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Dear Neighbors,

During these chilly last few weeks, the House has been hard at work to deliver on the issues working-class Minnesotans care for the most. From protecting the environment to preserving personal freedoms, here is an update from Saint Paul.

Driver?s License for All

Recently the Minnesota House passed legislation to ensure that every resident of Minnesota has the opportunity to obtain a driver?s license, regardless of immigration status.

This bill rights a 20-year wrong that deprived undocumented Minnesotans of the ability to obtain a driver?s license. Without driver?s licenses, it?s difficult for tens of thousands of Minnesotans to reliably get to their jobs, school, and medical appointments. Passing this bill will restore a privilege taken away by a Governor two decades ago and ensure our undocumented neighbors are able to participate in society with the dignity they deserve. All of us deserve to be safe when we?re driving to work, dropping our kids off at school, picking up groceries, or going to the doctor.

This years-long effort has been led by a broad statewide coalition of immigrant-led organizations, unions, immigrants? rights advocates, and community-based groups. And through their tireless efforts, they built one of the broadest coalitions imaginable in support of this bill: law enforcement, chambers of commerce, agribusiness, faith-based organizations, and workers? rights advocates. We owe them our deepest gratitude.

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Restore the Vote

Last Thursday, The House voted to restore the right to vote for formerly incarcerated citizens.Voting is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and it ensures that citizens have a voice in decisions that impact their lives. Through passing this legislation, Minnesota will join 21 other states in restoring the right to vote.

Democracy works best when everyone has the opportunity to participate and make their voice heard. I am proud to have voted for this legislation.

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Making Juneteenth a Holiday

The House also voted to Make Juneteenth a state holiday. June 19 is the date in 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. Current law recognizes Juneteenth as an official state observance on the third Saturday in June, but does not recognize it as a full state holiday.

Passing this bill alone will not rectify racial disparities and racism in our nation. That's why members of the Minnesota House DFL Majority are committed to investing in Black communities so Black Minnesotans have opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Regulating Harmful Chemicals

The House heard legislation to regulate use of the harmful PFAS chemicals. These man-made chemicals can be found in soil and water at waste sites, food packaging, household products, and even in our bodies. PFAS chemicals have been linked to several health issues such as cancer, developmental, and reproductive issues.?

Minnesota has the opportunity to be a leader in preventing further human exposure and environmental contamination by banning the use of PFAS in these products.

You can learn about them here and watch the press conference on this issue here.

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