Dear Neighbors, 

As we reflect on the closing year, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our district and represent our shared values at the state Capitol. I am also thinking of the Hortman family and many families who have lost a loved one this year. I will be thinking of everyone during this holiday season and wish you a peaceful time.  

While we have many accomplishments to be proud of—including protecting universal free meals, implementing earned sick and safe time, and raising the minimum wage—it is not lost upon me that many Minnesotans and families across the nation are feeling the impacts of failed federal policies. For many, these failures have pushed the American Dream further out of reach. However, when Washington won’t lead, Minnesota will. 

After decades of gridlock, this victory belongs to the thousands of Minnesotans who fought for it—specifically Senator Alice Mann and former Representative Ruth Richardson. Their leadership and tenacity moved this people-powered legislation through the legislature to be signed into law by Governor Walz in 2023. By centering the needs of everyone, from families to small business owners, they helped create a safety net that protects every Minnesotan and leaves no one behind.  

I was honored to author the House bill in 2024, taking the baton to help implement edits and feedback from Minnesotans to prepare the program for launch. Minnesotans value moving forward together, and I am beyond excited to share that the Minnesota Paid Leave Law will officially go into effect on January 1, 2026. 

This landmark program ensures that when a crisis hits or a new child arrives, Minnesotans can focus on what matters most—their families and their health—without the fear of losing their livelihood. 

Paid Leave provides partial wage replacement for up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave for your own serious health condition, including pregnancy and recovery. It also provides up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for a new child, a seriously ill loved one, or for certain military or safety-related events. If using both medical and family leave, workers can use up to a total of 20 weeks annually. A short video explaining the basics of how it works is available here:  

Immigration Resources 

I want to be very clear: I stand in solidarity with our Somali American, East African, and all immigrant communities living in Minnesota. My House DFL colleagues are rallying with our immigrant neighbors by making a video standing up to Trump and this ICE operations in our communities. Over the weekend, I joined neighbors in Southside Minneapolis and community from different parts of the state to say: ICE OUT OF MSP. Watch our video clip here. 

Every American deserves to go about their daily life without the constant fear of being targeted by federal agents, free from the terrorizing threat of racial profiling and political persecution. We must reject any agenda that uses fear and division to subject neighbors and law-abiding citizens to unfair scrutiny and intimidation. 

Our communities must meet Trump’s lies and chaos with real facts and tangible actions. Our dedicated community advocates and organizations are working tirelessly to build a strong defense against federal agents working to terrorize our neighborhoods and kidnap our neighbors. Every person in America has constitutional rights, and it’s important now more than ever to know them and exercise them appropriately.   

Here are some local resources being offered in our Twin Cities communities. Below is a ‘Know Your Rights’ graphic provided by the Immigrant Defense Network.   

My colleagues in the Senate DFL have put together a powerful and practical immigration resource toolkit. My colleagues and in the House have also compiled immigration resources, and they are available for our neighbors in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.  

Please share with loved ones, friends, and those who you think may benefit from the information. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota is also providing legal support to Minnesotans who are detained by ICE.