SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Democrats unveiled a laundry list of priorities Wednesday morning on day two of the legislative session.
The list of 12 top priorities includes:
- Reproductive Freedom
- Paid Family Leave and Sick Time
- Climate and Clean Energy
- Lowering Prescription Drug Prices
- Childcare and Early Learning
- Public Safety
- Education
- Housing Affordability
- Worker Protections
- Infrastructure
- Improving Access to Voting and Elections
- Health Care
DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman said reproductive rights are the top priority on that list.
“The Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) is a top priority for the house and the senate, and it will be house file number one and senate file number one,” Hortman says.
Democrats aren’t wasting any time with that top priority, with the Health Finance and Policy Committee in the house discussing the PRO Act on Thursday morning.
“Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want legal protection for their reproductive freedom,” Hortman adds.
Another top priority for the Democrats is fighting climate change, with a plan to have 100% of the state's energy coming from clean sources by the year 2040.
“Folks are asking us to move quicker to clean energy that is going to be healthier for us and is going to create really good jobs for people here in Minnesota,” DFL House Majority Leader Jamie Long says.
Top Democrats are also pushing for more affordable housing and affordable childcare.
One bill that is making its way through the legislature would create a new tax credit for parents.
These Great Start Childcare Tax Credits will give parents of kids five and under $3,000 in tax credits to offset the cost of childcare.
Leaders say parents with multiple children would be able to receive a maximum of $7,500 in tax credits each year.
"That will make a real impact in people's pocket books and their ability to get to work,” Rep. Long says.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson and Republican House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth sent out a statement responding to these priorities, calling them ‘controversial’ and ‘divisive.’
Johnson and Demuth say quote, "Republicans will continue to bring the voice of the people to the table by fighting for tax cuts for the middle class, support funding for public safety, keeping energy affordable and a focus on student achievement."
Top Republicans argue Democrats should be more focused on “getting to work on balancing the budget and giving the massive surplus back to the people”
Minnesota Democrats have control over the House, Senate, and the Governor’s Office.
It’s the first time one party has controlled all three since 2013.
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities in our YouTube playlist: