Legislative Update: February 24, 2025

Dear Neighbors,  

The legislative session is in full swing, and it's encouraging to see such strong civic participation at the Capitol. Minnesotans from across the state are attending committee meetings and engaging with legislators on issues that matter to their communities. We’re hearing about the challenges they’re facing, including high costs for groceries, housing, energy, and health care. With the new federal administration, it’s more clear than ever: our economy is tilted in favor of the wealthiest and most powerful among us. My DFL colleagues and I are fighting to level the playing field to give working families the tools they need to succeed and thrive.

I’m grateful for the strong engagement from advocates that helps ensure the legislature is responsive to the needs of all Minnesotans. As my colleagues and I continue our work this session, your participation in the legislative process remains vital. Your feedback and experiences help inform policy decisions that affect our entire state. 

Thanks to the hard work of civically engaged citizens, we have seen the results of strong, persistent advocacy, and one example is in the area of gun violence prevention. Thanks to the many Minnesotans who came to the Capitol, we passed Red Flag Laws which took effect in 2024. These Red Flag Laws were pivotal, as they temporarily prevented individuals who could pose a danger to themselves or others from accessing firearms. After one year of its implementation, it is doing exactly what it is meant to do- protect and preserve lives in Minnesota against gun violence. The Star Tribune recently covered the impact, which you can read here. 

Our constituents are the backbone of our democracy and provide me the great privilege to do the work I do. Thank you for your continued involvement in shaping Minnesota's future. It really does make a difference.

Meeting with our Community

Making Comprehensive Healthcare More Affordable

Throughout my time in the legislature, I have advocated for healthcare that is more affordable and more accessible. Together, we’ve made historic progress in improving and expanding insurance coverage, including a measure last year requiring coverage for prosthetics, wigs for cancer patients, abortion care, and gender-affirming care. We’ve also taken action to reduce the burden of medical debt. 

Still, more work is needed to ensure everyone can access the care they need. I met with members of the Minnesota Chiropractic Association to discuss how a more comprehensive care approach covered by health insurance can ensure better patient outcomes. I always enjoy interacting with this team!

Touring Lumen Technologies

The DFL Commerce Committee team found itself deep underground as we toured Lumen Technologies in St. Paul, a telecommunications company that offers network services, security, cloud solutions, and more through its fiber optic and copper networks, as well as its data centers and cloud computing services.

This deeper dive (literally!) into their technology infrastructure and the development of new innovations will inform legislative policies to support safer and more reliable connectivity for all Minnesotans.

Support Your Local Library!

Local libraries are a treasure, providing communities with vital resources and information - and our local Saint Paul Public Library is the crown jewel! I met with their enthusiastic crew to talk about the support and protection of our libraries. Capital improvements, along with financial support of programs are needed to ensure libraries can execute on their commitment to serve the community. It was a joy to hear my constituent speak passionately about why this work matters.

Investing in College Students with LeadMN

I was a first-generation college student who was often food insecure, lacked resources, and had little access to a support system. For students like myself, it is so important to have an organization help with connections to services, emergency loans, and mental health support. LeadMN is an organization that does just that and more.  It provides Minnesota’s two-year college students with internships as well as scholarships that build skills, foster advocacy and drive community impact. LeadMN invests in students’ personal and professional growth, empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

I am grateful for the advocacy and passion of students to expand funding for this program!

Mental Health Day at the Capitol

Mental Health Day at the Capitol is an opportunity to meet with mental health advocates and caregivers. Lack of funding has made access to mental health services and treatment difficult at times - leading to homelessness, loss of healthcare coverage, and more. Mental health services in Minnesota can and must serve Minnesotans better when they are in their time of greatest need. I look forward to continuing to support those fighting for health and human services. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood

We all know that “it takes a village,” and Saint Paul is 250 blocks of promise and togetherness. 

I have been a part of Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood since its inception, and have been a strong supporter of their whole family, two-generation, wrap-around services approach to education and achievement. This method is proven, and I look forward to continuing to support the initiatives they bring forward. Learn more about their work here!

Community Updates

Important Update on Cannabis License Applications

On February 18th, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) began accepting applications for cannabis business licenses. During this licensing cycle, which will remain open until March 14, OCM will accept applications both from verified social equity applicants and from any applicant seeking to participate in general licensing in the following license types: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business. More information is available here.

I was proud to vote for the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2023, increasing options for people to treat conditions like PTSD and chronic pain while providing relief for the thousands of minor offenders who have been unfairly swept up in our criminal justice system.  

University of St. Thomas Awarded Minnesota Forward Fund Award

We are fortunate to have so many quality institutions of higher learning in our district, including the University of St. Thomas, who just got approved for a grant from the Minnesota Forward Fund! UST will use these funds to pay for the design and delivery of a workforce training program including equipment, scholarships, salaries and benefits, and indirect costs. 

The state of Minnesota will make a grant of $5,000,000 to the university that will be disbursed as incremental reimbursements of the costs as agreed to in the approved work plan and budget. A grant contract agreement is being prepared by Economic Development & Research Division staff. This is a well-deserved investment in our district and a testament to the development of an innovative training program to support industry and the State’s workforce. Congratulations to all the Tommies!

Protecting Children on Social Media 

The evidence is clear that social media is linked with poor mental health outcomes, particularly among children. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General called for social media platforms to have warning labels. During the 2024 session, we passed legislation requiring social media companies to disclose when they conduct product experiments targeting kids, as well as barring children from working as social media influencers. 

Since then legislators have met with residents in our community as well as the Capitol, with organizations like the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) to discuss their Keep it Digitally Safe (KiDS) Campaign, a global contest inviting parents and kids to submit social media warning label ideas to raise awareness about the risks associated with social media and promote safer online practices.  

You can learn more about the KiDS campaign here.

Stay Connected

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!

Sincerely, 

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative