Dear Neighbors,

We have concluded another productive week of session. As always, I and many other Senators, continue to work toward serving our constituents and strive to create a greater and more equitable Minnesota. 

Native American Caucus send letter to Representative Stauber

This week the Native American Caucus of the Minnesota Legislature sent a letter to Representative Peter Stauber condemning his opposing statement to the appointment of Representative Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Representative Haaland would be the first Native American to serve as the Secretary. 

"As members of the Native American Caucus and over 50 members of the Minnesota Legislature, we write to express our dismay and disappointment and request that you withdraw your opposition to the appointment of Representative Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

At a time when our state and national leaders must “heal the soul of America”, as our President has promised to do, we cannot think of a single greater act to begin that promise than by endowing a Native authority over the nation’s stolen lands and empowering her to build lasting, nation-to-nation, relationships with our country’s first peoples. 

Now is the time to join together to rebuild our state economy, create jobs, and heal our nation from the devastation of the pandemic. It is disingenuous, especially at this moment in history, to further divisions and raise frivolous oppositions."

The Inauguration of President Joe Biden

On January 20th we saw history made with the Inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris. The inauguration of a new President has always been a major event for our nation. Often attracting large crowds nearing hundreds of thousands all coming together to celebrate and experience democracy unfold. 

This year we saw no large crowds of every day citizens. Instead we saw thousands of national guard members, across a secured national mall, and thousands of American Flags planted across it. This inauguration most certainly felt heavier than previous years, but for many this new administration is the first step towards unity. President Biden called for Americans to give him a chance to demonstrate that he will be a President for America, not only to those who have voted for him. On his first day in office President Biden summited over a dozen executive orders ranging in policy.

Education Finance and Policy Committee Hearing 

Many schools in Minnesota have been holding classes either virtually or in a hybrid in-person/virtual model as COVID-19 cases surged across the state. Elementary schools were allowed to re-open under the state’s Safe Learning Plan this week.

As a member on the E-12 Education Committee I had the opportunity to hear from school administrators, school board members, and one outside group about ideas for helping schools move forward.

Presenters at the meeting told how year-round school models can help students catch up with learning. That a distance learning academy that combines on-line classes for some students can provide more options, especially for secondary students and that tutoring programs are more important now to get students up to speed during the pandemic.

Keep in Touch

As your State Senator I aim to always be available to hear any concerns you may have and to help in any issue.

You can always contact me at:

95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2323
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-4334

All the best,

Senator Mary Kunesh