Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are well and staying safe out there during these slippery, snowy days.
Here at the Minnesota Capitol, we’ve been busy in committee listening to testimony from Minnesotans and working on legislation that moves Minnesota forward. Just today, we heard powerful stories from high school students (including District 63’s own Drew Wesson!) in the Education Finance Committee and from meatpacking workers in the Labor Committee. And on Thursday night, we were on the House Floor to take action to pass the PRO Act to protect and strengthen reproductive freedom in Minnesota.
You’re Invited to a Town Hall!
As we move forward with the priorities of Minnesota, I want to hear from you! One opportunity to share your thoughts is coming up on Saturday, January 21 at our monthly District 63 Town Hall. Join us this Saturday at 1 pm at Hiawatha School Park - 4305 E 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Protecting Reproductive Freedom
Politics have no place in a doctor’s office. When the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer, it threw out half a century of constitutional precedent protecting abortion rights. Now, state legislatures are on the front lines of protecting reproductive freedom.
In Minnesota, we have a Minnesota Supreme Court decision, Doe v. Gomez, that protects the right of Minnesotans to choose to have an abortion. But as we saw at the federal level, we know that the makeup of our judiciary and legal precedent can change over time.
Last night, we passed HF1 to establish the fundamental right of Minnesotans to make their own reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians. Reproductive freedom was on the ballot in last year’s election, and voters elected candidates who trust Minnesotans to make their own health care decisions. I will always trust Minnesotans to make their own reproductive choices.
Banning Conversion Therapy for Children
This week, the House Human Services Policy Committee voted to advance a ban on conversion therapy. Conversion therapy includes a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy is not therapy at all — it’s been denounced by every mainstream medical and mental health association, including the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. This bill would protect teens and young adults from being coerced into treatments that are inhumane and lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide. It’s our job to act to protect our LGBTQ youth in every corner of our state.
Restore the Vote
This Thursday, the House Public Safety Committee held the second hearing for the “Restore the Vote” legislation, (HF 28), in the Minnesota House. The bill is chief authored by my colleague and Inclusive Democracy Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Cedrick Frazier.
Restoring the freedom to vote for Minnesotans is key to ensuring that everyone in our community has a voice in our democracy. Minnesota has one of the nation’s highest rates of people on probation and it is time to restore the freedom to vote for the 60,000 men and women living, working, and raising kids in our community.
Stay 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 or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page for updates.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative and I look forward to working with you to create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!
Best,
Emma Greenman
State Representative