Dear neighbors,
Many thanks to everyone who joined me at the moving forum or the energizing Senate District 61 town hall last weekend. It takes an engaged community to make real change!
On Saturday, I participated in a forum hosted by ISAIAH to hear personal stories about paid family leave, child care access, and driver’s licenses for all (to name a few) and chart a path forward together.
On Sunday, an engaged crowd of more than 125 people joined Sen. Scott Dibble, Rep. Frank Hornstein, and me. We heard from some awesome advocates on the policies and activism needed to confront climate change, and we had a great discussion about clean energy and transportation.
Listening to the stories of fellow Minnesotans is an important part of representing our community. If you’d like to share how a policy impacts you or your family, please reach out! You can contact me at rep.jamie.long@house.mn or 651-296-5375.
Driver's Licenses for All
Last Friday, I was honored to vote for legislation that would allow people to access a driver’s license without providing proof of their immigration status (HF 1500). This makes our roads safer, but more importantly it lets Minnesotans go to work or school without fear. Hundreds of people showed up at the Capitol to support freedom to drive, and I was moved by the brave advocates who have put so much on the line, asking only to be treated with dignity and respect.
Criminal Justice Reform
The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Division passed a transformative omnibus bill (HF 2792) out of committee last Friday. My bill to cap probation terms at five years (HF 689) was included along with measures to restore the right to vote to those who have served their time, strengthen protections against sexual assault, limit cash bail and license suspension, reduce low-level marijuana penalties, and prevent gun violence.
This is a significant step forward for our state that would save lives and protect public safety, limit overly harsh sentencing, and stop penalizing poverty.
Improving Elections and State Government
Minnesota’s voter participation rates are consistently among the highest in the nation. On Wednesday, the State Government Finance Division approved a bill that will ensure that our elections are accessible and secure and that state government is working efficiently. Several of my proposals were part of the omnibus bill (HF 1935), including funding to support a strong, accurate count in the 2020 Census (HF 1644), allowing the establishment of a permanent absentee voter list (HF 1372), expanding early voting days (HF 1371), and restoring a pension funds deal struck between the state and Minneapolis (HF 2512).
Thank you for your interest in the work that I’m doing at the Capitol. Please stay in touch and continue to share your stories and perspectives.
Sincerely,
Jamie