Restoring the Vote to all Minnesotans
Dear Neighbors,
Tuesday night, I tuned in to the State of the Union address and was pleased to hear President Biden emphasize his strong economic record. As I told KAAL TV, I think when the American people tuned in, they were reminded about all Biden has done to turn around the economy. But at the same time, we know that the job is not done. We understand people are still hurting, and that’s why the President kept saying, “finish the job,” which I thought was powerful. We can help finish the job here at the state level by continuing to fight for economic justice for all Minnesotans!
Last weekend, I was glad to spend time at Hiawatha Homes in Rochester and learn about all the wonderful work they do for individuals with disabilities. With our budget surplus, we have a great opportunity to support the work they do here in Saint Paul.
Restore the Vote Floor Speech
Last week, the Minnesota House passed the “Restore the Vote” Act, a bill that puts Minnesota in line with 21 other states and would restore voting rights to individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of any incarceration imposed and executed by a court for the offense. This bill helps correct racial disparities in representation that arise from incarceration while reducing recidivism by helping Minnesotans reconnect to their communities after they have paid their debt to society.
While this bill is a critical step forward in reducing disenfranchisement, racial disparities, and recidivism, and I was proud to vote in support, I believe it doesn’t go far enough. I spoke on the House Floor about my belief that inmates, who are citizens, who are counted in the census, and who are still subjected to involuntary servitude, also deserve the right to vote while imprisoned.
Voting is not a privilege, but a fundamental right of citizenship. It is an obligation and a duty that should not be taken away or used as a cudgel to punish. You can read my statement on the bill passage and watch my full speech here!
House Floor Votes
Last week, the House passed the Drivers Licenses for All bill, which restores legal driving privileges to our undocumented neighbors. This years-long effort is led by a broad statewide coalition of immigrant-led organizations, unions, immigrants’ rights advocates, and community-based groups. Through their tireless efforts, they built one of the broadest coalitions imaginable in support of this bill: law enforcement, chambers of commerce, agribusiness, faith-based organizations, and workers’ rights advocates. I was proud to sign on as a coauthor and vote in support of the bill!
The House also passed a bill designating Juneteenth as a state holiday last week. Juneteenth is observed on June 19th and marks the date in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure the last enslaved people in the United States be set free, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Governor Walz swiftly signed the bill into law.
Finally, this Monday we passed a bill to increase funding for our Attorney General’s office to help counties prosecute complicated criminal cases. I was proud to support this bill, which was supported by our Attorney General, county attorneys, and the communities and victims looking for justice. We also passed legislation to boost funding for the state’s public defenders—who currently are suffering from understaffing and pay equity issues when compared to public prosecutors. Minnesota is constitutionally obligated to provide legal representation to those who cannot afford it, and this bill makes good on that promise.
Stay Connected!
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.andy.smith@house.mn.gov or 800-296-9249, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!
Warmly,
Andy Smith,
State Representative