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Dear Neighbors, 

I hope you and yours are off to a good start in 2026. Last year was full of incredible highs and lows, which will in turn shape this year’s legislative session. Whether it’s addressing gun violence, preventing fraud, or protecting our immigrant neighbors, there are a number of important issues to address this year. I wrote about that and more in my latest Duluth News Tribune op-ed [ [link removed] ]. 

As we look to the new year, my colleagues and I in the Duluth legislative delegation want to hit the ground running, so we'll be hosting a Town Hall this Saturday, January 10, to hear directly from you!






Saturday's Town Hall [ [link removed] ]





Sen. McEwen, Rep. Kozlowski, and I will be at the Harbor Side Convention Center in the DECC starting at 1:00pm, and we hope to see you there! If you cannot join us in person, we will have a virtual option available and welcome you to join us online. You can register to receive a Zoom link here [ [link removed] ]. You can also find more information on our Facebook event page [ [link removed] ]. 

The 2026 Legislative Session begins in February, so please come with your questions, comments, concerns, and ideas as we prepare to head back to St. Paul. Our work is at its best when it’s rooted in our community’s needs, and we want to hear from you!

 

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*Paid Leave*

As of January 1, Minnesota’s new Paid Leave Family & Medical Leave program [ [link removed] ] is now in place. This program has been years in the making, and finally passed by my DFL colleagues during the last legislative biennium.

Last year, as we prepared to launch Paid Leave, we had to play defense in the Minnesota Legislature as Republicans sought to cut the legs out from under this program before Minnesotans could even benefit from it, but DFLers stood firm. Now, Minnesotans won’t have to choose between taking care of themselves or a loved one, or a paycheck.

From a technical standpoint, Paid Leave is built on Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system, using already proven technology to help ensure a smooth rollout on day one. The program was built with the input from businesses, with employer feedback being incorporated, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has been engaging with businesses across the state to help them prepare for the launch. 

Input and feedback from businesses will be continually collected and the program will be refined and strengthened so it runs smoothly and stays reliable. Importantly, Paid Leave will level the playing field for small businesses that have wanted to offer this benefit so they can better compete to attract talent, but haven’t been able to do so in a sustainable way.






Paid Leave [ [link removed] ]





DEED has developed helpful toolkits with resources for workers and businesses alike. The toolkit for workers [ [link removed] ] can help you find out if you’re eligible for coverage, when Paid Leave can be used, how much time you can take, how you’ll be compensated, and more. The toolkit for businesses [ [link removed] ] includes info about upcoming public engagement events, information on premium rates and contributions, equivalent plans for Paid Leave, and other FAQs.

 

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*Today’s News from Governor Walz*

Lastly, I want to leave you with my thoughts on today’s news that Governor Walz will not seek reelection. 

Governor Walz has been a steadfast leader for Minnesota, dedicating his life to public service and improving lives. His actions today are the latest example in a long list of ways he’s put Minnesotans first.

I look forward to working with Governor Walz during his final year to continue his record of building a better, stronger Minnesota where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As I prepare to head back to St. Paul in February, you can reach me at [email protected] or (651) 296-4246.

I hope to see you on Saturday!

Sincerely,  

  

Pete Johnson  

State Representative 






State Representative Pete Johnson

5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-3964
Email: [email protected] (replies to this newsletter are not monitored).
Website [ [link removed] ]
Legislative Assistant: Faith Privett 651-297-8145







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