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Dear Friend,
Ramadan Mubarak to my fellow Minnesotans and everyone around the world who observe! As we continue to observe throughout this holy month may we find reflection, compassion, and renewal.
I am delighted to announce the launch of “Funding Fridays,” a social media campaign to spotlight community-centered projects in Minnesota’s 5th District. This new campaign will highlight the community-based projects funded by the over $54 million I have secured for the district. I am excited to share all of the great work that is being done in our district with you each Friday.
Check out the first video in the series here.
You’re Invited: April 4th Town hall
Join me for a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, April 4th from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM CT.
This will be an opportunity for us to come together and discuss the issues that matter most to our community. I look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible! Register here for the location.
Renaming the Minneapolis Main Post Office
This Monday, I joined Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and members of the community for the official unveiling of the renaming of the Minneapolis Main Post Office to the "Representative Martin Olav Sabo Post Office," to honor the late Congressman's decades of public service to Minnesota. I authored the piece of legislation in the House to rename the post office after the late Representative, who represented our current district, for nearly 30 years. His political career spanned decades, many of those years spent advocating for low-income and middle-class families throughout Minnesota.
Combatting Unpaid School Meal Debt
I recently introduced the National Advisory Council on Unpaid School Meal Debt Act. This important legislation would establish a commission to tackle the issue of unpaid school meal debt in child nutrition programs. The commission will work to develop policy recommendations to address outstanding meal debt, prevent stigmatization of students unable to pay, and support the overall vitality of these essential programs.
As a former nutrition educator, I believe that every student deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family's financial situation. No child should go hungry or be shamed because their family cannot afford school meals. By tackling this issue head-on, we can ensure all students have the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.
Speaking about Reproductive Rights with Tom Hauser
Last weekend I spoke with Tom Hauser, and I was asked about Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Planned Parenthood location in St. Paul, Minnesota. I emphasized that reproductive rights are important because every person should be entitled to safe, quality reproductive healthcare, which includes access to abortion services. Advocating for reproductive freedom remains a top priority as the continued rollback of reproductive rights is visible nationwide. I remain committed to protecting these essential rights and services for all.
View response here.
Voting ‘No” On the TikTok Ban
Last week the TikTok bill passed the House and will now move to the Senate. I voted ‘NO’ and remain opposed to the bill. Minnesota's 5th is one of the youngest districts in Congress, with many constituents relying on TikTok as an important platform for receiving information, creative expression, and even marketing small businesses. Instead of creating actual standards and regulations surrounding data harvesting, this bill would prohibit TikTok from US app stores unless the social media platform is sold by ByteDance. Our regulations should address these broader issues instead of singling out one platform. With reasonable guardrails in place, we can uphold digital rights while still allowing young people, creators, and entrepreneurs to have access to TikTok as an outlet and tool.
Watch my full thoughts on the issue here.
Congressional Passport Day
The Minneapolis Passport Agency is hosting a special Congressional Passport Day this Saturday, March 23rd. This is the perfect opportunity for you to apply for or renew your passport before summer travel season. The agency will accept routine or expedited passport applications – no proof of upcoming travel is required. However, please note that passports will not be printed and ready for pickup on Saturday itself.
Appointments are mandatory, so interested applicants must apply here. Entry will only be allowed with a pre-scheduled appointment.
In Service,
Ilhan Omar
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