Greetings from the Capitol!
This week, I signed on to a letter to the Commissioner of the Department of Education: Brenda Cassellius expressing my opposition to the Department’s planned distribution of their “Toolkit” resource for dealing with gender identity issues in schools. I believe that the Department’s resources would best serve Minnesota’s children in other areas, instead of advancing a progressive social agenda which many experts consider harmful. Discussions regarding gender identity should be left to parents.
If you believe taxpayer resources should be focused on ensuring all of our kids, regardless of background, receive the best education possible, and not in promoting a controversial and progressive social agenda, contact the commissioner at mde.commissioner@state.mn.us and share your concerns.
Female Genital Mutilation (HF 2621):
The bill I introduced that would hold Minnesota parents/guardians liable for the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) finished traveling through the committee process this week and has been scheduled for a vote on the House floor on Monday. I continue to pray that this vital piece of legislation can then be heard in the Senate, so we can be one step closer to further criminalizing this heinous act.
Vetoes:
On Thursday, the Governor vetoed two very important bipartisan pieces of legislation: HF 812 which would require abortion facilities that perform ten or more abortions each month to be licensed and regulated by the Department of Health, as well as meet a set of standards based on clinical research; and HF 809 which would prohibit funding for abortions from state-sponsored health programs administered by the Department of Human Services, except if the patient’s life is in danger, or in cases of incest or rape (which is already in law at the federal level and in 33 other states). I am disappointed by the vetoes. However, the fight is not over. I will continue to be an advocate at the Capitol on these issues and for the safety and wellbeing of women!
Buffer Legislation Update:
This week, a bipartisan coalition of legislators and agricultural stakeholders sent a letter to Governor Dayton urging him to finally compromise on the House and Senate proposed reforms to the 2015 buffer law with the goal of protecting Minnesota’s waters, while not also burdening farmers and landowners. It is time that the Governor begins to listen to their concerns.
Stay In Touch:
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or rep.mary.franson@house.mn. I would love to hear from you.
Happy Mother’s Day! I truly represent the best!
