Dear Neighbors, The legislative session is in full swing, and it's encouraging to see such strong civic participation at the Capitol. Minnesotans from across the state are attending committee meetings and engaging with legislators on issues that matter to their communities. We’re hearing about the challenges they’re facing, including high costs for groceries, housing, energy, and health care. Right now, our economy is tilted in favor of the wealthiest and most powerful among us. My DFL colleagues and I are fighting to level the playing field to give working families the tools they need to succeed and thrive. I’m grateful for the strong engagement that helps ensure the legislature is responsive to the needs of all Minnesotans. As we continue our work this session, your participation in the legislative process remains vital. Your feedback and experiences help inform policy decisions that affect our entire state. We’ve seen the results of strong, persistent advocacy, and one example is in the area of gun violence prevention. Thanks to the many Minnesotans who came to the Capitol, the Red Flag Law took effect in 2024. This law temporarily prevents individuals who could pose a danger to themselves or others from accessing firearms. After one year of its implementation, it is doing exactly what it is meant to do- protect and preserve lives in Minnesota against gun violence. The Star Tribune recently covered the impact, which you can read here. Thank you for your continued involvement in shaping Minnesota's future. It really does make a difference.  Protecting Minnesota’s ProgressAfter years of legislative gridlock, House DFLers passed transformative legislation, benefitting generations to come in a historically productive biennium. However, these hard-won achievements now face significant challenges. In just the past week, my House Republican colleagues have introduced bills that will cause harm to our neighbors and communities. Proposals include: - Moving the start for paid family/medical leave from 2026 to 2027
- Take away the reproductive rights we protected in 2023
- Repealing our 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 law
- Canceling the READ Act
- Kicking tax-paying, working families off of Minnesota Care insurance because of immigration status. These actions could have far-reaching consequences for Minnesota communities, and you can view some of my comments in committee here.
Keeping Children Safe on Social Media The evidence is clear that social media is linked with poor mental health outcomes, particularly among children. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General called for social media platforms to have warning labels. During the 2024 session, we passed legislation requiring social media companies to disclose when they conduct product experiments targeting kids, as well as barring children from working as social media influencers. Since then, legislators have met with residents in our community and organizations, like the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), to discuss their Keep it Digitally Safe (KiDS) Campaign. KiDS is a global contest inviting parents and children to submit warning label ideas to raise awareness about the risks associated with social media and promote safer online practices. You can learn more about the KiDS campaign here. Celebrating New GraduatesI had the privilege and honor to attend the graduation for the Center for Energy and Environment Home Energy Career training graduation. CEE discovers and deploys the most effective energy solutions that strengthen the economy and improve the environment. I am so excited for this talented cohort to bring their skills to their communities to help with home energy efficiency and battling climate change. A special shout-out to Amar from Woodbury!  Keep in TouchYour voice is important to me! You can contact me at rep.amanda.hemmingsen-jaeger@house.mn.gov, by phone at 651-296-7807, or follow along my Facebook page, Instagram, or BlueSky with your questions, concerns, or ideas for this session. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger State Representative |