Dear Friends and Neighbors,

What a week.  

The week started out with hope – hope for the new year and a new session.  Then we had Wednesday’s insurrection – the unprecedented attack on the US Capitol and our democracy.  The assault was infuriating but it did not shake my faith in our Country or our State. It deepened my commitment to keep fighting for a better tomorrow that brings economic, environmental, and social justice.  I will not let the destructive, seditious actions cause me to lose hope. 

In this budget year at the MN Capitol, we must prioritize people.  We must develop a budget that rebuilds from the pandemic and creates opportunities for everyone – no matter your zip code, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or race.  I remain hopeful that we can unite and finds ways to achieve that goal.  

I remain hopeful that we can make progress in the vaccination rate so we can gather again with friends and neighbors and enjoy the many fabulous establishments and community events throughout the district.  

The peaceful transfer of power has been a foundation and hallmark of our democracy for over 200 years and I remain hopeful that calmer heads will prevail, and we will have a smooth transition of power on January 20th. 

The DFL members of the MN Senate sent a letter to Pres. Trump and our congressional delegation condemning the violence and sedition.  Here is a link to that letter.  

We have experienced some technical difficulties with email and our newsletter in the last few months. I apologize for the inconvenience.  We continue to work to resolve the issues.  

If you have an urgent constituent issue, please email my Assistant, Tytiana.  The quickest way to reach her is at Tytiana.reid@senate.mn

Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy 2021.   

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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The 92nd Legislative Session kicked off at Noon on Tuesday. It is like the first day of school for legislators, capitol staff, and lobbyists. The swearing in was unique with some members sworn in remotely and others in socially distanced small.  Usually a nice celebration for family and friends, only the 10 new senators could bring 1 guest to watch from the balcony. 

The Senate will start out the Session with remote hearings.  We may go to a hybrid model or in person later in Session depending on the spread of Covid-19.  You can get information on the Senate Committee schedule and floor sessions at www.Senate.mn

The focus this session will be on the budget. We will also continue to find ways to help Minnesotans and the state move forward after Covid-19. I believe our budget reflects our values and will work to develop a budget that improves opportunities for all Minnesotans.  We should not be afraid to look at bold ideas to find real solutions. 

The committees are smaller this year in case we do go back in person. Less members means less committees for several of us.  I will be minority lead on the Housing Finance and Policy Committee.  I will also continue to be on the Tax Committee. 


Pre-Session Virtual Townhall

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Please join Representative Jordan, Representative Noor, & I for a Pre-Session Virtual Townhall on Saturday, January 16th at 10:00 am. This townhall will be broadcast on Facebook.  You do not need to join Facebook to participate. 

Your input on legislation and the budget will be appreciated. You can email me your questions in advance or type them in the comments section during the Townhall. We are looking at other platforms to hold townhalls that allow us to have actual conversations.