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Neighbors,
Last week’s passage by the House of the Education Policy Bill builds upon the historic Education Budget. On Sunday, I was invited to FOX 9 studios in Eden Prairie to talk with Leah Beno about the Education Policy Bill. You can watch the interview here.
Earlier this week, we passed the Human Services Policy Bill, to help the most vulnerable Minnesotans. The legislation clarifies, changes, and improves several items to address concerns from the disability community and others. We continue to make tangible progress for Minnesotans with disabilities, those in recovery from substance use disorder, recipients who rely on our waiver services to help them thrive, and others.
This comprehensive legislation includes several important highlights:
- Guarantees people with disabilities get to stay in their communities while they live in group homes by exempting certain facilities.
- Modernizes deaf and hard-of-hearing statutes.
- Provides for increased transparency in nursing home related party transactions.
- Modifies behavioral health licensing and eligibility.
- Ensures opioid treatment programs are responsive to workforce shortages and availability of counselors.
Additionally, the legislation phases out the special minimum wage for persons with disabilities. Since 1938, qualified employers have been authorized to pay these workers less than the applicable minimum wage. This practice has grown out of favor, and 16 states now ban subminimum wages. In 2021, the Legislature created the Task Force on Eliminating Subminimum Wage, which recommended the Legislature “take immediate action to end the practice by Aug. 1, 2025, and to allow for a phased implementation period."
Veterans from throughout Minnesota gathered at the Capitol this week for Veterans Day on the Hill. Governor Walz greeted veterans and their supporters at a well-attended Capitol Rotunda rally. Thank you to all local veterans who made their way to St. Paul on Wednesday!
On Saturday, April 27, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is holding their annual Take Back Day, encouraging everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in unwanted prescriptions. To find out more information and a location near you, click here.
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has released notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply and serve in these important positions. The full list of 921 vacancies / 602 positions can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website Open Positions.
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. You can track bills of interest with the MyBills feature and for general House of Representatives’ information, click on the website.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Laurie Pryor
State Representative
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