Dear Neighbors, Since my last email, a new federal administration has come into power and issued executive orders that are antithetical to everything we stand for. I share the anxiety and fear many of you have expressed about what the next four years may bring and how they will impact our communities. In this trying time, it will be critical to defend our democracy and our belief in each other. I am committed to using every lever of power we have at the state level to protect people, the rule of law, our state progress, and our representative democracy. That is why I am taking the legislative action of staying away from the state capitol and focusing on working with members in our community until we can negotiate a power-sharing agreement predicated on asking House Republicans to respect election results and not unseat Rep. Tabke of Shakopee. Today, the Minnesota Supreme Court handed Republicans a major defeat by striking down their illegitimate power grab. The Court ruled that a quorum in the Minnesota House of Representatives requires 68 members. The court’s ruling effectively invalidates every action Republicans took since the first day of session on January 14, 2025. Now that it is clear Republicans must work with Democrats for the House to operate, we are hopeful we will be able to shortly negotiate an acceptable path forward. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and return to the negotiating table immediately. Democrats are asking Republicans for something very simple – to honor the will of the voters. That means agreeing to not kick out Rep. Tabke and agreeing to govern under shared power if the House returns to a 67-67 tie. In the meantime, I have been busy in our community. One of the greatest privileges of serving as your state representative is meeting with constituents and hearing directly from you. Every conversation provides valuable insights to help inform our work. Whether it’s discussing local priorities, sharing concerns about legislation, or brainstorming new ideas, your voices guide our work. Your experiences and perspectives shape policies that strengthen our community and improve the lives of families across Minnesota. Together, we make a difference.  Celebrating MLK Jr Day at Conway Community Center! HMONG RPA ProjectEverything is connected to language, and preserving language is imperative. The Hmong RPA Project is an organization created to improve, develop, and/or adopt a unified, standardized Hmong RPA writing system. This week our educators and community leaders joined to discuss this inclusive, equitable, and pertinent writing style in Minnesota. Thank you to everyone who organized and attended.  Visiting Planned ParenthoodThe care provided at the St. Paul Planned Parenthood health center is critical in this post-Roe, Trump-administration world. The St. Paul House Delegation visited our local Planned Parenthood to discuss how we can remain vigilant in ensuring the progress we have made does not erode.  Parents in Community Action MeetingI came to the United States when I was 3 years old, and one of the first things I remember is going to preschool. Despite language barriers, my mother made sure we participated in early childhood education programs. Like my mother, PICA (Parents in Community Action) understands that an early start in education has a positive and long-lasting impact. That’s why they not only operate as a Head Start facility, but also as a training center. I joined my colleagues for a wonderful time with the staff, students, and trainees learning about how PICA supports families by providing comprehensive services including early childhood development, health services, workforce development programs, and parent training opportunities.  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 |