Dear Neighbors,
It was great to connect with so many of you as you came down to the Capitol to advocate on a wide range of issues. I’m also receiving a lot of emails on a variety of topics. I encourage you to continue reaching out.
Bill Introductions
I continue to introduce bills that will positively impact the state and our community. One of the bills ensures that those who have long-term care or disability insurance policies are actually able to access the services they paid for. Too many vulnerable people are unfairly denied coverage. These consumers paid for and deserve to have the services they contacted for instead of getting the run around by greedy insurance companies. I also have been working on a bipartisan bill to encourage school districts to develop anonymous threat reporting systems. Schools that have enacted such programs to combat gun violence have experienced positive outcomes, including prevention of suicide. The bill also requires reporting on active shooter threats so we can improve response to safety issues in our schools.
Meeting with Constituents
Many community members visited me at the Capitol recently, including students, machinists, MAPE employees, city officials, arts advocates, farming advocates, and school social workers. Below is the group of nurses and students I met with from the Minnesota Nurses association! I’m always happy to listen to what matters to those who live and/or work in our district.
Democrats Defeat Shoot First Bill
Last week I helped to vote down HF 13, Republicans’ Shoot First bill which would remove Minnesota’s long-standing duty to retreat to prevent the escalation of violence. If passed, this would lead to even more gun violence victims and more loss of life. Watch a press conference I held with advocates to hear how dangerous this bill really is.
Currently, 27 states have Shoot First laws, and every one of them has a higher rate of gun deaths than Minnesota, with the average rate of gun deaths being more than twice Minnesota’s. These laws are also associated with heavy racial bias. A study in Florida found that white shooters killing Black victims is deemed justifiable five times more frequently than when the situation is reversed.
Over the past two years, House DFLers took action to reduce gun violence by requiring criminal background checks and creating Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These policies are already making a difference. I will continue to work on policies that decrease gun violence in Minnesota.
I was proud to stand with my colleagues and advocates who held a press conference to speak against this dangerous bill.
Vote Against Anti-Trans Bill
As someone who became a prosecutor to seek justice for victims of gender-based violence, I know who the biggest threats to women and girls are -- predatory men. Not transgender girls who play sports. HF 12 does not combat violence against girls. Instead, it is dangerous and discriminatory legislation which scapegoats a small and vulnerable group of Minnesotans, while opening our kids up to invasive "transvestigations." I'm proud to vote against HF 12. Watch my speech against this cruel bill here.
Trump Chaotic Cuts Harm Victims
Trump's funding cuts are putting Minnesotans in danger. Victim support services are integral in our efforts to make Minnesota a safer place to live. If we lose these amazing organizations, we are losing any progress we've made around improving safety.
Read my full statement on this important issue here, watch our press conference on this here, and read a Star Tribune article covering the issue here.
Trump Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at Risk
Last week a new state economic forecast confirmed that Donald Trump’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction and making life more expensive for hardworking Minnesotans.
Last November, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But as of today, Minnesota’s projected positive balance has shrunk to $456 million.
Instead of bringing down prices as they promised on the campaign trail, Trump and Republicans in Congress are on the verge of enacting a sweeping tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and they’re going to pay for it by slashing federal investments in health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget.
This latest budget forecast means that the Legislature must be laser-focused on a state budget that helps working and middle-class Minnesotans, not corporations and billionaires who are doing better than ever.
As your representative, I’m committed to fighting for an economy where everyone can get ahead. I will continue to oppose Republican bills to lower taxes for the rich, put barriers to healthcare access, and repeal policies that help Minnesotans thrive like Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Stay In Touch
Please feel free to contact me directly with your viewpoints or if I can be of assistance. My email is rep.kelly.moller@house.mn.gov and my phone number is 651-296-0141.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Moller
State Representative