Legislative Update from Rep. Mary Frances ClardyDear Neighbors, I hope you’re having a great summer and have been managing to stay cool! With the ongoing wildfires and recent hazardous air quality, paired with the recent heat, being inside and staying hydrated is critical, especially for our elders, kids, and immune compromised neighbors. Dakota County has put together a map of public cooling places you can check out to cool down here. I had a chance to check out the Veterans Memorial Greenway before the heat dome settled in, and had a moment to reflect on the Fourth about how fortunate we are to have, not only for such a beautiful dedicated natural space, but also the longest greenway dedicated to veterans in Minnesota. I'm grateful to have secured funding to help improve access to and preserve our shared history.  Being on the House Veterans committee for four years, it’s been an honor to work alongside those who have served our country and fight for our democracy.  When the air clears up and the weather gets better, I hope you can have a chance to check out Heritage Village Park. I’ve been hearing great things from excited residents, kids, and dog owners alike. These public spaces and parks are what makes our community great- and it’s even better when we can update them so kids of all abilities can play and have fun with their friends. It’s been an honor to author and see this funding through you and our neighbors.  July marks the 36th anniversary of enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act and it’s a timely reminder that we all thrive when everyone can, no exceptions. While cuts to Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, and other federal aid threatens health and economic stability for our most vulnerable, I remain committed to improving Minnesotans’ lives and making sure everyone has an opportunity to succeed. GOOD NEWS: Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program is WorkingSix months in, more than 75,000 Minnesotans have already been approved for Paid Leave benefits, allowing workers to take paid, job-protected time off to welcome a new child, recover from a serious health condition, or care for a loved one. More than 38,000 families have used the program for bonding leave with a new child.  The program is reaching the people it was designed to help. More than half of applicants earn less than $78,000 per year, nearly half live outside the Twin Cities metro, and before Paid Leave, many of these workers had no access to paid family or medical leave through their employers. That's especially important because, nationwide, only about 27% of workers have access to paid family leave through their jobs. Strong families build strong communities, and Paid Leave is helping ensure that Minnesotans can care for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing their financial security. I'm proud to have supported this landmark investment in working families, and I'll continue working to protect and strengthen programs that help make Minnesota one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family. Learn more about the program here. Making your Voice HeardAs your neighbor and state representative, it's important for me to be accessible to you. When Catherine from Inver Grove Heights wrote to me about her idea for arcades, I suggested meeting up at the State Capitol to discuss it. She and her mom were a pleasure to host. This is democracy in action!  Final Newsletter of the YearThis is the final newsletter you’ll receive from me until 2027. Minnesota law requires that certain official communications halt 60 days after legislative adjournment in election years to not give an unfair advantage to incumbents. However, you can still reach out to my office with any questions, comments, and if you need assistance. I’m always happy to help where I can. Thank you for the honor of representing our Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, West Saint Paul, Lilydale, and Sunfish Lake neighbors at the State Capitol. Have a great rest of the summer! Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |