Friends and neighbors,
Last week’s snowstorm brought operations at the Capitol and across Minnesota to a halt last week, but they didn’t keep us down long. We’re back up and running, and boy, do we have news for you.
On this week’s edition of BRAND NEWS, our field correspondent, Jeff, heads out into the snowstorm to meet a local celebrity.
RIDE ALONG WITH PLOWY MCPLOWFACE
On Thursday, I was invited for a ride along with a Minnesota celebrity. That’s right – it's 2021 “Name a Snowplow Contest” winner Plowy McPlowface.
I want to send a big thank you to MNDOT and Plowy’s driver, David Jackson, for taking me along for an exciting day doing a vital job. David and his colleagues are doing one of the single most important jobs during winter in Minnesota, and I am incredibly honored to have been able to witness it firsthand.
To all the snowplow drivers keeping us safe this winter, thank you.
For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at my ride with Plowy from the passenger seat, tune into this week’s edition of BRAND NEWS.
I want to send a big thank you to MNDOT and Plowy’s driver, David Jackson, for taking me along for an exciting day doing a vital job. David and his colleagues are doing one of the single most important jobs during winter in Minnesota, and I am incredibly honored to have been able to witness it firsthand.
To all the snowplow drivers keeping us safe this winter, thank you.
For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at my ride with Plowy from the passenger seat, tune into this week’s edition of BRAND NEWS.
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BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY
Last week, the Minnesota House passed HF 16, which bans conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults. Conversion ‘therapy’ is a dangerous and discredited practice that has traumatized many LGBTQ+ Americans. It’s not therapy at all – it's conversion abuse.
I’m thankful that we were finally able to do our part to put a stop to this harmful practice. Some of my colleagues across the aisle even joined us in supporting this bill. I thank them for joining us to do the right thing for Minnesotans.
ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF MISSING AND MURDERED BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS
Another bill we passed last week before the storm hit was HF 55, legislation to establish an Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls.
When Black women and girls go missing, their cases stay open and unsolved four times longer than similar cases of white women and girls. This disparity is unacceptable, and action to remedy this disparity is long overdue. Establishing this office and investing resources into better prioritization of these cases is a step in the right direction. Once the bill is law, Minnesota will be the first state to have an office dedicated to addressing the disproportionate rates of missing and murdered women and girls.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
As you can tell, last week was a big one. We also passed HF 30, a bill that would address the ever-present issue of catalytic converter theft. This crime has been increasing all across the state, and I proudly supported this legislation.
This bill adds additional requirements that scrap metal dealers must follow when purchasing catalytic converters, including a requirement that any catalytic converter be marked with an identifying number that connects it to the vehicle from which it was taken. The bill also requires registration with the Department of Public Safety before purchasing scrap metal. It also establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized possession or purchase of a catalytic converter.
THIS WEEK ON THE FLOOR
Thursday night, we passed legislation dedicated to ending homelessness in our state by investing in emergency services programs, transitional housing, outreach, and a pathway to stable housing for all Minnesotans. We also voted to ratify labor agreements for state employees, and put new guardrails into state law to prevent unconscionable price gouging during times of emergency, such as a pandemic or natural disaster. I proudly voted to support all these great bills.
Another exciting thing that happened on the floor this week was Dr. Marian Broida from Gustavus Adolphus College making the trip from Saint Peter to deliver the opening prayer for last night's floor session. You can watch Dr. Broida’s prayer here.
ELECTIONS COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS
We’ve heard several exciting bills in the Elections Finance and Policy Committee over the past couple of weeks. We recently heard legislation (which I authored) to grant access to apartments and condos to candidates and campaign workers to knock on doors and have face-to-face conversations with residents.
Another bill aims to ensure all postsecondary institutions with students accepting state financial aid have a list of students living on campus or nearby to use for election day registrations.
I’m excited we’re able to work on great legislation to increase voter turnout and make sure our elections are free, fair, and safe.
STAY IN TOUCH
As always, I want to hear from you. Get in touch by calling 651-296-8634 to reach me, or email rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.
Stay warm out there.
In solidarity,
Representative Jeff Brand
Minnesota House of Representatives