Dear Neighbors,
Despite the chaos at the federal level I’ve been hard at work in St. Paul making sure our shared values are being represented at the Capitol. Fighting for what’s right is more important than ever, and I refuse to let a destructive president tear down the amazing things we’ve built in Minnesota. Here is some of what’s happened over the past couple of weeks.
Bill to Support Public Safety Officers Passes
I'm grateful that the House passed my bill to allow local governments to accept increased donations when an officer falls in the line of duty. This rather small technical change will make a huge difference for communities that have to go through these tragic events, like ours. Watch my speech on this bill here.
Office of Animal Protection Bill
I’m proud to support the creation of the Minnesota Office of Animal Protection! This would provide much needed training and assistance to authorities across the state so they can enforce animal cruelty laws. Thank you to all of my constituents who reached out about this important bill. Our animal friends and family deserve lives free of cruelty and harm!
Democrats Defeat Shoot First Bill
This week I helped to vote down HF 13, Republicans’ Shoot First bill which would remove Minnesota’s long-standing duty to retreat to prevent the escalation of violence. If passed, this would lead to even more gun violence victims and more loss of life.
Currently, 27 states have Shoot First laws, and every one of them has a higher rate of gun deaths than Minnesota, with the average rate of gun deaths being more than twice Minnesota’s. Shoot First laws are also associated with heavy racial bias. A study in Florida found that white shooters killing Black victims is deemed justifiable five times more frequently than when the situation is reversed.
Over the past two years, House DFLers took action to reduce gun violence by requiring criminal background checks and creating Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These policies are already making a difference. In fact, Minnesota has one of the lowest firearm mortality rates in the US, in large part to our sensible and safety centered gun violence prevention laws.
I was proud to stand with my colleagues and advocates who held a press conference to speak against this dangerous bill.
Trump Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at Risk
This week a new state economic forecast confirmed that Donald Trump’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction and making life more expensive for hardworking Minnesotans.
Last November, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But as of today, Minnesota’s projected positive balance has shrunk to $456 million.
Instead of bringing down prices as they promised on the campaign trail, Trump and Republicans in Congress are on the verge of enacting a sweeping tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and they’re going to pay for it by slashing federal investments in health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget.
This latest budget forecast means that the Legislature must be laser-focused on a state budget that helps working and middle-class Minnesotans, not corporations and billionaires who are doing better than ever.
As your representative, I’m committed to fighting for an economy where everyone can get ahead. I will continue to oppose Republican bills to lower taxes for the rich, put barriers to healthcare access, and repeal policies that help Minnesotans thrive like Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Vote Against Anti-Trans Bill
The GOP brought a hateful and dangerously invasive bill to the House floor that would ban trans kids from playing sports. The biggest threat to women and girls isn’t transgender girls who play sports, it's predatory men. HF 12 is dangerous and discriminatory legislation which scapegoats a small and vulnerable group of Minnesotans, while opening our kids up to invasive "transvestigations." I'm proud I voted against HF 12. Watch a lifelong student athlete speak to the cruelty of this bill.
Ramadan
Ramadan Mubarak, everyone! I hope that this month brings peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
Stay in Touch
If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email me at rep.kaela.berg@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-5387. For more regular updates, you can subscribe to these regular legislative updates if you haven’t already, here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Kaela Berg
State Representative