Legislative Update - New Laws

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope you had a safe and celebratory 4th of July weekend! There is no better way to celebrate the independence of our country than at a parade. The St. Anthony Park 4th in the Park Parade is always filled with people, laughter and candy! Rain or shine people show up. So thankful I got to walk with my good friend and colleague Rep. Dave Pinto.

In addition to Independence Day, last week also saw the implementation of several new laws.On July 1, new policies and investments we passed at the State Capitol this year took effect, including $43 million to improve student literacy. We can make all the investments in education we want, but none of them will be impactful if our children are falling behind on reading. 

Other highlights of the new laws include making sure our driver’s license exams utilize plain language, criminalizing the use of “deep fakes” to influence an election, and investing nearly $80 million in lottery proceeds towards more than 100 projects to protect Minnesota's natural resources.

You can read about these new laws and more in this summary of what was enacted on July 1.

Twin Cities Pride

There’s been no shortage of celebrations as I closed out June at Twin Cities Pride. So much laughter, kindness, and love. Thank you OutFront Minnesota for letting me share your work of advocacy, education and direct services with people. It was wonderful to be in this space with Rep. Leigh Finke, Rep. Bianca Virnig, and Rep Liz Reyer.

I’m so proud of our work to champion LGBTQ+ Minnesotans at the legislature these last two years. All people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve to live with dignity and equal protection. We’re making Minnesota a safe haven for ALL, and you can learn more about the strides we made for equality here. 

Office of the United States Trade Representative

It was an honor for the MN Asian Pacific - MAP Caucus to host Ambassador Katherine Tai and members of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Thank you to Commissioner Kaying Yang for your leadership in bringing the President’s Advisory Commission Meeting and Economic Summit to Minnesota. From the gathering at Minnesota Humanities Center, to the summit at Metro State, our AAPI communities felt heard.

Stay Connected

Even though we’re not in session, please continue 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, Emma. I always appreciate hearing from you!

You can also follow along on my official Facebook page, and subscribe to these regular emails if you haven’t already. 

Thank you again for the incredible honor of representing our community. I look forward to seeing you this summer, and stay cool this weekend!

Sincerely, 

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative