Neighbors,
We’re a little more than halfway through the legislative session, which means it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t have plans yet? Click here for information on all the activities in and around St. Paul!
Here’s an update from the Capitol:
Housing
On Wednesday I presented two bills in the Housing committee. The first bill would allow tenants to terminate a lease if a medical professional determines they need to move into a medical facility. This would protect people from having to pay unnecessary rent while dealing with a medical emergency. The second bill would expand eligibility for low-income housing tax credits and increase incentives for investment, construction, and rehabilitation of low-income housing units.
Today I participated in a press conference with the Minnesota Housing Partnership for their State of the State Report on Housing to help raise awareness about the importance of all Minnesotans having a safe, stable place to live.
ICYMI
Last week the Minnesota DFL-led House of Representatives passed an Equal Rights Amendment bill. The bill now goes to the Senate Republicans and, if they pass the bill, there will be a question on the 2020 ballot asking Minnesotans if they want gender equality to be included in our state constitution. Protection against gender discrimination would (and should!) be a permanent guarantee in Minnesota. I proudly voted and spoke on behalf of this bill on the House floor.
I also had the honor of speaking at an ERA rally on International Women’s Day last Friday.
Town Hall
Mark your calendar! I want to hear from you and share some of the work we’ve been doing at the Capitol. From 9:30 – 11:00 on Saturday, March 23 join our Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Sen. Dick Cohen, Rep. Dave Pinto, and myself for a town hall at Central High School.
Disability Day at the Capitol
It was wonderful to spend time with Rick, Anna and Lynne on Disability Services Day at the Capitol on Tuesday. Disability work training programs are vital to ensuring gainful employment for our disabled communities. Thank you for your advocacy!
Moms Demand Action
Yesterday I met with this incredible group of activists who are demanding a change to our state’s gun laws. The House has two proposals, which I’ve recapped before, that are good, common sense solutions to gun violence. HF 8 would require criminal background checks be performed on all gun sales. HF 9 would create “red flag laws,” allowing Minnesotans to petition a court if they see someone is in danger of harming themselves or others.
Ending Child Marriages
I also had the chance to meet with an amazing group of Burnsville High School students who came to speak with me about my bill to end child marriages. They not only asked thoughtful questions but also shared personal stories of why this bill matters to them. Thank you Ibrahim, Mohammed, Michel, Sydney, Anthony, and Abdikadir for visiting me. You made my day.
Thank you for keeping in touch! If you’re ever nearby feel free to stop by the State Office Building to check in, ask questions and share your thoughts on the legislative session.
Sincerely,
Kaohly Her |