Continuing Our Work in the InterimThough the legislature is adjourned until January, I’ve had the opportunity to attend several events on an array of topics relevant to the work I did in the House this year. Earlier this month, I attended Convergence, where I participated in a panel discussion of geek culture inspirations for public leadership with Columbia Heights Mayor Amada Marquez Simula, Roseville School Board member Curtis Johnson, Columbia Heights School Board member Michelle Pettway, and Columbia Heights City Planning Commissioner Laurel Deneen.  I also attended and participated on a panel discussion on international trends around youth justice and where we go from here in Minnesota. Always great to hear from experts like Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Curtis Shanklin, with JDAI (photographed below, as well as our impressive sock game), and other local and international leaders on youth justice.  My main takeaway is that an effective, just system of juvenile justice must be youth-centered.  I also had a great time gathering with legislators and supporters of CAAL (Coalition of Asian American Leaders) to celebrate their legislative achievements this term. CAAL is a wonderful community partner in advancing equity-focused legislation at the Capitol! I also joined Reviving Sisterhood to celebrate Eid with other elected officials. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from Muslim women in the community about their priorities and to share information about how they can be an effective voice at the Capitol.  Last but not least, I joined COPAL to celebrate their impressive organizing this past session, which contributed to successful legislation protecting immigrant renters and immigrant workers. They are also a key partner on North STAR Act. Looking forward to their ongoing partnership and contributions to the legislative process! I recently came across this article, which highlights the need to support our immigrant communities from a hyper-local perspective: that of America’s Mayors.  Continuing the Work for Our NursesThis article combines two policy areas that I feel passionately about: First, it discusses how our problematic immigration laws are making it a huge challenge to recruit talented international nurses. Second, it discusses how the work environment is driving U.S. nurses away from the bedside and how we need to address that issue simultaneously if we want sufficient patients to meet the needs of patients. (Which we do!) Next session, I plan to continue working with Minnesota’s nurses to protect nurses and their patients from chronic understaffing. Coverage on My Cell Phone BillThis is a compelling article by a recent high school graduate with a vision for a better future where cellphones in schools are not all-consuming. I hope that my legislation requiring schools to have a cellphone policy will initiate in that new future for Minnesota students. Lawns to Legumes FundingDo you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly? Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources. Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding. Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.  |