Last week, the Senate witnessed the passing of a labor policy omnibus bill by the Democrat caucus. Regrettably, the contents of this bill fall short of fostering an environment conducive to bolstering employment opportunities or propelling Minnesota towards enhanced competitiveness in the business realm. Rather than focusing on initiatives to stimulate growth, the bill is laden with cumbersome policies that are poised to escalate operational costs for businesses, ultimately leading to a downturn in job availability and diminished earnings for our hardworking citizens.

As we struggle with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota finds itself grappling with the loss of thousands of jobs. We are still short 10,000 jobs below pre pandemic levels. It's imperative that we take decisive action to revitalize our economy and pave the way for the creation of quality jobs that benefit all Minnesotans. However, the labor policy omnibus bill presented this year fails to adequately address the pressing needs of our state's labor sector.

One contentious aspect of the bill pertains to modifications in Minnesota's minimum wage rates. Notably, there's a provision allowing the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to adjust the minimum wage based on inflation, potentially up to 5% annually, surpassing the current cap of 2.5%. While the intention may seem noble, the repercussions could be detrimental. Mandating higher wages without addressing underlying economic dynamics risks diminishing job opportunities, as well as the potential for reduced work hours and increased terminations. You cannot simply legislate a higher minimum wage and expect the pool of resources to grow. this will greatly impact our communities for the worse. 

Furthermore, the legislation seeks to erase the distinction between large and small employers concerning the minimum wage section of the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act. This move would eliminate the flexibility afforded to large employers, particularly in their ability to pay a lower rate to employees under the age of 18. Additionally, it could adversely affect minimum wage structures for entities such as hotels and resorts employing summer work travel exchange employees. It's imperative that we refrain from implementing blanket policies that fail to account for the diverse needs of our state's employers and workforce. We must acknowledge the unique challenges faced by small businesses and strive to enact policies that nurture their growth and prosperity. There are several other aspects to this bill which will only serve as red tape for those wishing to do business in Minnesota. 

Senate Democrats pushed through a partisan education policy omnibus bill, laden with mandates that overlook the fundamental needs of our schools. It's disheartening to witness a legislative endeavor that fails to address the pressing issues crucial for student success: bolstering academic achievement, relieving schools of burdensome mandates, and ensuring school safety.

The latest report on graduation rates underscores the urgency of our situation, revealing a troubling decline in Minnesota students' academic progress. With less than half of our students proficient in math or reading, it's evident that we're falling short in preparing our youth for the challenges ahead. Now more than ever, we need policies that prioritize student welfare and academic advancement, steering clear of distractions imposed by excessive mandates.

Despite widespread concerns raised by education groups regarding the adverse effects of new mandates on budgets, workforce, local control, and innovation efforts, the education policy bill doubles down on mandates. Even after the passage of over 60 mandates in the previous session, Senate Republicans proposed a bill offering local school districts greater flexibility with state funding. However, this proposal was rejected by Democrats during floor debate on April 2nd.

Schools are having to face the entire financial burden of having to change school mascots with associations to native American culture. Depending on the school this can be a major cost; ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. when it came to the safety of your children Republicans proposed amendments to empower teachers, improve communication, and enhance transparency, but unfortunately, these measures were met with opposition by our democrat collogues. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for help with any state issue or legislative initiative: [email protected] or at (651) 296-3219.

Senator Calvin Bahr

Minnesota Senate, District 31

Choose Freedom,