Dear neighbors,
Another week of the 2024 legislative session is in the books! We’re still hard at work debating legislation and passing policy bills aimed at improving the lives of Minnesotans and growing the middle class.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in Saint Paul this week:
MPR Interview
This week, I joined MPR’s Angela Davis and ERA Minnesota founder Betty Folliard to discuss the Equal Rights Amendment bill that’s making its way through the legislature and the important changes it could make to our state’s constitution. You can listen to our full conversation here.
Floor Action
Last year, DFLers legalized adult-use cannabis, along with the possession and growing of cannabis plants for personal, recreational use. However, buying cannabis legally at a licensed retail business in the state is not set to begin until early next year. The Cannabis Policy bill we passed is meant to expedite the process of setting up a good, legitimate marketplace for cannabis to displace that illicit marketplace that’s in place currently. You can read more about what the bill contains here.
We also passed a strong Tenants’ Rights Policy Bill, which includes provisions to safeguard tenants’ right to organize, protect tenant survivors of domestic violence, clarify tenants’ rights to emergency services, prohibit rental discrimination based on public assistance, and more. More details in the bill are included here.
Arbor Day Celebration
Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day, and DFLers are taking action to protect our environment and honor trees' vital role in our ecosystem. This year we are investing millions in tree planting grants for communities around our state.
Thursday on the House floor, members of the House Environment Committee distributed White Oak, Black Cherry, and Cranberry Bush saplings from Schumacher’s Nursery in Heron Lake, Minnesota. I’m looking forward to bringing my sapling back home and watching it grow!
Free Park Day
Get your hiking boots ready -- Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
As a reminder, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies here.
Advocates at the Capitol
This week, I met with the Youth Advisory Council for Children’s Minnesota. This impressive group of young people shared how they got involved in this work and their vision for how youth voices can shape healthcare outcomes for young people. Thank you Children's Minnesota for your vision and support of this important work.
It was wonderful to catch up with my friends at Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association. I had the chance to get to know Kaitlyn Root, the Executive Director, on our trade mission trip to Japan. Kaitlyn has been a fantastic advocate for our cattle farmers and protecting the vitality of this industry.
It was an exciting time celebrating the History Theatre and all of its accomplishments. There is no event like a theater event: music, monologue, wit and humor. Stories told with roots to Minnesota are not only entertaining but educational. Thank you for your unique approach to history.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for our work this year, always feel free to reach out to my office at 651-296-8799 or rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov, and you’ll hear back from me or my Legislative Assistant, Madisyn. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page, and subscribe to these regular emails if you haven’t already.
Sincerely,
Kaohly Vang Her
State Representative