Minnesota DFL Announces Session Priorities Including Paid Family Leave, Clean Energy

With more than a $17 billion projected surplus, the Democrats released their priorities at a capitol news conference Wednesday.

“We are moving swiftly because that’s what Minnesotans expect and deserve,” House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said. “Although there were bipartisan wins over the last four years, many of Minnesotans’ priorities were blocked by the Republican Senate majority. With unified DFL control of state government, we now have an opportunity to work quickly to improve people’s lives. The DFL-led House and Senate are going to work hard and work together to meet the needs of Minnesotans and build a state that works better for everyone.”

Minnesota has the first DFL state government trifecta in 10 years and only the second in 40 years.

DFL lawmakers listed priorities for the upcoming session, including reproductive freedom, paid family leave and earned sick time, climate and clean energy, cheaper prescription drugs, early care and learning, public safety, education, housing affordability, worker protections, and infrastructure.

“Minnesotans made it clear in November that they were tired of the gridlock, division, and unfinished work,” Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, said. “They elected a DFL trifecta because they want a Legislature that will work for them and help all Minnesota…(Excerpt from The Star News Network)