Democrats pushing bill in MN Senate they say will protect Uber, Lyft drivers

A bill moving forward in the Democrat-controlled Minnesota Senate would set insurance requirements for companies like Uber and Lyft, minimum reimbursement to drivers for gasoline and maintenance, and an appeals process for those who are fired.  Qays Caly  (CASE ah-LEE) told lawmakers as a long-time taxi driver he was able to support his family, but Uber and Lyft wiped out those companies:

“I have to use my own car,… put gas in the car, pay maintenance, pay my own insurance — which all the costs (are) going up….  I cannot feed my family or put (a) roof over their head.”

The bill would set minimum compensation for drivers, which Uber Technology lobbyist Joel Carlson warns…

…”would make a ride in Minnesota 50 percent more than the highest-cost city in the country, which is New York City.  That doesn’t work in Minneapolis, but it doesn’t work in Moorhead or other places.”

Glencoe Republican Glenn Gruenhagen proposed a special panel with all stakeholders bring back recommendations, but the Senate committee said “no.”