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. This is why I was proud to lead my Minnesota legislative colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump and the USDA to remind the Administration that they had both the legal authority and the financial means to fund SNAP for all Americans.
At the state level, I am proud to have fought alongside thousands of Minnesotans to pass the Paid Leave Law after decades of gridlock. Minnesotans value moving forward together. I am beyond excited for the implementation of the Minnesota Paid Leave Law, which 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 – which DFLers passed in 2023 – 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:
 Please contact my office if you have any questions about the launch of Paid Leave. It is important to me that you understand your rights and the benefits available to you and your loved ones.
I want to be very clear: I stand in solidarity with our Somali American, East African, and all immigrant communities living in Minnesota. I joined my House DFL colleagues in making a video standing up to Trump and this ICE operations in our communities.
Every resident 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.
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Citizens may want to fill out an ICE privacy waiver so that if you are detained, federal representatives can work quickly to secure your release. You can find the form here.
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.
I encourage you to share this with your friends, family, and anyone else who might find this information beneficial. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota is also providing legal support to Minnesotans who are detained by ICE.
Please continue to reach out to my office if you have any questions. The Trump Administration’s cruelty knows no bounds, and we need to stay together and support each other in any way we can.
It is a deep honor to serve our district, and I will continue to work with my colleagues, community leaders, and local organizations leading this work to defend our neighbors from the unconstitutional actions of ICE in our beloved neighborhoods.
Cold Weather Rule & Energy Assistance
Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule (October 1–April 30) protects you from utility shutoffs. Contact your utility provider to set up a payment plan. The Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families afford energy costs based on income and household size. Learn more here, though federal funding delays may postpone these benefits.
Stay Connected
As a reminder, House members are currently working in the Centennial Office Building this biennium. I deeply value your partnership in building a better future. Please continue to share your perspectives on the issues that impact our community. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out here.
For meetings: Please email my legislative assistant, Adam Vang, at [email protected] or call 651-296-1926.
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Minnesota House of Representatives
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