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Chauvin Trial Begins
As Iām sure youāre already aware, the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin got
underway Monday with opening statements and remarks. This is understandably a
trying time for our South Minneapolis neighbors with much relived trauma at the
forefront of our community. Already coined the ātrial of the centuryā, we know
the eyes of the world are on us.
With the start of the trial the City has said we may see a greater law
enforcement presence along major throughfares. I am also available to help
navigate questions you may have.
I urge you to be aware of your own and others well-being during this time. It
will be easy to become overwhelmed with the news coverage and social media
commentary. People may be stressed and on edge. Videos of George Floyd's death
and witness testimony can be upsetting. Watch what you feel you need but
remember that you donāt need to watch all of it if it becomes overwhelming.
Pace yourself as you need.
Hereās a look at some of the high-profile bills we passed last week to protect
economic security for Minnesotans amid the ongoing pandemic.
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Summer Learning Package Advances
Students, parents, teachers, and families have been hit hard by the pandemic,
academically and emotionally. The robust summer learning package we passed last
week would help address learning loss through hands-on tutoring and
programming, ensure our students have an opportunity to get caught up, and
provide critical mental health support to those, including teachers, who need
it. As the author of this bill I look forward to the Senate joining us in
getting the help our students need and deserve.
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Securing Workerās Compensation for First Responders
Last year, we passed a bill to ensure Minnesotans on the frontline of this
pandemic would receive workersā compensation if they contracted COVID-19 or
were exposed to it on the job. That provision is set to expire on May 1, but
first responders are still in a vulnerable position- especially with new
variants of the virus appearing across the west metro. Last week, we passed a
bill that would extend that deadline Nurses, doctors, paramedics, EMTs,
firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, and child care workers
are covered under this proposal.
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Preventing Wage Discrimination
March 24 was Equal Pay Day, an annual reminder that American women continue to
be paid less than men. For every dollar that a White man is paid, Asian women
make 85Ā¢, White women make 82Ā¢, Black women make 61Ā¢, Indigenous women make
58Ā¢, and Latina women make 53Ā¢. One of the reasons that this gap exists is that
employers can ask job applicants about their pay history and use it to make
compensation decisions, which perpetuates the cycle of discrimination. Iām
proud to share the House passed the Preventing Discrimination Act, a bill that
halts this practice and brings us one step closer to closing the pay gap
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Helping Hospitality and Service Sector Workers Return to their Jobs
Many of our South Minneapolis residents employed at hotels, airports, event
centers, and related businesses were laid off last year. Since many Minnesotans
are still avoiding travel and large events due to COVID-19, many of these
workers havenāt been able to return to their jobs. Thatās why weāve championed
legislation to help hospitality and service sector workers return to the jobs
they had before the pandemic The bill passed off the House Floor last week with
my enthusiastic support.
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Expanding Access to Earned Sick and Safe Time
The pandemic has demonstrated that we all benefit when workers can stay home
without missing a paycheck. One of the bills we approved last week would ensure
Minnesota families arenāt forced to choose between a paycheck and taking care
of themselves or a loved one. Under this legislation workers would earn at
least one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up
to 48 hours per year. Workers could use this time to stay home when theyāre
sick or to take care of a family member.
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Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime at <email obscured> or
651-296-0173. I appreciate your input and questions!
Itās an honor to represent our South Minneapolis residents and families in the
Minnesota Legislature.
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative