Dear Neighbors,
I am heartbroken to learn that the MPD has killed yet another person. My thoughts are with Amir Locke and his friends, family and loved ones. This status quo of police violence is continuing to tear our community apart, and I will keep fighting for real change and a new reality. The POCI Caucus lawmakers recently called on greater restrictions for no-knock warrants, led by Rep. Hollins. The United Black Legislative Caucus recently held a town hall to discuss public safety legislation we must pursue at the capitol among other important actions. I encourage you to watch it here, the public safety conversation starts around the 1:10:00 mark.
Session began last week and I will continue to update you on any major developments. If you have any questions or suggestions for what I should pursue this year, feel free to email me at rep.hodan.hassan@house.mn.
National Gun Violence Survivors Week
Last week was National Gun Violence Survivors Week, which makes the recent high profile shootings all the more tragic. We must continue to fight for common sense gun control so we can stop living in fear of increased gun violence.
By early February, more people are killed with guns in the United States than are killed with guns in other high-income countries in an entire year. All told, 58 percent of American adults, and 68 percent of Black and Hispanic Americans, are survivors of gun violence, either experiencing gun violence themselves or caring for someone who has experienced gun violence in their lifetimes. You can read and share stories of gun violence survival here.
Teachers of Color Act
The Increasing Teachers of Color Act bill hearing this week was spectacular. The young students who testified touched on the impact teachers of color have in their educational success. Every child does better when their teachers reflect the diversity of the classroom. I encourage you to watch the amazing testimony here.
House Judiciary Committee Passes Crown Act
Last week, the House passed the Crown Act Legislation, which states that race is inclusive of traits like hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists. This legislation is critical for people of color who are discriminated against due to their natural hair.
House DFL Climate Action Plan
As one of the fastest warming states in the country, Minnesota is already experiencing impacts of climate change. We need to act boldly to prevent irreversible and potentially catastrophic consequences. This science-based plan, developed by members of the House Climate Action Caucus, will help address the climate crisis while creating jobs and reducing costs for Minnesotans. At a glance, the plan includes:
- $105 million for energy related expenses, like investing in solar, cutting-edge energy initiatives, and Greater Minnesota renewable development.
- $376.5 to fund bus rapid transit lines, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle promotion.
- $355 million for weatherization and efficiency efforts, and other efforts to improve the carbon impact of our built environments.
- $130 million for conservation of natural lands and natural greenhouse sequestration methods.
- $33.5 million to ensure that we can adapt our infrastructure to our changing climate.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this package a reality to ensure the climate and environmental future for our children.
Aid for Main Street Businesses
A second round of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program recently launched. This $80 million statewide economic redevelopment program will award grants to establish programs targeting specific main streets and commercial corridors that will fund economic development and redevelopment projects. A total of $41 million will be available in this second round of funding.
Proposals will be accepted from eligible partner organizations, which include foundations engaged in economic development; community development financial institutions; and nonprofit organizations engaged in housing and commercial development. Requests for proposals (RFPs) are due by 4 p.m. February 28.
DEED will hold an information session to provide more information about this program on February 8, at 11:00 a.m.
COVID-19 Update
The ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentive program to encourage families in Minnesota to get their kids 5- to 11-years-old fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is still ongoing. It is paramount that we vaccinate our children so they can learn in person as much as possible. You can learn more about the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ program here. Here are some important details on the incentives:
- Families in Minnesota who get their 5 to 11 year olds fully vaccinated in January and February can get a $200 Visa gift card. To be eligible, kids in Minnesota ages 5-11 must receive their first and second dose between January 1 and February 28. Registration will open at 10:00am on January 24, 2022 and close at 11:59pm on February 28, 2022. Learn more here.
- Later this spring, there will be drawings for five $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawings for all 5-11 year olds who are fully vaccinated. Details will be released soon.
Families in Minnesota can visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find local vaccine clinics. Families can also check with their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or local pharmacy about appointments. In addition, please be sure to watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.
The federal government is now offering free at-home COVID-19 tests to every household. As the COVID-19 omicron variant continues to spread across our state, testing frequently and isolating if positive are some of the best preventative measures after getting vaccinated. Get your free tests here.
Keep in touch
If you have friends, neighbors, or co-workers who might be interested in subscribing to this newsletter, they can do so here, and follow me on Facebook here. I’m grateful for the honor of serving you and our community. Please, now more than ever, feel free to reach out to my office.
Rep. Hodan Hassan,
531 State Office Building
(651) 296-0294
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/62A