Dear Community,
The first week of session is in the books as we got back to work fulfilling our promises to improve Minnesota. With full DFL control we are ready to move forward in a unified manner to ensure urgent needs are met across the state. Reproductive freedom, affordable child care, housing, improved education, and paid family leave and sick time are just a few of our priorities this session.
Next week my bill to provide driver’s licenses for all will be heard in committee; it’s long past time that we allow everyone in our community to earn a license. Thank you to all of the advocates and undocumented community members who have fought for this critical legislation for over a decade!
We have a great opportunity to improve the lives of workers and communities who have been ignored for too long. I look forward to fighting for the resources our community needs to thrive. You can watch House and Senate leadership discuss our shared priorities here.
We have already taken action on several important issues, here are a few of the actions we’ve already taken:
- The Taxes Committee passed a bill for federal tax conformity which will reduce taxes on Minnesotans across the state while simplifying the filing process.
- We announced our joint House and Senate plan for full legalization of adult-use cannabis.
- The Health Committee passed the Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) which will ensure every Minnesotan is free to make their own reproductive health care decisions.
This is just the beginning of what should be an eventful session, I’ll be sure to keep you informed of future developments!
This huge bill I’m holding is our comprehensive cannabis legislation which includes expungement and restorative justice reforms.
Crown Act Passage
We are already working quickly to pass laws which help Minnesotans. We got started by passing the Crown Act out of the Judiciary committee 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.
DEED Accepting Applications for Small Businesses
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has launched the Small Business Loan Participation Program as part of the recently announced $97 million State Small Business Credit Initiative.
Desired qualifications for lenders include those that prioritize reaching socially and Economically disadvantaged individuals owned businesses or CDFI Investment Areas. These businesses include Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, veterans, and rural residents, among other economically disadvantaged individuals. DEED is now accepting proposals from lenders on DEED’s Competitive Grants and Contracts page. Proposals must be submitted by January 6, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
Keep In Touch
As always, feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions you have for me! I always appreciate working in partnership with you. You can also follow me on my Facebook page. Everything is moving quickly right now so be sure to stay connected.
In solidarity,
Aisha Gomez
651-296-7152
rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn.gov