Dear Friends,
Yesterday was Groundhog Day, and while we all wish this bitter cold winter would end soon, it looks like we are facing six more week of winter. I don’t know about you, but I hope Punxsutawney Phil is wrong – I’m ready to start golfing again!
This week the Governor signed the PRO Act, the Democrats’ extreme abortion bill that has no guardrails to the protect the health and safety of women and babies, into law. This is only the beginning of the Democrats push to give Minnesota the most extreme abortion laws in the country. I will continue to update you as more abortion bills come to the House floor.
Drivers Licenses for All
This week, Democrats passed a bill to give undocumented immigrants living in Minnesota drivers’ licenses. That’s right, illegal immigrants will be able to apply for a driver’s license that is identical to the ones you or I have. That also means that there is the possibility that they could take their driver’s license and use it for same-day voter registration.
Republicans tried to add some reasonable guardrails to this bill, like changing the orientation of the card or adding “not for election purposes” to make it clear that this identification document was different. Democrats refused to take any of our amendments.
Felon Voting Rights Passed
Last night the House passed a bill to restore voting rights to felons after they are released from prison. This bill will allow a convicted murderer or rapist to receive the same consideration in receiving their voting rights back as non-violent drug offenders. It also means that those criminals who prey on children will also get a say in school board elections before they’ve served out their full sentence.
We are seeing an unprecedented spike in crime. So why is this the Democrats first public safety bill that they have passed this session? Their priorities are so out of touch with what Minnesotans want to see coming out of St. Paul.
Standing Up For Our Seniors
A big priority of mine is standing up for our seniors and those with disabilities. We have a long-term care crisis in Minnesota. Our workforce is facing significant challenges and wage increases are needed to ensure our loved ones receive the care and attention they need and deserve.
These are the kinds of issues Democrats and Republicans should be working together on, not giving drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants or restoring felon voting rights. If we focus too much time on these extreme Democrat policies, we will lose sight of the issues and crises that are having an impact on the everyday lives of Minnesotans. I hope we can work this session to finally address the challenges facing our long-term care facilities and support our seniors.
Bill to Make Minnesota a Transgender Sanctuary State
This week, the Judiciary Committee heard a bill to make Minnesota a Transgender Sanctuary State (HF146.) As you know, I have long been a staunch supporter for ending female genital mutilation. Now Democrats want to allow child genital mutilation all in the name of “progress.”
Does this sound like “progress” to you?