Friends and neighbors,
It’s been another busy week at the Capitol. To see this update as a video, click here.
A Great Start for our Kids
A lack of access to affordable, accessible child care for working families is one of the most pressing issues I’ve heard about since joining the Legislature. Additionally, with low reimbursement rates, child care providers are struggling to offer competitive wages and in some cases, to even keep their doors open.
On Monday, the House passed a pair of bills with robust investments aimed at stabilizing child care and early learning. HF 13 increases the maximum reimbursement rates for all Child Care Assistance Program providers. HF 150 increases the amount of child care stabilization grants – a key initiative launched during the pandemic – for child care programs. The bill also expands eligibility for early learning scholarships to children aged five or younger.
Child care and early learning are both crucial for kids to develop, grow, and learn, but also for family economic security. If a parent can’t afford daycare (if they can even find a daycare spot), they can’t join the workforce. If businesses can’t hire workers, then they can’t grow. I was proud to support these investments to help kids, families, and communities thrive.
Investing in Child Care in Rural Communities
We’ve been making major strides to fix broken childcare programs in Minnesota, but in rural communities, families being able to pay for childcare isn’t the only barrier – lack of access and availability is a major issue.
This week, the House Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee passed two bills, both authored by me, aimed at investing in rural Minnesota childcare needs. HF 1180 would invest $20 million in the greater Minnesota childcare facility capital grant program to support infrastructure for childcare facilities. HF 1074 would deliver a $6 million investment to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations, which provides grants to partners for work on childcare, primarily in rural communities.
In Mankato, we’re short 1,000 childcare spots. Making these investments in our rural communities will not only help keep childcare facilities open, but it will help facilities train childcare providers so that our kids are well cared for.
Earned Sick and Safe Time
All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be successful, but too many must choose between work and taking care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves. The time to act is now, and DFLers have been taking firm action to address these problems. Yesterday, we passed legislation that would guarantee, at a minimum, one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year. I was proud to vote in favor of this bill last night. It’s currently working its way through the committee process in the Senate, and we’re hopeful that under full DFL leadership, it will be headed to the Governor’s desk soon.
Eliminating Forever Chemicals
Exposure to PFAS is linked to kidney and testicular cancer, pregnancy complications, high cholesterol, immune system disorders, and more. Firefighters, first responders, and our veterans in this nation have been especially exposed to hazardous amounts of these chemicals, but they're present in the products we use every single day. Nearly every American has measurable amounts of PFAS in their body. We cannot allow this problem to continue to get worse.
This week, the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee heard my bill, House File 1000, which would implement a ban on non-essential uses of PFAS. This bill would regulate products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by requiring manufacturers of the products to report the use to the state.
PFAS, have been found in groundwater in locations across Minnesota. Ingesting even small amounts of these forever chemicals can cause cancer and serious health problems. The health and futures of ourselves, our children, and our communities are on the line.
Keep in Touch
As always, I want to hear from you. Get in touch by calling 651-296-8634 to reach me, or email rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.
Stay warm out there.
In solidarity,
Representative Jeff Brand
Minnesota House of Representatives