Dear Neighbors,
The new year is almost upon us, and I am hard at work preparing for the 2023 legislative session which officially convenes on January 3. As the first newsletter after a redistricting election -- I want to say hello and welcome new constituents to District 63B and welcome back the residents who I’ve served over the last two years.
I want to express my gratitude to the voters and community of District 63B for turning out to make our district the highest voter turnout district in Minnesota and for returning me to the legislature for the next two years. Minnesota voters spoke loud and clear - and elected a pro-democracy, DFL-controlled government in the House, Senate, and Governor's office. The work now begins to strengthen the power of workers, families, voters and communities in our democracy and our economy.
With that in mind - we are holding our last District 63 Town Hall of 2022 tomorrow night to continue the conversation about how we can work together as a district and community to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone. Join us!
Tomorrow Night: Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m., you’re invited to join me and other South Minneapolis lawmakers for a Virtual Town Hall Meeting to preview the upcoming session. We will be joined by incoming Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura and our new State Senator Zaynab Mohamed. Additionally, Senator Patricia Torres Ray and Representative Jim Davnie – each of whom are departing the legislature after this year – will join us. For decades, Rep. Davnie and Sen. Torres Ray have been champions for our community, and I look forward to the opportunity to thank them for their service one more time.
There are two ways to participate. To join us live on Zoom, click here to RSVP; you’re also welcome to share questions you’d like for us to consider. I’ll also livestream the event on my Facebook page at facebook.com/RepEmmaGreenman. While I recognize this is a busy time of year, each of us deeply value your involvement, and I hope you’ll join us.
Committee Assignments
This coming session, I’ll continue my focus on working to ensure we have a democracy and economy that centers the voices of Minnesotans, not corporations or the wealthy few. I will serve as Vice Chair of the Elections Finance & Policy Committee and prioritize the reforms that defend and strengthen our democracy and the freedom to vote. Additionally, I look forward to serving on the Education Finance, Labor and Industry, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committees.
Democracy
With my background as a national voting rights lawyer, I’ve spent over a decade on the frontlines of the fight for voting rights. The last two years have been a stress test for our democracy with disinformation and the Big Lie used to incite a violent insurrection at our nation’s Capitol and to justify policies that attack the freedom to vote, cast doubt on our elections, and put local election workers at risk.
This didn’t happen overnight, and there’s no quick fix to repair the damage done. But the fact is that in 2022 Minnesotans – from every region, race, generation, and political persuasion – turned out this year not just to participate in our democracy but to protect it. Voters gave us a mandate to defend and strengthen Minnesota’s best traditions of voter participation and grassroots politics – and now it’s our obligation to act boldly to meet the moment.
This year, I will continue the work to pass the Democracy for the People Act, my legislation that strengthens the freedom to vote and ensures Minnesotans, not big corporations or wealthy interests, are at the center of our democracy. My bill strengthens voting rights by prohibiting voter intimidation, expanding voter registration through Automatic Voter Registration and pre-registration of high school students, restoring the right to vote to people on probation or parole, and ensuring everyone has the information and support they need to vote. The measure increases transparency and disclosure of secret spending and reforms Minnesota’s campaign finance system to empower voters and small donors, reducing the influence of corporations and wealthy individuals. To make real progress on issues important to Minnesotans – including education, climate change, health care, economic justice, housing, and racial equity – we must build a stronger, more inclusive democracy. This will help make this forward vision a reality.
Keep in Touch
Thank you for your time, energy, and all you do to make our community a great place for everyone. Please reach out to me with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is rep.emma.greenman@house.mn.gov (please note the address has been updated) or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page for updates. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative and I look forward to working with you to create a stronger, inclusive Minnesota in the session to come.
Best,
Emma Greenman
State Representative