Since the beginning of the legislative session, my colleagues and I have been working diligently to advance Minnesota toward a more just and inclusive state. I am excited to share with you all the amazing work that is happening at the Capitol.??
I am passionate about finding solutions to ending homelessness and increasing access for people to purchase homes and have housing stability. I am working on several bills this legislative session to address housing disparities in our community. HF 1214 is a bill seeking to fund a Community Stabilization Project grant for services to renters and property owners in low-income and underrepresented communities. HF 1255 is a state rent assistance program established for low-income, cost-burdened households.??
I had a hearing on my HF 345 legislation. I am working with Sam Diaz and the Pillsbury United Community to revise the academic accountability method used in our education system. This bill establishes a pilot program that requires participating schools to use an equity-focused framework with specific school performance measures not based on test scores, graduation rates, and world?s best workforce goals.?
Investing in our Community??
I have lived and worked in the Rondo community for over 20 years. I want families and people to see why Rondo is rich in history, culture, and beauty. We need to preserve our wonderful community by investing in community spaces. I have introduced a few bills this session in hopes of funding our education, arts, and music programs. HF 869 will seek funding to improve the property of St. Paul; Walker West Music Academy and to support youth music education. I have also authored HF 1154, to invest in the Minnesota Humanities Center.??
Black Maternal Health Caucus?
The Black Maternal Health Caucus launched our legislative agenda for the 2023-2024 legislative session. These are steps we can take to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce mortality and morbidity among birthing Black mothers.
Governor Walz signed the CROWN Act into law. This bill protects Minnesotans from racial discrimination based on natural hair and texture. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues to get this long overdue measure added to and defined in the Minnesota Human Rights Act.?
Juneteenth State Holiday??
We passed the Juneteenth legislation on Thursday which establishes Juneteenth, June 19, as a state-recognized holiday.? June 19 is the date on which slavery is generally understood to have been fully abolished in the United States, following the first public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas on June 19, 1865.
On Tuesday, Governor Walz signed the PRO Act into law, making Minnesota the first state to act on a legislative level to protect abortion rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last June. Now that the PRO Act is the law of the land, Minnesota has put up further safeguards for protecting reproductive rights.?
Last night, the Minnesota House voted to pass the Restore the Vote Act. The bill would restore voting rights to individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of incarceration. Twenty-one other states, including our neighbor North Dakota, has already restored voting rights upon release, and I was proud to cast my vote to join them.??
Voting rights are civil rights. The passing of this legislation is monumental for those who have felt their voices were stripped and forgotten about. The Restore the Vote legislation will give people the opportunity to be heard again and ensures?their voice matters in the democratic process.???
Drivers Licenses for All?
On Monday, I voted to pass HF 4, known as ?Driver?s Licenses for All.? The bill would allow undocumented residents to earn a driver?s license. This measure would impact 81,000 of our immigrant neighbors. After passing standard licensing exams and tests, families will be able to complete essential daily tasks like driving to work, dropping kids off at school, or attending medical appointments. This proposal has broad support from law enforcement, the business community, and unions, who have all testified in support.??
 All of us deserve to be safe when we are on the road, and getting more people to pass a driving exam,? understand the rules of the road, and get insurance will keep all of us safer.?
Please don?t hesitate to reach out anytime with input, or questions, or to let me know how I can be of assistance at [email protected] or 651-296-5158. Be sure to ?like? and follow my new Facebook page. ?
Thank you for the honor of serving our community, ?
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