Neighbors,
I hope you stayed warm this weekend! Last week was an exciting one for me at the Capitol – I dropped my first bill in the Hopper and am chief-authoring a bill to develop the Playwrights’ Center in St. Paul.
My First Bill
I dropped my first bill in the hopper last week. If passed, the bill will expand funding for English Language Learners (ELL) from $704 to $1,400 per student. I’ll keep you updated on the bill’s journey on my Facebook page.
I was an ELL student myself. I know that language barriers can prevent students from participating in and advocating for their own education. With growing new immigrant communities across Minnesota, it’s important for us to ensure all Minnesotans receive appropriate and adequate funding for an education that prepares them for post-secondary pursuits and gainful employment.
Rep. Her dropping a bill in the “Hopper” – where House members place legislation they want to enter for consideration by committees and eventually put into law
Meeting with Constituents
One of the best parts of my job is meeting with the groups and constituents I represent. Last week I met with members of the Autism Society of Minnesota and a constituent at the AIDS Action Day. I listened to testimony from professionals and advocates for greater mental health support for students, and so much more. I’m inspired by those who share their stories with me, and by what we as legislators can do to serve everyone and to lift up all the voices of all the people in our communities.
Playwrights’ Center
I’m also excited to announce that I am chief-authoring a bill to develop artists from diverse backgrounds and life experiences at the Playwrights’ Center in St. Paul. Art and theater is part of what makes Minnesota a great place to live and innovate. And this bill will help an awesome development for St. Paul and 64A!
Equal Rights Amendment
Last week, two ERA bills received their first hearing in committees and passed unanimously. The first, if signed into law, would put a question on the 2020 ballot asking Minnesotans to include gender equality in our state constitution.
A second ERA bill, which would ask Congress to remove the deadline for passing an ERA in the U.S. Constitution, passed committee and will soon be debated on the House Floor.
I’m so excited that these bills are being heard and debated by our legislature. I believe all Minnesotans should get the chance to cast a vote to put gender equality and fairness in our state constitution.
If you want to provide feedback or share your thoughts about any of my bills, please reach out to me on Facebook, by email at rep.kaohly.her@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-8799. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kaohly Her