Dear Neighbors, The legislative session is in full swing, and it's encouraging to see such strong civic participation at the Capitol. Minnesotans from across the state are attending committee meetings and engaging with legislators on issues that matter to their communities. We’re hearing about the challenges they’re facing, including high costs for groceries, housing, energy, and health care. With the new federal administration, it’s clearer than ever: our economy is tilted in favor of the wealthiest and most powerful among us. My DFL colleagues and I are fighting to level the playing field to give working families the tools they need to succeed and thrive. This year, I’m excited to be serving on the Commerce Finance and Policy and Legacy Finance Committees. In addition, I am Vice Chair of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement and the Chair of the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus.  I’m grateful for the strong engagement from advocates that helps ensure the legislature is responsive to the needs of all Minnesotans. As my colleagues and I continue our work this session, your participation in the legislative process remains vital. Your feedback and experiences help inform policy decisions that affect our entire state.  Red Flag Laws are Saving LivesThanks to the hard work of civically engaged citizens, we have seen the results of strong, persistent advocacy, and one example is in the area of gun violence prevention. Thanks to the many Minnesotans who came to the Capitol, we passed Red Flag Laws which took effect in 2024. These Red Flag Laws were pivotal, as they temporarily prevented individuals who could pose a danger to themselves or others from accessing firearms. After one year since its implementation, these laws are doing exactly what they are meant to do — protect and preserve lives in Minnesota against gun violence. The Star Tribune recently covered the positive impact of these new policies, which you can read here. You can read an interview I did with CBS News on the issue here. Our community provides me the great privilege to do the work I do. Thank you for your continued involvement in shaping Minnesota's future. It really does make a difference. Investing in our CommunityThis year, I’m working hard to ensure we are investing in Woodbury, including my bill creating a sales tax exemption for the water tower and water treatment facility projects. This bill would help offset costs, creating a safe and reliable source of treated drinking water for the people of Woodbury. I am also authoring a bill this year providing investments to our local La Lake Park, bringing in critical basic needs such as running water, permanent restroom facilities, picnicking opportunities, trail connections, wayfinding, and interpretation. My focus remains steadfast on building a sustainable future. KiDS - Keep it Digitally SafeMy colleagues and I often talk about the impact that social media is having on children’s mental health. In the last few years, many of us have worked on bills related to this subject, and that work continues. I wanted to share with you the latest from KiDS - Keep It Digitally Safe, an organization focused on soliciting creative ideas from the public on what social media warning labels could look like and say. The goal is to warn youth and adults about the harms of the social media platforms they are about to use, or are currently using. The campaign actively seeks submissions, particularly from young people, inviting their best and brightest ideas for these warning labels. I encourage you to check them out! Keep in TouchYou can contact me at rep.ethan.cha@house.mn.gov or 651-296-1147. You can follow me on Facebook as well. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Ethan Cha State Representative |