Dear Neighbors,
The legislative session starts next week! I am so excited to get to work for you in Saint Paul, where I will advance a slate of youth-centered legislation to support students and our schools, to protect public safety through juvenile justice reforms, to advocate for bold investments in climate action, and to support families and workers in Minnesota as we continue to move through the pandemic. The coming legislative session and the $7.7 billion surplus presents an opportunity to address the many areas of compelling need across all sectors of society so that our students, our families, and our businesses can recover and thrive post-pandemic.
#EndPeriodPovertyMN
I just introduced legislation to end Period Poverty in our schools. Twenty-three of my House colleagues have signed on to this legislation requiring that schools provide free menstrual products, which includes funding to support this critical expenditure. No student should miss school because they can't afford menstrual products.
This bill could not be possible without the hard work and advocacy by many incredible students across Minnesota. Check out this amazing article about this bill, featuring Amina Jama, a high school senior in Columbia Heights, about the steps she took to address period poverty in her school. I am so proud of our students and am honored to be working with them to advance this long-overdue legislation.
The Student Data Privacy Act
This week, my legislation to bring our student data privacy laws from the 1970’s into the 21st century passed the Commission on Data Practices with 100% bipartisan support. For those interested in learning more about the issues at stake when we fail to regulate student surveillance and access by private companies to student data, here is an excellent half-hour discussion and interview with experts that recently aired on NPR’s show 1A.
Free COVID Tests
We have taken a huge step in our fight against Covid-19, with residential households in the United States now eligible to order a set of four free at-home tests. You will need your name and residential mailing address to order, and they will be delivered and shipped within 7-12 days. Find your test kits and many more resources here.
Student Loan Borrower’s Bill of Rights
Knowledge is power. Know the protections you have through Minnesota’s Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights. For example, as you repay your student loans, you have the power to require the company servicing your loan to respond and be responsible. Learn about the protections you have through Minnesota’s Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights here.
Redistricting
With the House and Senate having now submitted their proposals for redistricting, the legislature must come together to find common ground to reach an agreement on a fair and representative map for Minnesota. I am confident we can.
However, if there is not a joint agreement between the Republican-controlled Senate and DFL-controlled House by February 15, redistricting will then advance to a special judicial panel appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Keep in Touch
If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at rep.sandra.feist@house.mn or call (651) 296-4331.
Sincerely,
Sandra Feist
State Representative