Dear Neighbors,
We are quickly approaching the end of the first month of the 2024 legislative session and it is good to report that the pace we saw last year has slowed considerably. While House and Senate Democrat majorities have not been passing as much legislation to date, I nevertheless remain vigilant and will fight back against their radical agenda.
School Resource Officers
On Monday, the House overwhelmingly approved a bill to improve school safety after a change in law last year resulted in school resource officers (SROs) being removed from many schools throughout the state.
This is an issue that Republicans, law enforcement groups, and schools have been looking to fix for months now.
It is disappointing that Democrats continued to put politics above safety in schools and refused to stand up to their anti-law enforcement activist base. Despite this, I am pleased that they have retreated from their initial position and decided to work with us and other stakeholders to provide the fix that schools and law enforcement were seeking.
Students, parents, and teachers overwhelmingly support having SROs in their schools and this was the right thing to do for them.
The bill now awaits action from the Senate.
State Flag Update
I continue to hear from many of you who are upset about the proposed changes to the Minnesota state flag and seal. Like you, I am extremely disappointed about the entire process that has led us to this place.
This week, House and Senate Republicans held a press conference urging Governor Walz along with Democrat legislative majorities to join us in supporting legislation that would allow Minnesotans to vote on the new flag design.
The process we saw played out by the Redesign Commission did not give Minnesotans the input and say that they deserve.
Our state flag and seal should unite us, and every Minnesotan should be given a chance to vote “yes” or “no” on a redesign. It is unbelievable that Democrats continue to refuse to let Minnesotans have a say in this process.
Thank you to those of you who attended this week’s rally for the state flag, together we can continue to put pressure on the administration and Democrat majorities to reverse course.
Religious Liberties Under Attack
Few things are more foundational to American Exceptionalism and our constitutional republic than freedom of religion. That’s why I am so concerned about Democrats' continued assault on religious liberty.
Last year, Democrats passed a bill giving gender identity its own category under the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), instead of including it within the definition of sexual orientation.
When that happened, there was no corresponding religious exemption added, which leaves faith-based schools and religious organizations open to claims of gender identity discrimination. The exemption is needed to ensure that religious organizations and faith-based schools can hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission and values.
A Republican amendment, which the DFL voted down, was offered in the House Judiciary Committee last week that would have restored the religious exemption in the MHRA that protects religious organizations and faith-based schools against claims of gender identity discrimination.
Already, at least one faith-based school is facing an employment complaint at the Department of Human Rights because of the removal of the exemption.
This is an all-out attack on religious freedom and needs to be fought against at every opportunity.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or via email at rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.gov.
God bless,
Josh