Dear Neighbors,
Session has settled into a fairly straightforward routine as we continue to push legislation through the committee process ahead of the bill deadlines beginning in late March and early April. I am continuing to move critical legislation forward, my bill which requires a school counselor in every school and increased mental health training, and provides the funding to do so passed out of the House Education Policy committee.
Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund
There has been a lot of debate at the Capitol around how best to refill the UI Trust Fund. The House DFL’s UI Trust Fund proposal would prevent a 16% tax increase on Minnesota employers, strengthen the Unemployment Insurance program for everyone, and expand eligibility to hourly school workers like bus drivers and cafeteria staff. The main difference between our proposal and the Senate Republican proposal is that ours prioritizes workers, while theirs prioritizes large corporations. For instance under the Senate proposal Walmart would get a $7,890,500 tax cut. These are funds that should go to Minnesotans, not an immensely profitable global corporation.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month! I am proud to continue to honor the legacy of so many trailblazers who led the way before me, and I will continue to fight to make the future a better place for all women! Here are some of the bills we are working on to improve the lives of women across the state:
Transportation Safety
The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee recently held two informational hearings to learn more about and how to address the growing problems associated with traffic and pedestrian safety. The committee received expert testimony from the State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety showing that despite fewer cars being on the road last year, Minnesota still saw 498 deaths in traffic related crashes. 58 of those were pedestrian related fatalities, which averages more than one death a week. Speed was cited as a key contributor, but also, the lack of access to strong and safe pedestrian infrastructure. The StarTribune covered the hearings, and you can read more about various proposals on the table to address the surge in fatalities and injuries, here.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.kaela.berg@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5387. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Kaela Berg, District 56B
423 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155