Today, the Minnesota Senate passed the omnibus jobs and economic development bill by a vote of 37 to 30.
In response to the bill passing, Senator Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, released the following statement:
“Unfortunately, this bill falls woefully short of the standard necessary to meet the needs of working Minnesotans. Our budget should reflect our values, but as I look at this budget bill, I do not believe that it properly reflects our values as Minnesotans and I did not support it.
“I am mostly disappointed with what is missing from the legislation passed today by the Senate. This bill does not make the critical equity investments in BIPOC communities that are necessary in order to address the systemic inequalities experienced by people of color every single day in Minnesota. This bill does not include paid family and medical leave or earned sick time, both of which have been top Senate DFL priorities to support working families across the state. This bill also does not provide adequate wage theft protections for working people who have not been paid their full wages.”
“We need to take the time to listen to one another and consider the interests of a diverse array of stakeholders so that the needs of all Minnesotans are addressed in our budget. All of us deserve to enjoy a life of prosperity, good health, and great communities. It is my hope that this bill will be improved during the conference committee process so that I can support it when it comes back to the Senate for final passage.”
Learn more about Sen. Champion.
Read more news from Sen. Champion.
