Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a nice holiday weekend with your family. Our DFL team is back from our legislative break, and we are tackling a full docket of legislation, focused on building a strong foundation for our communities. Building on the successes of 2023, we remain committed to prioritizing quality education, accessible healthcare, and a secure job market. These investments will foster a thriving environment for families and grow the middle class.
Busy weeks call for productive updates! Here is what's been happening at the Capitol:
New Experience in Committee
I was thrilled to have chaired the Legacy Finance Committee meeting in March! It was my first time holding the gavel in my career at the Minnesota House. I’m grateful for the chance, am thankful to Chair Leon Lillie for the opportunity.
Advocates at the Capitol
I'm always thrilled to join local community advocates for a Day on the Hill! It's inspiring to see so many passionate people advocating for positive change. Your voices matter – keep coming to the Capitol and making yourselves heard! It's an honor to connect with you all and hear your compelling stories. Thank you for the opportunity to be involved!
Safety through Support Act
Last week, I presented my Safety through Support Act legislation in the Minnesota House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. The bill expands visitation rights of incarcerated persons and establishes a task force to approve licensed professionals to access incarcerated persons. It will directly support incarcerated people in prison and will improve outcomes upon release by providing the human connection we all deserve.
We must work together to tear down these arbitrary barriers to visitation. Let families mend, relationships strengthen, and futures rebuild – because a humane society prioritizes connection, not isolation. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future committee bill.
Additional information and documents from the hearing are available on the committee webpage. Video of the hearing can be found on the House Info YouTube page.
Trans Day of Visibility 2024
On International Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the rich history and invaluable contributions of trans, gender-expansive, and two-spirit individuals to our nation. The trans-liberation movement has enriched our world across various fields, from entertainment, sports, and government to economic development. Last year, the Queer Legislators Caucus spearheaded the fight to protect our trans community by advocating for an Executive Order which led to the passing of the Trans Refuge bill. Minnesota has emerged as a national leader in advancing legislative initiatives to safeguard the rights and well-being of its LGBTQIA2S+ community.
We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our two-spirit, non-binary, enby, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community so they can live openly without discrimination and embrace their human rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association. No one deserves to live in fear for wanting to be their authentic selves.
Hot off the Press
Here are a few articles written about me and the work I have been championing at the legislature.
MPR: On Trans Day of Visibility, Rep. Leigh Finke reflects on first year in Legislature and what’s ahead
Minnesota Reformer: ‘We have not finished the work’: Minnesotans celebrate trans visibility day at the Capitol
Los Angeles Blade: Trans Rep. Leigh Finke’s championing progressive change in Minn.
Stay connected
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can follow my new Facebook page or contact my office.
It’s an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative – 66A
Committee Assignments:
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Human Services Policy
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Legacy Finance
Legislative Assistant
Robin Mercer-Taylor
robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov