¡Hola! Neighbors,
Last week, the Minnesota House passed House File 2, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. This legislation has been in the works for nearly a decade and now is the time to deliver on our promise to Minnesotans. Too often, many workers in our state face the impossible choice of either going to work to earn a paycheck or staying home to take care of themselves or a sick family member.
While some workers have jobs that provide paid sick leave, thousands of Minnesotans do not have access to a single paid day off. Additionally, those in the lowest wage positions and our BIPOC community members face stark disparities. I was proud to vote ‘yes’ to ensure every Minnesotan is protected by a safety net that uplifts humanity.
Legislative Updates:
Conference Committees Underway
Conference Committees are committees made up of members from the House and Senate appointed to reconcile the differences between two versions of an omnibus bill. This is an important time to collaborate with our colleagues and make comprehensive compromises to ensure the bill is reflective and responsive to our communities.
I was selected to serve on the Early Education conference committee. I look forward to meeting with my colleagues and advocating for bill that will offer affordable early education and services for all Minnesotan families.
Our Three Newest Laws
Governor Walz signed three bills into law, all of them making Minnesota a more welcoming, science-following, rights-protecting state. We banned conversion therapy, protected access to abortion, and did the same for gender-affirming care by making Minnesota a safe state for trans refuge. These vital new laws loudly proclaim Minnesota will take you, as you are, with open arms.
The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act is necessary to protect the rights and access to reproductive health care for all Minnesotans, the health care providers who offer reproductive health care, and those from other states seeking care. It is deeply troubling to see laws pass whose sole purpose is to punish people who perform reproductive healthcare.
I was proud to carry this bill which creates strong protections for Minnesota’s healthcare providers and citizens against legal attacks and criminal penalties from anti-abortion extremists in other states.
Legalization of Adult-use Cannabis
Advocates and changemakers have been working on this legislation for nearly a decade. The versions constantly changed to reflect the need and justice for our BIPOC communities. I am beyond proud of my colleagues for finally passing the bill off the House floor. Minnesota’s current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good. By creating a regulatory framework, we can address the harms caused by cannabis, establish a more sensible set of laws, improve our healthcare & criminal justice systems, and ensure better outcomes for communities. Minnesotans deserve the freedom and respect to make responsible decisions about cannabis use themselves.
Community Engagements
Thanks to all of the folks that came out to our town hall at the Frogtown Community Center!
I’m so grateful to have constituents who are willing to show up and engage with the issues that matter to them#SD65A
Happy Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month! The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese community to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.
During this wonderful month, we wish our AAPI communities a joyous gathering to celebrate achievements and milestones. May you indulge in songs, food, ritual, and stories with your families and loved ones.
Let us also strive to find humanity in each other as we uplift and celebrate the cultures and traditions of our AAPI community.
Learn more on AAPI Heritage Month: https://asianpacificheritage.gov/about/
5co de Mayo Festival
I want to thank the organizers and community leaders at Westside Boosters for hosting an amazing community event to celebrate Mexican cultural pride, courage, and resilience. Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.maria.isa.perez-vega@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9714. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
Gracias,
Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega
Minnesota House of Representatives
Committee Assignments:
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Housing Finance and Policy
Education Finance
Legislative Assistant
Sebastian Gonzalez-Navarro
sebastian.gonzalez-navarro@house.mn.gov
651-296-6754