Dear Neighbors,
February flew by at here at the legislature and we will be even busier as the first of three committee deadlines is coming up on March 10th. Below are some recent updates on what I’ve been working on.
Honoring the Black Women of NASA and Dr. Duchess Harris
February is Black History Month and all month long my colleagues and I have been honoring different people on the House Floor. Last week I honored the women recently featured in the movie “Hidden Figures” for their work for NASA. My constituent, Dr. Duchess Harris, is the granddaughter of one of these incredible women (Miriam Daniel Mann) and joined me on the House floor with her son. You can watch my speech here on YouTube.
Sunday Sales, Real ID
This last week saw the debate and passage of several important and contentious bills. While I mentioned Sunday liquor sales passing the House last week, yesterday it passed in the Senate. The House author has indicated that she will accept a minor difference in the Senate bill, so this bill could be sent to the Governor for his signature very soon.
Last Thursday, we debated HF 3 which will bring Minnesota into compliance with the federal Real ID requirements, allowing Minnesotans to board airplanes and enter federal and military facilities. Unfortunately, the bill that passed the House has a provision in it that specifically targets immigrants and is not necessary in order to meet the federal requirements. I’m hopeful the version of this bill we get back from the Senate will be a “clean” bill without the anti-immigrant language.
Recent Radio Interviews
As you may be aware, I grew up in northern Minnesota near the Town of Cass Lake. I was recently featured in two different radio interviews from local radio stations “up north.” Here are links to the interviews with KBXE Community Radio and Minnesota Native News (at 1:40 mark).
My comments on HF 390 and on seeking racial justice were also recently featured on Minnesota Public Radio News.
Constituent Meetings
I have met with so many of you so far this year! This week one of the groups who visited me at my St. Paul office was the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues or concerns you have. It’s an honor to be your voice at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jamie
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