Dear Neighbors,
Despite the chaos at the federal level I’ve been hard at work in St. Paul making sure our shared values are being represented at the Capitol. Fighting for what’s right is more important than ever, and I refuse to let a destructive president tear down the amazing things we’ve built in Minnesota. Here is some of what’s happened over the past couple of weeks.
Democrats Defeat Shoot First Bill
This 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.
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. Shoot First 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. In fact, Minnesota has one of the lowest firearm mortality rates in the US, in large part to our sensible and safety centered gun violence prevention laws.
Trump Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at Risk
This 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. I’m particularly concerned about any cuts to Medicaid or Medicare. As the Human Services lead I know just how important these funds are to so many Minnesotans. I’ll keep a close eye on any developments and work to preserve these needed services however I can!
Vote Against Anti-Trans Bill
The GOP brought a hateful and dangerously invasive bill to the House floor that would ban trans kids from playing sports. The biggest threat to women and girls isn’t transgender girls who play sports, it's predatory men. HF 12 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 I voted against HF 12. Watch a lifelong student athlete speak to the cruelty of this bill.
Ramadan Mubarak
Ramadan Mubarak, everyone! I hope that this month brings peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions or comments on our work, now is a great time to touch base! Please feel free to contact my office at (651) 296-4257 or rep.mohamud.noor@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mohamud Noor
State Representative
District 60B