Friends and neighbors,
I’m sure you’ve heard by now that a major winter storm could bring us over 20 inches of snow between now and Friday. I want to share important information and resources with you to prepare for the interruption the storm will bring.
PREPARING FOR THE STORM
Parking
If you are in need of off-street parking, the city of Minneapolis has opened up free lots and ramps. You can park at the below lots for free through Tuesday, Feb. 28:
Available now:
- Farmer’s Market Lot: 309 spaces, 225 East Lyndale Ave.
- Basilica Lot: 183 spaces, 13 North 17th St.
- Vineland Ramp: 671 spaces, 727 Vineland Place
Available after 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21:
- Salvation Army Lot (4th St. N. Lot): 332 spaces, 601 North 4th St.
- Lyn-Lake Lot (Garfield Lot): 118 spaces, 2940 Garfield Ave S
If you are unable to secure an off-street parking spot, be advised that a snow emergency will be declared, and snow emergency parking rules will go into effect. For a detailed breakdown on how to comply with these restrictions, click here. You can sign up for snow emergency alerts here.
To view information in other languages, click here.
Snow clearing
In the city of Minneapolis, property owners are required to promptly clear snow from sidewalks in front of their property. For more information on this, click here.
Staying safe
During a blizzard, it becomes increasingly difficult for emergency vehicles to travel, so the importance of being cautious is heightened. The Red Cross has a great guide on how to stay safe during the storm.
BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY
Last night, the Minnesota House passed HF 16, which bans conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults. Conversion ‘therapy’ is a dangerous and discredited practice that has traumatized many LGBTQ+ Americans. It’s not therapy at all – it's conversion abuse.
I’m thankful that we were finally able to do our part to put a stop to this harmful practice. Some of my colleagues across the aisle even joined us in supporting this bill. I thank them for joining us to do the right thing for Minnesotans.
BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY
Another bill we passed last night was HF 55, legislation to establish an Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls.
When Black women and girls go missing, their cases stay open and unsolved four times longer than similar cases of white women and girls. This disparity is unacceptable, and action to remedy this disparity is long overdue. Establishing this office and investing resources into better prioritization of these cases is a step in the right direction. Once the bill is law, Minnesota will be the first state to have an office dedicated to addressing the disproportionate rates of missing and murdered women and girls.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
Last night, we also passed HF 30, a bill that would address the ever-present issue of catalytic converter theft. This crime has been increasing all across the state, and I proudly supported this legislation.
This bill adds additional requirements that scrap metal dealers must follow when purchasing catalytic converters, including a requirement that any catalytic converter be marked with an identifying number that connects it to the vehicle from which it was taken. The bill also requires registration with the Department of Public Safety before purchasing scrap metal. It also establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized possession or purchase of a catalytic converter.
EARNED SICK AND SAFE TIME
All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be successful, but too many must choose between work and taking care of a new baby, a loved one, or themselves. The time to act is now, and DFLers have been taking firm action to address these problems. Last week, we passed legislation that would guarantee, at a minimum, one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year. I was proud to vote in favor of this bill. It is currently working its way through the committee process in the Senate, and we’re hopeful that under full DFL leadership, it will be headed to the Governor’s desk soon.
KEEP IN TOUCH
There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon this session, so be sure to follow my Facebook page for timely updates.
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback with me throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.hodan.hassan@house.mn.gov. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Elijah, at 651-296-1761 or via email at elijah.henderson@house.mn.gov.
I am incredibly honored to get to work for you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me with this honor, and please, stay safe this week.
In solidarity,
Rep. Hodan Hassan