STATE OF MINNESOTA THIRTY-SEVENTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
WORKFORCE, LABOR, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Representative Baker, Chair of the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee, called the meeting to order at 8:16 AM, on March 10th, 2026, in Room G3 of the State Capitol Building. A quorum was present.
Members present:
BAKER, Dave Co-Chair
PINTO, Dave Co-Chair
MEKELAND, Shane Vice-Chair
GREENMAN, Emma Vice-Chair
BAKEBERG, Ben
BERG, Kaela
FRAZIER, Cedrick
HUSSEIN, Samakab
JOHNSON, Pete
JOHNSON, Wayne
KOZLOWSKI, Liish
MUELLER, Patricia
ZELEZNIKAR, Natalie
SCHULTZ, Isaac
Members excused:
Vice-Chair Mekeland moved the minutes of March 5h, 2026 be approved. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
HF3545 (Mekeland) Requirement to adopt a new residential energy code repealed.
Vice-Chair Mekeland moved HF3545 before the committee.
Vice-Chair Mekeland moved to adopt the H3545DE1 amendment. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Testifiers:
Angela Peterson, Codes Program Manager, Center for Energy and Environment
Marcy Conrad Nutt, American Institute of Architects - Minnesota
John Krenn, Volunteer, Sierra Club
Jared Johnson, Board Member, Phius Alliance Minnesota
Eric Fowler, Director of Building Performance, Fresh Energy
Nick Erickson, Senior Director, Policy for Housing First Minnesota
Eric Boyd, President – Northwest Region, Arcxis
Vice-Chair Mekeland renewed the motion that HF35454, as amended, be placed on the General Register.
Co-Chair Pinto requested a roll call vote. The results were as follows:
AYES
BAKER, Dave Co-Chair
MEKELAND, Shane, Vice-Chair
BAKEBERG, Ben
JOHNSON, Wayne
MUELLER, Patricia
ZELEZNIKAR, Natalie
SCHULTZ, Isaac
NAYS
PINTO, Dave Co-Chair
GREENMAN, Emma Vice-Chair
BERG, Kaela
FRAZIER, Cedrick
HUSSEIN, Samakab
JOHNSON, Pete
KOZLOWSKI, Liish
On a vote of 7 AYES and 7 NAYS, THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL.
Chair Baker laid over HF3545, as amended.
Vice-Chair Mekeland assumed the gavel at 9:07 AM.
HF4004 (Baker) Explore Minnesota councils’ membership modified.
Chair Baker moved HF4004 before the committee.
Chair Baker moved to adopt the H4004A1 amendment. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Testifiers:
Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director, Explore Minnesota
Chair Baker moved that HF4004 as amended be placed on the General Register. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Chair Baker assumed the gavel at 9:16 AM
Presentation from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on the survey of Paid Family Medical Leave feedback and experience.
Presenters:
Lauryn Schothorst, Director of Workplace Management and Workforce Policy Development, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Presentation from the Department of Employment and Economic Development on an update on the Unemployment Insurance additional assessment increases.
Presenters:
Evan Rowe, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Employment and Economic Development
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00AM.
Representative Baker, Chair
Noah LaSalvia, Committee Legislative Assistant