Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The cold and icy conditions have not slowed down the goings-on in St. Paul. I've had another busy week full of committee meetings and meetings with constituents. Below is a quick recap of the week. Have a great weekend and try to stay warm!
Don't forget I'm holding my first town hall meetings TOMORROW, Saturday, January 26th. I hope to see you there!
March for Life
Tuesday, January 22 marked the 46th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by the United States Supreme Court. On Tuesday, thousands of pro-life supporters from across the state took part in a march at the State Capitol to show their support for the unborn. I was proud to join them and many of my constituents who also braved the cold weather to stand for life. I am so thankful for everyone exercising their first amendment rights with respect, even when there is deep disagreement.
Rep. Robbins (right) and Rep. Demuth (left) at the March for Life on Tuesday.
School Choice Rally
This event is part of the National School Choice Week, which highlights the many educational options available to students and families in Minnesota. Minnesota has long been a national leader on this issue, being the first in the nation to create public charter schools, offer post-secondary enrollment options and open enrollment between districts. We also have many robust private and homeschool options in Minnesota, which gives families the opportunity to choose the option that best meets each child's needs at every age and stage.
It was great to spend time with these wonderful students and their parents to talk about the wonderful educational opportunities they are using!
Letter to Speaker Pelosi & Leader Schumer
This week, I joined dozens of my House colleagues in calling on leaders in Washington to end the federal government shutdown. The letter is available to be viewed online here and the text of the email is included below.
Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer,
With the federal government shutdown—now the longest in our nation’s history— approaching a full month, we write to urge you to work with President Trump and Congressional Republicans to secure our Southern border and end this unnecessary standoff.
Minnesotans are hurting from the impacts of the shutdown; federal workers are missing paychecks, and the interruption of numerous funding streams threaten the operation of federally-funded services and programs.
Thankfully, Minnesota has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the shutdown, but the longer the shutdown drags on, the more painful the consequences will become.
You can end this shutdown tomorrow by putting forward a good-faith proposal to adequately fund a border wall and security measures on our Southern border. It should be a bipartisan priority to put an end to the flow of illegal drugs, human trafficking, and unlawful entry of individuals into our country —we urge you to reach an agreement with the President and Republicans in Congress to end the shutdown and improve the safety and security of the nation.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Constituent Meetings
I love meeting with constituents! It is a privilege to get to know people and hear their views on the issues being debated at the Capitol and what is going on in our communities. Here are a few pictures from recent constituent meetings. If you are in St. Paul, please schedule a meeting and drop by 225 State Office Building!!!
Rep. Robbins met with Emily Carman, a student at St. Catherine's
from Maple Grove, to discuss homelessness in Minnesota.
Rep. Robbins attended a Housing for All meeting in Maple Grove to
address homelessness in the community.
Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any legislation put before the House or any other matters to which I can be of assistance. You can set up a time to visit me at the Capitol by calling me at 651-296-7806 or by email at rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. My office is located on the second floor of the State Office Building in room 225.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve! Have a great weekend!
Kristin