In Saint Paul, the start of 2025 will usher in new worker protections with the Wage Theft ordinance taking effect, aiming to clamp down on unscrupulous employers who deny their staff legally owed compensation. This broad-spectrum measure is designed to confront issues ranging from failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, to illegal deductions and forced work without pay. "Wage theft occurs any time employers fail to pay employees what they are legally owed," the City of St. Paul website detailed. Public comments are being solicited on the drafted Administrative Rules, offering a channel for feedback until February 13, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Mayor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities (MACPD) has welcomed Jillian Nelson as its new co-chair. Nelson, an advocate for the disabled community and a policy advocate for the Autism Society of Minnesota, is expected to contribute significantly to efforts increasing the city's accessibility. The upcoming Supplier Fair on January 15th, 2025, will provide vendors with the opportunity to network and learn about the city's contracting opportunities. Prospective participants have until December 09, to offer their input via a brief survey to influence the workshop topics at next year’s event.
Additionally, Saint Paul's Human Rights investigations division continues its dedication to investigating and resolving discrimination complaints under the city's Human Rights Ordinance. Residents who believe they have been subject to discrimination have various channels to file a complaint, including phone and email, outlined in the HREEO Monthly Brief.
The city’s commitment to inclusivity extends further with plans to release departmental ADA compliance plans in early 2025, ensuring all municipal services, programs, and facilities are accessible to everyone. Individuals with insights or concerns are encouraged to reach out to Mark Zoller, the Accessibility Coordinator. For citizens interested in law enforcement oversight, the PCIARC applications are open, with the Civilian Police Academy set to start in January 2025, prerequisite for commissioners looking to join the group.
For those seeking education on their civil liberties within Saint Paul, HREEO remains a steadfast resource, offering Know Your Rights presentations to groups of all kinds throughout the year. And for those wishing to shape policy and address discrimination, applications for new commissioners for the HREEO Commission are currently being accepted. The city's active engagement calendar includes multiple meetings and events in December, featuring forums for various civic-minded committees and commissions, all aiming to foster a more equitable and connected community.
