Dear Friends,
This week, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted on legislation that would prohibit boys from playing in girls’ sports in Minnesota.
The bill specifically states that only students of the female sex may participate in an elementary or secondary school athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls.
Across the nation, we are seeing biological boys winning state championships in girls divisions, and we are seeing girls facing serious injuries due to boys playing in girls’ athletic events. That is not fair, it’s not safe, and it is not right. This bill does not prevent any child from playing sports. But it does insist that, regardless of how the student wants to identify, biological born males cannot play in female only sports.
Despite this being an 80% issue nationwide, all 66 House Democrats voted against it, with all 67 Republicans supporting it. Since we need 68 votes, the measure failed by exactly one vote.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT LEGISLATION MOVING FORWARD
This week, three communities that I represent that are seeking state capital investment funds for needed water infrastructure improvements within their cities were able to state their case before the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee. Albert Lea is seeking funding for a wastewater treatment plant, and Manchester and Clarks Grove are seeking to improve their water infrastructure. I am carrying bills for all three of these communities and am advocating strongly for them. I believe that state bonding should invest in core priorities like these.
Thank you to Clarks Grove Mayor Bruce Hansen (and his wife, Susan,) Manchester Mayor Steve Hannegrefs, Mark Rauenhart (Public Works Director for both cities,) and Albert Lea City Manager, Ian Rigg, for coming to the Capitol to testify on behalf of their projects!
BILLS OF NOTE
HF 13, “Removing the Duty to Retreat,” was debated on the House floor this week. Minnesota has some of the most extreme interpretations of self-defense and use of force laws in the country where victims of violent crime are forced to attempt to flee before defending themselves, even when doing so could be unsafe or impossible. Under current law, Minnesotans who have been threatened with death by criminals have been convicted of felonies for simply brandishing a weapon of any sort to deter that threat. I voted for HF 13 because it’s common sense and it restores the fundamental right to self-defense and corrects judicial overreach that unfairly punishes victims instead of criminals. Unfortunately, all Democrats voted against it, and it failed to pass by one vote.
The Minnesota House Commerce Committee approved a bill that would extend Minnesota’s reinsurance program. Reinsurance mitigates increases in health insurance premiums by limiting the exposure of health insurance companies to certain claims, typically high-cost claims. It’s been a successful program proven to lower health insurance premiums for those who purchase plans on the individual market.
The House State Government Finance Committee approved a bill that would ensure Minnesota’s tax dollars go to Minnesotans. Under this proposal, the state would stop providing free college tuition and free health care to illegal immigrants and save hundreds of millions of dollars in the process.
The public safety committee approved a plan that strengthens penalties for criminals and provides more accountability for the courts and prosecutors. This is one the top House Republican plans unveiled this session that is focused on making Minnesota safe again.
LOCAL VISITORS
It was a pleasure to chat with area farmer, Dan Erickson, yesterday when he and a farming colleague were at the Capitol to advocate for farming issues. Dan is not only a local farmer, but also works with a farm credit services company. I always value hearing from our farmers. Thanks for visiting, Dan!
Have a good weekend,
Peggy