Legislative Update - February 17, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

I must start this newsletter by recognizing the devastating news from Harding High School. Our students, our families, our teachers and staff, and our communities are hurting. My heart goes out to all those impacted by the events. Please know events like this impact my office greatly. If I can be of assistance, please contact my office.

Progress at the Capitol

On Monday, we passed legislation to support Minnesota families and child care providers. HF 150 spends $40M for early learning scholarships & $12.25M for Minnesota’'s Child Care Stabilization Grant Program. HF 13 increases the child care provider reimbursement rates for Child Care Assistance Program & adds program oversight. Thank you to my good friend and St. Paul colleague, Rep. Dave Pinto, for leading this work.

Last night we passed earned sick and safe time. People who lack access to paid time off are disproportionately in low-wage positions, women, and members of BIPOC communities. This bill helps address MN’s unacceptable racial inequities while giving every Minnesotan the time off they need when they are sick or injured.

Updates from the Capitol

The Minnesota Nurses Association came to the Capitol to share their struggles with high turnover and low staff morale. This year, they are advocating for HF 1700, the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act. I support the bill and am a co-author because we must put patients over profits. I’m so thankful to our nurses for caring for us in our most vulnerable moments.

As a first-generation college student, getting into college was difficult. Having adequate school counselors and support staff is critical to student success. In smaller school districts, school counselors help students navigate credits for graduation, discuss college applications, serve as social workers, and act as therapists. I support HF8, which invests funds to increase support staff across all Minnesota school districts. Thank you, Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling (MACAC), for advocating for the bill.

Minnesota Farmers Union knows how to bring people together. After their day at the capitol, Farmers Kitchen + Bar hosted a fabulous reception with fantastic farm-to-table food by head chef Kris Koch.

The reception allowed me to learn about dairy farming and how agriculture has changed over the generations. Chris MacLeod of Laune Bread sources ingredients to make his European & West Coast American-inspired naturally leavened breads, pastries & cookies. I’m excited to learn more about international trade with Southeast Asian countries from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Yesterday, I rallied with the Minnesota chapter of Moms Demand Action. We are continuing to see gun violence all across Minnesota, and the Minnesota House of Representatives has the opportunity to make a difference. I’m proud to be in this fight to prevent future gun violence in Minnesota, and ensure lost and stolen guns are reported to law enforcement. There has never been more urgency than now to pass gun safety legislation. Let’s get it done!

Stay in Touch

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 or like my Official State Representative Facebook Page.

Sincerely,  

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative