Dear Neighbors,
On Wednesday I participated in a press conference with several House and Senate colleagues, and advocates to denounce Donald Trump’s executive orders authorizing unprecedented attacks on immigrant communities, including banning refugees, limiting immigration, and ordering federal funds to begin construction of a border wall. I was proud to stand with my friends and neighbors to tell the world that the people of Minnesota will stand up for our immigrant and refugee communities.
We are a nation of immigrants; our diversity makes our country strong and prosperous. Here in Minnesota, we are grateful for all the wonderful ways our immigrant community contributes to the social and economic vitality of the place we can all call home.
Anti-Protest Legislation
On Tuesday, I voted against a bill heard in the Civil Law Committee that would make the public responsible for public safety costs while exercising their First Amendment civil rights. The bill is authored by Rep. Zerwas, and would allow units of government to re-claim public safety costs by suing protesters convicted under unlawful assembly or public nuisance laws. This legislation sets a dangerous precedent for future generations of Minnesotans wishing to exercise their First Amendment right. Our constitution is in place to protect our citizens’ rights to express their opinions in a peaceful way.
Unfortunately, the bill passed on a party-line vote and its’ next stop is the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee. You can share your thoughts about the bill with Chair Cornish here. There is no Senate companion bill.
As always, please feel free to contact me on any issue that you care about. I appreciate your input.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative