Dear neighbors, I have big news from the State House! Democrats have secured a hard-fought power-sharing agreement that honors and protects the will of the voters both in Shakopee and statewide. This agreement is what Democrats have been seeking all along. Thanks to our efforts, Rep. Brad Tabke from Shakopee will serve his term in office, and Democrats and Republicans will share power if the House returns to a 67-67 tie. Committees will have co-chairs and equal numbers of DFL and Republican members. Passing a bill out of committee and on the House floor will require bipartisan support. I’m pleased to report that the 2025 session properly and lawfully got underway on Thursday, February 6. I’ve been working hard in our district over the past few weeks, and I’m excited to bring that work back to the State Capitol. I want to reiterate my gratitude for everyone’s ongoing support during this unprecedented time, I am honored to defend and preserve our democratic integrity. I am committed to working with all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to put Minnesotans first.  I will continue working alongside Minnesotans to build a future where everyone can get ahead, not just the rich and powerful. I will continue to stand up for Minnesotans’ rights and freedoms, and I will do everything in my power to protect people from the chaos, cruelty, and incompetence coming out of the Trump Administration. I value your input and encourage you to continue sharing your priorities and ideas for improving our community and state. I'm committed to representing District 65B's values at the Capitol and advocating for an equitable budget that helps all Minnesotans thrive. SNAP Bill I presented my SNAP bill in the House Children and Families Committee this week! I want to thank my testifiers, Mesa Siebert from Second Harvest Heartland, Janet Gracia, President of the Neighborhood House and Ivette Izea-Martinez from Greater Twin Cities United Way for sharing the important work you do to serve and care for Minnesotans. Minnesota families are facing a growing crisis due to the rising cost of living. Nutritious food is a basic necessity, and it shouldn’t be treated as a luxury. My experience with chronic illness has shown me how essential access to healthy food is, and how precarious the situation can be for those facing food insecurity. For some Minnesotans, it can be a matter of life and death. Reliable access to healthy, nourishing meals is a necessity for every Minnesotan. We must act with urgency to address this critical need, that’s why I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support this bill. This is not about partisan politics; it is about ensuring that no family in our state goes hungry.  Kids Count On Us Roundtable The Kids Count On Us organization has been advocating for affordable and accessible childcare for years. Unfortunately, childcare centers across the state continue to close. Recently, childcare providers, teachers, and staff from various facilities held a roundtable discussion to highlight the precarious situation of childcare centers in Minnesota. These dedicated professionals, despite their long work hours, took the time to educate and inform us about the challenges they face. It was inspiring to be among friends and partners who are also fighting for our youngest children. I am optimistic that we can make progress on this critical issue and ensure that families have access to affordable childcare. This includes supporting the teachers and caregivers who nurture and educate our smallest Minnesotans.  Supporting Youth Minnesotans Once a teacher, always a teacher! There's nothing quite like spending a full day immersed in Minnesota education. I had a productive meeting with our St. Paul School Board Directors, where we tackled legislative priorities and mapped out the 2025 agenda. Later, I had the privilege of engaging with District 65B students from OWL, discussing the crucial role of ethnic studies. The day wrapped up with a stimulating conversation with students from the University of Minnesota's Chicano and Latino Studies Department, where we explored the intersection of ethnic studies and climate justice. It was inspiring to connect with so many passionate individuals dedicated to shaping the future of education in our state.  Celebrating District 65B Achievements It is a deep honor to represent our transformative District 65B. I am excited to share that Open Arms received the Circle of Excellence Award from DHS. In my first term, I was able to carry legislation appropriating $500,000 in fiscal year 2024 to Open Arms of Minnesota for the construction, renovation, furnishing, and equipping of a new kitchen and nutrition counseling center in Ramsey County. This will expand access to medically tailored meals for Minnesotans with life-threatening illnesses. Following their award ceremony, I visited the Neighborhood Development Alliance (NeDA), whose work for over three decades has focused on building affordable housing and empowering communities to create sustainability through financial education and guidance. It was lovely to visit with their staff, the iconic Boricua mama Maritza Mariani, and to reminisce about attending preschool on the West Side.  |