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Dear Neighbors,  

This newsletter will be a little more emotional as I want to give you an update from the Capitol on how we’re addressing the disturbing news of César Chávez abusing young girls and women. I led the charge working in lockstep with Reps. Liish Kozlowski, Aisha Gomez, and Senator Dr. Alice Mann, Latine community leaders and advocates to introduce legislation to repeal César Chávez Day in Minnesota [ [link removed] ].  

The pain and trauma survivors carry is a weight that can’t be erased by replacing signs and names on buildings or repealing this state holiday, but it’s a step forward for healing. The harm has been done; the only way forward is believing survivors, providing resources for their healing, and staying committed to the fight for every victim silenced by sexual assault. 

As a survivor, my heart breaks for Dolores Huerta and the countless women harmed and abused by César Chávez. Latine women are disproportionately targeted by sexual violence yet are often forced into silence to 'protect' the reputations of powerful men. This is patriarchal violence: demanding that women of color sacrifice their safety for a 'great man’s' legacy.  

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Dolores carried this trauma for 60 years. As a woman who dedicated her life to bettering our nation’s labor laws, she deserved better. We demand justice for every survivor told to stay quiet 'for the cause.' Her silence was the cost of her activism, but her truth is the path to healing and accountability.  

As a proud Boricua born on this Dakota indigenous land, I know how deep the pain of this abuse runs. From colonizers who stole and raped, to a modern system built on the backs of Latine women—we cannot simply repair what was designed to exploit us. Our grandmothers bore the consequences of seeking liberation; we are the ones our ancestors bled and cried for. I will show up every single time to answer that call. 

As Vice Chair of the House POCI Caucus, I held a press conference to center the voices of our elders and the families who have a long history in our farm and labor movements. [ [link removed] ] It was an honor to stand alongside House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson and community leaders Ramona Arreguín de Rosales, activist, co-founder of Academia César Chávez, and founder of Chicano Latino Studies Department at the University of Minnesota; Emilia González Avalos, Executive Director of Unidos MN; and Monica Bravo, Executive Director of the West Side Community Organization (WSCO). 

Watch our press conference here. [ [link removed] ]  

Last night, we declared an emergency vote on the House Floor to pass my legislation to repeal César Chávez Day. I’m proud to share the Minnesota House of Representatives voted unanimously (129-0) to pass the bill and now its headed to the Senate with a clear route to Governor Tim Walz’s desk! I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support. As Minnesotans, we value taking care of one another; we believe our women and children when they say they have been hurt. We honor those who have shared their truth and those who died in silence. We continue to rise up and will not look away or make excuses.

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I wholeheartedly stand in solidarity with Dolores and other victims speaking out. I also want to stand with my communities as we share being hurt navigating through this disturbing reality. As we heal and move forward through collective action, my colleagues and I are collaborating with Latine communities across the state to craft legislation for a day that honors our culture and movements rather than centering one person. I will provide more details on community hearings and engagement sessions as they are developed. 

Sanaremos juntos, pa’lante siempre mi comunidad.  

*Support and Resources * 

If you or someone you love needs support regarding sexual violence or abuse, or feels threatened by domestic violence, please know that *you are not alone* and confidential help is available 24/7. 


* *St. Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (SPIP):* Provides 24-hour crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and emergency resources. 
* *24/7 Crisis Line:* 651-645-2824 
* *Toll-Free:* 888-575-3367 


* *SOS Sexual Violence Services (Ramsey County):* Offers advocacy, support groups, and crisis counseling for survivors of sexual assault and their families. 
* *24/7 Hotline:* 651-266-1000 


* *Bridges to Safety:* A specialized center in St. Paul for victims of domestic violence to access multiple services in one place. 
* *Phone:* 651-266-9901 


* *Minnesota Day One Crisis Line:* A statewide resource that can connect you to the nearest shelter or advocate. 
* *Call:* 1-866-223-1111
* *Text:* 612-399-9995 

*In an immediate emergency, please call 911.* 

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*Keep in Touch*   

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at [email protected] or 651-296-9714. You can also follow my official Facebook page [ [link removed] ].   

Muchísimas Gracias,   

Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega   

Minnesota House of Representatives 






Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-9714
Email: [email protected] "(replies to this newsletter are not monitored)"

Legislative Assistant: Chris Ortiz

[email protected]

651-296-4279
Website: www.house.mn.gov/65B [ [link removed] ]







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