| Neighbors, We have reached the second legislative committee deadline, hearing many bills into the evening this week. Today the Early Childhood and Public Safety committees held a joint hearing to discuss the impact investments in early childhood have on public safety. We heard from experts on child development and law enforcement. It’s clear early investments in our children will create a brighter future for them and a better Minnesota. You can watch the committee hearing on the House Public Information YouTube channel. Supporting Workers This week we passed several pro-worker bills on the House floor. I was co-author of legislation ratifying the 2020-21 public employee labor contracts. Also approved was legislation to protect and empower Minnesota’s warehouse workers and to address practices leading to high injury rates at Amazon facilities. No one should be concerned about getting injured while at their workplace. Lastly, the House also approved legislation to require Minnesota employers to provide workers Earned Sick and Safe Time. The legislation would ensure, at a minimum, one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year and can be used to attend to physical and mental health needs – including illness, injury, or a doctor’s appointment – for workers and their family members. Nearly 900,000 Minnesota workers, including two-thirds of workers in the lowest wage positions, lack access to paid time off. At a time of sickness, injury or emergency, everyone should be able to take care of themselves or a family member. This legislation allows employees to earn time off. This is a matter of worker dignity and necessity. It’s time this important measure becomes law.
This week, the FDA authorized a second booster shot for Americans over 50 and for those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised. Following the FDA’s announcement, the CDC expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain higher risk individuals. Second boosters for all Americans will be evaluated. You can read more from the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) here. Considering dropping COVID-19 numbers and fewer positive tests and serious illnesses, Minnesota is changing its testing strategy, gradually moving away from saliva tests toward rapid at-home tests. Minnesota households are now eligible to receive two test kits (for a total of four tests) per home through the mail at mn.gov/covid19. Minnesota has secured 500,000 test kits (for a total of 1 million at-home tests) and the program will be available until all the test kits are ordered. You can also order free rapid at-home tests from the federal government at CovidTests.gov. Getting a test is still recommended if you have symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, after traveling, or if you’ve attended a high-risk event.
_____________ Stay connected with the legislature The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |
COVID-19 Update