. This bill would ensure partial wage replacement for Minnesotans who need to take time off due to pregnancy, caring for family, or healing themselves. Passing this legislation is the smart thing to do, and it’s the right thing to do.
Wage Theft
This week saw the first hearing for another bill that I’m proud to co-author. The Wage Theft Prevention & Enforcement Act would help ensure the simple right that workers should be paid for their labor. In Minnesota alone, 39,000 employees were impacted by wage theft last year. Whether an employer is paying less than minimum wage, failing to sufficiently pay for overtime, requiring ‘off the clock’ labor, or simply withholding a paycheck, this bill helps secure an hour’s pay for an hour’s work.
Town Halls
Mark your calendars for my upcoming Town Halls! I believe government is at its best when it’s collaborative and engaging, and I want to hear from you. My first two Town Halls are scheduled, with the first one coming up next week:
February 19 – Northfield
February 26th – Lonsdale
TBD - Montgomery
Regardless of whether or not you’re able to make it to any of these events, you can always contact me at the Minnesota House. The best way to reach me is at rep.todd.lippert@house.mn, or at (651) 296-0171.
Sincerely,
Todd Lippert
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