Neighbors,

I can hardly believe we're almost to the end of the decade! I hope you're staying warm and spending time with loved ones during the holiday season.

I'm so grateful for the experience I've had as your legislator so far, this year has flown by. Here's a quick reflection on the important progress our state has made, not just over the past year, but the past decade. 

• DFL Governor elected in 2010, the first in more than 20 years. 
• Medicaid expansion in 2011
• Voter ID ban defeated in 2012 election 
• Same-sex marriage legalized in 2013
• Minnesota-made health insurance exchange created in 2013
• Solar energy standard established in 2013
• Income tax increase for richest 2% of Minnesotans in 2013 to balance budget, end decade of chronic deficits, and invest in Minnesota
• Free All Day Kindergarten for all children approved in 2013
• Safe and Supportive Schools Act (anti-bullying law) approved in 2014
• Minimum wage increased in 2014 (went from one of lowest-in-the-nation to one of highest)
• Women’s Economic Security Act approved in 2014
• Minnesotans get two female U.S. senators for first time in 2018
• Opioid manufacturer accountability approved in 2019
• Sweeping protections for elders and vulnerable Minnesotans approved in 2019
• Strongest wage theft prevention law in nation approved in 2019

This is just a snapshot, and we have a lot more work to do! Let me know if there are some favorite moments of yours from the past decade. 

Planning for Minnesota's Future

Recently we received our bi-annual economic forecast for the state. While Minnesota is in a strong financial position, the forecast highlights significant challenges we may face in the future, which could undermine our ability to provide good schools, good roads, and good health care for Minnesotans.  We need to be diligent so we do not jeopardize our ability to provide Minnesotans with the resources they deserve, and we need to continue to invest in our people and our state so that we are setting up the next generation for a prosperous future. You can read more about the budget from MPR here. 

Community Highlights

Visiting St. Thomas Students

I recently had the chance to speak at the University of St. Thomas with Rep. Dave Pinto, who represents the other half of Senate District 64. Every time I co-do-anything with Rep Pinto I am reminded of how much serving the constituents of our district is a team endeavor. Thank you Dave for always collaborating! And thank you UST students for your interest in policy and your engagement with issues that will define your generation. Looking forward to our next gathering.

American Art and the Vietnam War

I had the opportunity to visit the recently-opened “Artist Respond: American Art and the Vietnam War 1965 - 1975” at the Minnesota Institute of Art. To see the war from the perspective of artists provided a very human perspective, a peek into the souls of those protesting the war. 

Women in Business

I had a wonderful time learning from the people at the Women in Business annual legislator event. Bringing business leaders and policymakers together to discuss what's important to them led to robust conversations.

Climate Action

I can’t forget to mention the House Climate Action Caucus held a public hearing on climate change and the health impacts of it. We heard from the Minnesota Department of Health, Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, UMN School of Nursing, Fresh Energy and Youth Climate Strike. This might be the biggest challenge we have ahead of us but that means we also have the greatest opportunity as well. Our next meeting will focus on local communities. 

Keep in Touch

Remember you can always share your thoughts and ideas with me at 651-296-8799 or by email at rep.kaohly.her@house.mn. You can follow me on Facebook here for more updates from the community and the Capitol.

Thank you for the honor of serving you at the Minnesota House!

Sincerely,

Rep. Kaohly Her