Neighbors,
 
Happy snowiest-February-on-record to you! I hope you were able to take a break from shoveling snow this weekend to spend time with friends and loved ones.
 
Driver’s Licenses
Last week I participated in a press conference to kick off a bipartisan legislative effort to allow driver’s licenses for all. All Minnesotans used to be able to get a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status, until the rule changed in 2003. Community members, business and religious leaders, and law enforcement spoke on behalf of the bill’s advantages for all of Minnesota’s communities.
 
Preventing people from getting a driver’s license means we’re making it harder for them to get and keep a job, which means it’s harder for them to participate productively in their communities. Or, they are forced to drive without a license, endangering themselves and public safety. This bill would allow everyone to live, hold jobs, check on elderly family members and drive their children to the doctor without fear.

Floor Votes
On Thursday the House unanimously voted to repeal a rule that made an exception for “marital rape.” Several brave Minnesotans have come forward advocating for a change to this law, which says that even if someone is drugged, raped, and videotaped, it is not illegal if the individuals are married. I was proud to cast a vote to eliminate this loophole that allowed so much hurt and violence to Minnesotans. You can learn more here.
 
We also voted to allow the Secretary of State to use $6.6 million in federal funds to improve our election security. This money is sitting in an account going unused, because the Secretary of State can’t use it unless it’s specifically approved by the Minnesota legislature. All 49 other states have begun using this money, and we know that foreign governments and other entities have been trying to influence our elections. We don’t know if the Senate will approve this money yet, but it’s something both democrats and republicans have said they are committed to approving. Being the only state in the country to not authorize this money makes us a greater target for hackers.
 
Sovereignty Day
Last Monday the legislature invited members of all 11 of Minnesota’s Native Tribes to the House Chamber. The day was dedicated to Tribal-State Relations training. This was a historic meeting, and something that has never happened before. One day is a start, but we need to listen more, to know more, in order to understand more and do more.

Meeting with Constituents
I got to meet a couple constituents who are doing amazing work for NARAL Pro-Choice America. I also met with brewers during the Brewers “Day at the Capitol.” Cheers to them!

Media
Want to meet all five MAP Caucus members? We made an introductory video – you can watch it here! I also joined the Model Majority Podcast to talk about what motivates me to fight for education, high quality healthcare, and equity in our communities. You can listen to that here.
 
If you ever want to reach me, you can do so at rep.kaohly.her@house.mn or at 651-296-8799.
 
Sincerely,
 Kaohly Her
State Representative –District 64A