Here are a few updates on events happening around the Capitol and in our district this week.
Speaking on the House Floor Recognizing Dr. Josie Johnson in honor of Black History Month.
Meeting with North Minneapolis students from Northeast Middle School.
Upcoming Town Hall – Wednesday, February 8th
Representative Ray Dehn and I will be hosting a town hall for community members on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Davis Center Cafeteria (1250 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411). We encourage you to attend with your questions and concerns. Light snacks will be served. I hope you can join us!
Meeting with Minneapolis Superintendent Ed Graff
House and Senate members of the Minneapolis delegation and I met with Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Ed Graff this past Tuesday to discuss the District’s legislative priorities for the 2017 session and their decision to provide support for our students and families in response to last week’s federal actions. Superintendent Graff’s statement is below:
Jan. 30, 2017
Statement from Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Ed Graff in support of immigrant students and families in MPS
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Ed Graff today issued the following statement in support of immigrant students and families in MPS.
“In November, I wrote an open letter to our Minneapolis Public Schools staff and families. Today, that statement still stands, and our mission has not changed: We exist to ensure that all students learn.
“Minneapolis Public Schools proudly welcomes diverse children from all over the world, from every religion and from every racial and economic background. We view our diversity as one of our greatest strengths.
“The current times are sending a very different signal to our children, however, and have introduced an unprecedented level of fear and anxiety. That is why, last month, the Minneapolis School Board passed a resolution affirming our district as a safe place for all students and families, regardless of their immigration status, national origin or language. It is not the role of the district as an educational organization to ask about the citizenship or immigration status of any of its students or families. Our role is to educate kids; in order for them to learn, they have to feel safe.
“In the coming days, our building leaders are committed to staying strong for our students and families. And as a system, we are committed to providing the support our staff needs to build even greater connections among our families as a way to provide comfort, reassurance, and ultimately, to help our kids stay focused on learning and achievement.”
Preemption Legislation
Yesterday the House Jobs Committee approved a bill that would stop cities from enacting local labor laws. The bill would prohibit local government from regulating businesses by enacting:
However, local government would still be able to set labor standards for their employees or for businesses they contract with. You may find coverage from the House Public Information Services here. I strongly oppose this move to take local control away from cities like Minneapolis that create stronger supports for residents and employees within their jurisdictions.
Stay in Touch
I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Also, I am available during select hours on Monday and Friday mornings most weeks for in-district meetings, if Northside residents aren’t able to make it to the Capitol. If you would like to send me a message or set up an in-district meeting, you can reach me by phone at 651-296-4262 or by email at rep.fue.lee@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you!