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Dear Neighbors,
We are in the last month of session and there are a lot of things I wish were accomplished by now. We have bills ready to reduce gun violence, save HCMC, increase housing affordability, and so much more. Unfortunately, it is difficult coming to agreements on these critical issues when we are in a tied house with GOP members who seem intent on avoiding governance and blocking key legislation.
They are gambling with Minnesotan’s lives and well-being, betting that a Legislature that doesn’t function will help them in an election year. I will continue to push for legislation that our community desperately needs. There is too much on the line to gamble it all away.
I was so happy to meet with constituents involved with COPAL. COPAL does wonderful work to uplift our Latine neighbors and I’m proud to support them.
School Safety
One area of potential agreement is around improving school safety. Obviously the most important thing we can do to keep our students safe is to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, but we have so far not seen any GOP support for those proposals.
There are several other school safety priorities being discussed at the moment, including increased mental health funding, improved reporting systems, and hardening school infrastructure. We have to make sure to take the right approach, for instance hardening our schools may sound like a great solution at first, but it begs the questions; what are we hardening our schools against? And what kind of learning environment do we want to create for our kids?
We owe it to the Annunciation families and everyone across our state who has been impacted by gun violence to get something done this session to make our kids safer. I will continue to push for and support quality legislation that does just that.
Rental Assistance
Minneapolis residents are now able to apply for rental assistance funded by the City of Minneapolis! The city entered a Joint Powers Agreement with Hennepin County for $2 million to allow their existing contracted community-based providers to support this rent assistance effort. Learn more and apply for assistance here.
At the state level, there is momentum behind statewide rental assistance to help those in need stay in their homes. I’m very hopeful that we’ll get this aid out, and I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the legislation is signed by the Governor!
Boundary Waters
We refuse to let international mining companies and the most corrupt administration in history sell out our most critical natural environment. I have heard from many of you who are enraged by the recent decision in Congress that threatens the Boundary Waters. I am proud to be an author of HF 309 that works to save the boundary waters.
Free Park Day
On April 25th, it’s Free Parks and Trails Day in Minnesota. Four times a year, Minnesota state parks offer free entrance, waiving the need for a $7 vehicle permit. It’s a great way to revisit our local gems or explore a new part of the state. You can use the parkfinder here to plan your next trip.
Minnesota Youth Council
The Minnesota Youth Council holds an annual committee hearing to discuss legislation that impacts our youth. The hearing will be on Thursday, April 30th at 1:30pm in the Senate building. The topics of the hearing this year are:
- Topic: Ending the sale of all commercial flavored tobacco products and enacting policies to reduce youth access and appeal to commercial tobacco and nicotine products.
- Topic: Federal action opening the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for mining and possible state actions. HF 309/SF 875 referenced.
- HF 3409/SF 3803 – Denial of an education based on immigration status prohibited, and civil cause of action provided when right to education is denied based on immigration status.
- HF 4198/SF 4939 – Student mental health grant funding provided, and money appropriated.
- SF 1557 – Constitutional amendment proposal to allow school districts to lower the voting age to 16 for school elections.
- SF 3699/HF 4972 – Civil arrests for persons attending court proceedings prohibited, and civil remedies provided.
- SF 3120/HF 2908 – Children’s savings account program for higher ed and pilot grant project establishment and appropriation.
The council is inviting community members to testify on any of the 2 topics or 5 bills. Testifiers should fill out this form by Wednesday, April 29th to confirm participation. Testifying can take place in-person or online. Youth are especially encouraged to participate.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087.
In community,
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Minnesota House of Representatives
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