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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. 

gte
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*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! 

gs
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*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 [ [link removed] ]. Video of the hearing can be found on the House Info YouTube page [ [link removed] ].  

hte
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*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.  

gre
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*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 [ [link removed] ] 
* Minnesota Reformer: ‘We have not finished the work’: Minnesotans celebrate trans visibility day at the Capitol [ [link removed] ]  
* Los Angeles Blade: Trans Rep. Leigh Finke’s championing progressive change in Minn. [ [link removed] ] 





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*Stay Connected*

If you haven’t yet, you can “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page [ [link removed] ] to keep up with my work. I also invite you to contact my office with any questions or comments you may have at (651) 296-3824 or [email protected]. I will be happy to assist you. 

For broader legislative information, you can access the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services for nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily [ [link removed] ] publication.

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  

[email protected] 








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