February 14, 2023
Commissioner Grove has announced that he will leave his position as DEED Commissioner and will take over as publisher and CEO of the Star Tribune. This news was just shared this morning and we will be tracking this development and keep members updated as we learn more about who may be taking over at DEED.
While the pace has slowed a bit, there are still a number of bills of significant importance working their way through legislative committees. A few to note include a childcare stabilization bill (HF150) that would provide $12.5 million in funding to stabilize childcare centers and provide $40 million in early-learning scholarships. HF150 passed the House and the Senate will likely hear it in the near future. Another child care bill (HF13) passed off of the House Floor, which, if signed into law, would increase child care assistance rates.
Another workforce and economic development issue that remains front and center is the Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation. Regardless of support or opposition, it’s important for EDAM members to understand the basics of the draft bill, as some version of it will most likely become law. The state will use one-time surplus funds to get the program up and running, meaning benefits would be available from the beginning (2025). Then employers and employees would pay a new payroll tax to keep the program running into the future. Money paid into the state fund by employers and employees would vary depending on an employee’s salary. Employees could take anywhere from seven days to 12 weeks off for a qualifying family or medical issue, with a maximum of 24 weeks in a year. The bill has been heard in 6 different committees in each the House and Senate so far and has another handful of stops to make before it is finalized and sent to the Floor for a full vote of the each body.
One of EDAM’s top priorities, increasing funding for Redevelopment grants, will soon be introduced in draft legislation with lead authors secured. We will update EDAM members on the bill number and action alerts as it makes its way through the process. The bill will provide for $8 million in funding for the Redevelopment Grant Program annually starting in fiscal year 2024.
Now more than ever, we need your voices at the Capitol to ensure lawmakers hear firsthand about the Redevelopment fund and EDAM’s other priorities as committee deadlines are nearing. Therefore, EDAM will be hosting its Day at the Capitol, February 22nd, to connect members with lawmakers and committee members and chairs. No previous experience is needed. It’s free, but please register!