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Dear John, 968 and 868. That’s how many bills have been introduced in the Minnesota House and Senate already this year – hundreds more than every session since 2009. In this week’s news digest, you will see the results of DECADES of organizing by activists and organizations across the state. Minnesotans were ready for this moment; to see the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act signed into law and to send the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 bill and the Driver's Licenses for All bill to the Governor’s desk for signature. This moment is happening because of years of Minnesotans rising up, organizing around the issues that matter, and electing and co-governing with lawmakers committed to taking action on these issues. And, there’s still more work to be done. Just this past week, Representative Ilhan Omar, who we sent back to Congress, was removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee. One year after his murder, Amir Locke’s family is unable to find peace or justice. The memorial of Tyre Nichols was another reminder of the heartbreak and grief we continue to experience at yet another murder of a Black man by the hands of the police. We celebrate where we are and recommit ourselves towards bold change where all of us can live in joy and dignity. Here’s what we’re reading, watching and listening to this week. 1. Abortion access guaranteed Governor Walz signed the PRO Act into law this week. This law is a backstop expanding greater access to birth control, family planning services and the ability for Minnesotans to make decisions about their health and life. 2. Driver's licenses for all You need to feel the joy of this video of community celebrating at the Capitol this week in the moment that the Minnesota House passed the Driver’s Licenses for All bill, which allows undocumented people in Minnesota to obtain driver's licenses. Communities have been organizing for this since 2003, when then-Governor Tim Pawlenty changed driver’s license eligibility. 3. Carbon-free energy by 2040The 100% Clean Energy by 2040 bill is headed to the Governor’s desk! The 100% bill is a meaningful first step towards a Minnesota that will be livable for future generations. For too long, the fossil fuel industry has exploited the people of Minnesota and the natural resources we love and rely on. Passing this bill is the start – not the end – of building a state that is ready to support and stabilize our communities in the face of climate and economic crises. We celebrate this step and we are ready to keep going! 4. IlhanFellow lawmakers are speaking out against the GOP ousting Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from her role on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Progressive caucus members share that not only is this political revenge and gamesmanship, the removal is a racist attack targeting women of color. But Congresswoman Omar’s powerful voice “will not be silenced." 5. What would have saved Tyre Nichols' life6. Free treatment for the trades7. Sustainable energy and tribal sovereigntyTurtle Mountain Community College is building tribal sovereignty through geothermal energy - confronting the history of colonization via electric co-ops that forced indigenous communities to buy power. 8. Best in SnowTeam Kwe is the only all-Indigenous snow sculpture team in the United States. These snow sisters will be representing Minnesota in the U.S. National Snow Sculpting competition this weekend. 9. What does the fox say?After nearly 100 years, this endangered Sierra Nevada red fox species is saying “I’m back!" 10. Frosty Fobbeis the name of the 30-foot by 20-foot giant snowman that towers over Buffalo, Minnesota. After 60-hours of construction, this “pretty cool” sculpture is warming the hearts of neighbors near and far.
And that’s a wrap! Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to. Until next time, Katie Blanchard (she/her) Jessica Zimmerman (she/her)
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