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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-068 CCRMember April Grave sintroduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONNO. 2017-68 RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO H.F. 600 AND S.F. 580 REGARDING EXPRESS PREEMPTION; UNIFORMITY OF PRIVATE EMPLOYER MANDATES WHEREAS, it is local governments that are on the front lines fighting to protect public health and safety and set modern workplace standards for local communities. But, as more communities try to enact local health, wage, and workplace reforms, they are being blocked by Corporate Interference, a.k.a. 'Preemption" laws that strip local governments of their law-making authority; and WHEREAS, the push to enact Corporate Interference laws in Minnesota, including House File 600 and Senate File 580, is part of an alarming effort around the country in which powerful corporate interests, such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), interfere in the democratic process and stop the people of a local community from passing their own laws that improve upon statewide minimum standards; and WHEREAS, the effort in Minnesota is a transparent effort to stop improvements being made in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, and by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, as well as in other communities, and has real consequences: The proposal would take away earned sick time from 150,000 Minnesotans. These workers would have to go back to choosing between a paycheck and taking care of their health and family; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has reserved to local governments the authority to act in the best interest of their residents (provided their actions don't conflict with state or federal law), and this includes the authority to act to protect public and private property, to benefit trade and commerce, and to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of local residents; and WHEREAS, this division of powers between federal, state, and local government is a strength of our system and it is there for a reason: communities have diverse needs that only local government can be responsive to; and WHEREAS, corporate priorities shouldn't interfere with local control. State law sets a minimum standard that local governments can build and improve upon. This attack on local autonomy would have far-reaching and lasting impacts on families, communities, workers, and their local representatives, including: • Working families in cities across the state would see basic workplace standards suppressed; • Local residents' opportunities for political participation would be severely weakened; • Low-income workers who have been stepping into leadership positions in RESOLUTION NO. 2017-68 municipal policy development commissions around the state would have their voices taken away; • Without the authority to make workplaces safer for workers, consumers, or the public, local government's ability to promote public health and the safety of their residents would be curtailed; • Mayors, City Councilmembers, County Commissioners, School Boardmembers, Park District Commissioners, members of the Metropolitan Airports Commission and the Metropolitan Council, and other local elected officials would be stripped of basic powers they have had for decades. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center that the City of Brooklyn Center go on the record in opposition to House File 600, Senate File 580 and any other legislation that interferes with or preempts local governments' authority to enact ordinances related to the minimum wage or any other benefit, term of employment, working condition, or attendance or leave policy that exceeds state or federal law. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Brooklyn Center notify Governor Mark Dayton and Legislative Leaders of the adoption of this Resolution, and ask them to oppose/veto any legislation that interferes with or preempts local governments' authority to enact ordinances related to the minimum wage or any other benefit, term of employment, working condition, or attendance or leave policy that exceeds state or federal law. April 24, 2017 Date Mayor ATTEST: Jjl^W4^^ City Clerk The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kris LAwrence-Anderson and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Tim Willson, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Ryan and the following voted against the same: whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.