Dear Neighbors, In my last email, I alerted our community about a breakdown in power-sharing negotiations in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Republicans had walked away from the negotiating table and appeared poised to kick out a duly elected DFL state representative regardless of the outcome of their lawsuit challenging the election result. Well, on the morning of January 14, a district court judge ruled that my colleague Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee won by a slim margin, but Republicans have still not committed to seating him. When an election result is upheld on election night, in a public recount, and in a court ruling, it’s time for the losing side to concede and move on. That is how democracy works. Instead Republicans are actively trying to seize power that voters did not give them. It’s an unprecedented and illegitimate power grab, and I simply will not stand by and allow duly elected state representatives to be thrown out of office. Today, I joined House Speaker Melissa Hortman and DFL leaders at a press conference outlining our priorities for the 2025 session. As the Commerce Co-Chair, I am committed to ensuring our state government meets the solemn responsibility to protect Minnesotans and create a fairer, safer place to live for all. That means working to increase access to affordable healthcare, ensure that consumers are protected, and advocate policies that lift up working families. You can view our press conference here.  I’m already working in our district and for our district. I’m taking meetings to focus on the issues of our community: like my meeting with Ramsey County officials to review how we can be partners in achieving our shared 2025/2026 legislative goals. I am invested in supporting our county’s work in providing critical direct services to our constituents. This type of work is why I got into public service, and I look forward to continuing meetings with local officials, community organizations, and constituents.  Saint Paul Delegation Meets with Mayor CarterA strong state requires a strong Capital city, and that’s why the St. Paul Delegation and I met with Mayor Carter and his team for a briefing on city priorities. We discussed public safety, bonding, housing, and downtown revitalization. We look forward to continued dialogue and partnership to move priorities forward.  Community Voices Town HallThis week I joined the Community Voices Town Hall on Substance Use Disorder in Hmong and Asian Communities. I was so proud to see a packed auditorium of community members joining together for the cause of supporting communities working through addiction. As we continue with the legislative session, the messages shared will help inform my work. Koom Recovery is doing amazing work. To learn more about their mission, click here.  Carpenters Local Union 322Our labor partners always search for better ways to connect with diverse communities. I had a productive meeting with the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters and Carpenters Local Union 322 to discuss outreach in the Hmong community.  Stay ConnectedPlease 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! Sincerely, Kaohly Vang Her State Representative |