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Dear Neighbors,

It?s hard to believe we?re almost halfway through the 2024 legislative session! Below, you can find some updates on the biggest bills of 2024 and my individual legislation, including protections for workers, consumers, and families.

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Thank you to all of you who have come to the Capitol for a visit or a rally and who have called, emailed, and written to share your opinions on the issues and policies you care about.?

Junk Fees Included in Commerce Policy Bill

Last week, the Commerce Committee included my legislation to ban junk fees into its policy bill. Junk fees include charges that corporations use at the end of a transaction, such as convenience and processing fees ? which can cost Americans tens of billions of dollars annually. Consumer Reports estimates the average family of four loses more than $3,200 per year to junk fees, and much more if they make a significant purchase such as a car. Utilities, cell phone bills, cable bills, rent, student fees, and more are all subject to junk fees.

Junk fees are often a sneaky way for companies to increase prices and obscure the true total cost of their product or service for families, at a time when many families are struggling to meet basic needs. These fees allow companies to show a lower dollar amount at the start of a sale, but by the time you?re ready to pay, they may have added unexplainable fees so the final cost can be almost twice as much as the original number. My bill would require price transparency by giving consumers a clear, up-front all-inclusive understanding of an item?s true cost and allow them to make informed decisions about the products and services they choose.

Misclassification Legislation Heard in Taxes?

This week, the Taxes Committee held a hearing on my legislation to ensure Minnesota has the legal and enforcement tools to turn the tide on the problem of misclassification fraud to protect workers, law-abiding businesses, and the Minnesota public for generations to come.

Misclassification fraud is a huge problem - and it?s only growing. It hurts workers and law-abiding businesses in almost every industry, and it hinders our ability to provide and protect the economic security and workplace freedom that generations of Minnesotans expect and rely on. All workers deserve economic security and protections of earning minimum wage and overtime, unemployment insurance when they get laid off, and worker's compensation when they get hurt on the job. But some employers are cheating the system through what?s called misclassification fraud, where employers label legitimate employees as ?independent contractors? to save the costs by cheating workers and the social safety net.? By incorrectly classifying workers like this, irresponsible employees refuse to pay decent wages or overtime pay, not provide workers compensation when their workers are hurt on the job, withhold benefits, and more.

Labor Committee Hears Shadow Non-Compete Ban?

Last year, we passed a law [ [link removed] ] prohibiting noncompete clauses in most employment contracts. Under a non-compete clause, one party (usually an employee) agrees not to enter into or start a similar profession or trade in competition against another party (usually an employer).

This legislation was a big step forward in protecting workers, but some employers have exploited a loophole permitting ?shadow? non-compete contracts or covenants to remain legal, creating barriers to the freedom to work and fair competition.

That?s why I?ve introduced a bill [ [link removed] ] this year to close this loophole. The bill will ensure employers cannot evade Minnesota?s prohibition on non-competes and no-poach agreements in service contracts. These agreements are often signed above the heads and often without the knowledge or consent of the workers being impacted. They restrict workers from being able to seek better wages and working conditions, and they limit workers? career growth within an industry.

Stay in Touch

Thank you for your time, energy, and all you do to make our community a great place for everyone.

Please reach out and let us know about events and meetings you?d like me to attend. And always reach out to me with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is [email protected] or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page [ [link removed] ] for updates.

It?s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative. I'm very proud of what we?ve been able to accomplish together and look forward to the work we have ahead of us. Together we can create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!??

Best,?

Emma Greenman

State Representative








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