Dear neighbors,
I hope all of you are staying warm and safe on this chilly Wednesday. Here’s an update on what I’ve been up to at the Capitol.
Senate District 61 Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who showed up for my first town hall last weekend! We had a terrific turnout of over 150 people and discussed the environment, health care, consumer protection, democracy and elections, racial and gender justice, criminal justice reform, and more. I’m proud to serve with Senator Dibble and Representative Hornstein, and to represent such engaged constituents. Stay tuned for details on upcoming events.
Bill Introductions
I’m excited to be a co-author of several great bills. H.F. 40, one of the bills I signed onto last week, is a bipartisan proposal to restore the right to vote to those who have been released from incarceration. I believe our returning citizens who have served their time should share in the fundamental rights of our society. I’m also supporting H.F. 12, which bans conversion therapy, and a recreational marijuana bill that was introduced this morning. This bill would make it legal for adults over 21 to grow, purchase, and possess limited quantities of marijuana. The state would license businesses and enforce health and safety regulations.
You can learn more about these bills and more and follow them through the legislative process with the MyBills tracker.
Balancing Work and Family
I was featured in an MPR article about how elected officials with young children balance their work and family life. You can read it here. This story is also an important reminder that it’s not just legislators who need child care and time off with their newborns. Far too many Minnesotans have to choose between caring for an infant or earning a paycheck. Paid family leave’s time has come!
Cold Weather Conditions
Remember to check in on senior citizens, vulnerable adults, and others who are especially at risk this week. While the cold weather is a danger to everyone, it impacts those without stable housing most severely. I encourage you to donate blankets, nonperishable food, and winter gear (coats, hats, boots, mittens, etc.) to our local homeless shelters.
I also want to remind you of the Cold Weather Rule, which helps homeowners and renters protect and reconnect heat during the winter months. If you are having trouble keeping up on your heating bills, please contact your electric or natural gas company to sign up. You can find more information here.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jamie