Dear neighbors, I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the first weeks of spring! I have been busy meeting with community members, attending public events and committee hearings, and working on a wide variety of legislation. Investing in the Youngest MinnesotansHouse DFLers have started developing omnibus bills, packages of legislation that outline our priorities for a specific area of the state budget. On Monday, for example, we released the Early Childhood omnibus bill – a plan to invest $850 million in early care and learning. This proposal would put tens of thousands of children on the path to success in school and in life. It contains funding for child care assistance and early learning scholarships for low-income and vulnerable children. House DFLers also want to establish a statewide voluntary pre-K program to serve children who are least likely to have access to early learning. Together, these investments will help reduce Minnesota’s racial and economic disparities. You can read more about the plan here. Supporting the People of UkraineI joined a crowd of Minnesotans at the State Capitol last month to condemn the unnecessary and senseless war started by Vladimir Putin and to demonstrate support for Ukraine. I am praying for an end to this war and peace for the people of Ukraine.  While the state legislature doesn’t have jurisdiction over foreign policy, we are taking a stand against Russian aggression. The House unanimously passed a bill that will require Minnesota to divest of all direct holdings of Russian assets. Since the government of Belarus was complicit in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the bill also requires the state to divest of Belarusian assets. While this bill will primarily impact the state pension funds, it also codifies an Executive Order Governor Walz issued to bar state agencies from contracting with Russian companies. Supporting Frontline Workers Frontline workers have risked their own health to keep the rest of us safe and healthy during the pandemic. Over the past two years, they have cared for patients with COVID, taught our kids, responded to emergencies, processed and cooked our food, provided child care, and so much more. They deserve to be compensated for their sacrifices and hard work. The House recently passed a bill that would provide bonus checks of up to $1,500 to more than 667,000 frontline workers. So far, Senate Republicans have refused to support this legislation. I hope they will join us soon so we can get these checks in the hands of Minnesotans.  Standing with Minnesotans Trans kids and young adults deserve to be loved, accepted, and treated fairly. In many states, including Minnesota, Republicans are bringing forth legislation that would deny our trans kids fundamental rights. I joined Minnesotans at a rally to draw attention to this critical issue last month. I will continue supporting bills that protect trans Minnesotans of all ages.  On March 16, the one-year anniversary of the Atlanta shooting, we gathered in community to stand in solidarity against Asian hate. We are stronger together, and we will not let fear stop us from making policy to protect communities when they are in need.  Earlier that day I joined dozens of Minnesotans, including many people from our community, to advocate for common sense gun laws and violence prevention measures. It is always an honor to stand with Moms Demand Action members.  Spending time in community is one of the best ways to learn. Rep. Dave Pinto, Sen. Erin Murphy, and I joined nearly 50 members of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition at Lumen Christi Catholic Community two weeks ago. We discussed many issues, including affordable housing, emergency shelter, and child care assistance.  You’re Invited to a Conversation on Community SafetyRamsey County Attorney John Choi, Rep. Dave Pinto, Sen. Erin Murphy, and I are holding a community conversation next Monday, April 11 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. We’re planning to discuss community safety, an issue we know is important to many of you. If you’d like to join us, you can register here. I look forward to seeing you on Zoom!  If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.kaohly.her@house.com or call (651) 296-8799. Sincerely, Kaohly Vang Her
State Representative |