Friends and neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful Minnesota autumn. Though the legislature is adjourned until 2024, the interim has remained a busy time of preparation and progress.
Driver’s Licenses for All
On October 1, Driver's License for All went into effect. Not only will this law make it easier for families to navigate every-day life, but it will make out roads safer by discouraging driving without a license or proper insurance.
The ability to earn a driver’s license was a right previously held by all Minnesotans – regardless of immigration status – until the Republicans stripped it away 20 years ago. Under DFL leadership, restoring the right to earn a driver’s license was one of our top priorities, and we delivered for Minnesotans.
Somalia Leaders Visit
It was an honor and a huge privilege to welcome the 1st sitting Prime Minister of Somalia to ever visit the state of Minnesota last week. His Excellency Hamse Abdi Barre and our state leaders had a chance to discuss the need to connect Somalia and Minnesota through Trade, Agriculture, and Energy.
Thank you to all my colleagues including Governor Tim Walz and our legislative leaders for extending a warm welcome for him. Stay tuned for next steps!
Office of New Americans
On August 1, I joined community leaders at Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis to celebrate the Office of New Americans (ONA) becoming a permanent office. The initiative, which has been operating under the state's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) since 2020, aims to assist immigrants and refugees in seeking employment opportunities with family-sustaining wages.
You can read more about the celebration and legislation here.
Indigenous People’s Day
After recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day via proclamation in recent years, Minnesota will observe the day as a state-recognized holiday and schools choosing to remain open will devote at least one hour to informing students about its significance. This session, I joined my legislative colleagues to enact the change following years of advocacy by the Minnesota House Native American Legislative Caucus and members of the eleven tribal nations in Minnesota.
Keep in Touch
There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon, so be sure to follow my Facebook page and Instagram 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.
In solidarity,
Rep. Hodan Hassan