Dear Neighbors,
Greetings to you from the Capitol! The second committee deadline is today. That means that policy bills have to be completely through the committee process in both chambers in order to still be continue in the legislative process. The third deadline is March 31st, which is the last day for committees to pass a bill with a major appropriation or fiscal impact. The rest of the month will be very busy at the Capitol before deadlines pass. Here are some updates from a busy week!
Federal Courts Stop Trump’s Second Refugee Ban
Last week I released a complete statement on the White House Executive Order that continues to discriminate against Muslim refugees. This executive order doesn’t protect our safety here, and actually deeply harms many American communities. I am encouraged by the federal courts in Hawaii and Maryland that have stopped President Trump’s second attempt to implement the “Muslim ban” he promised in his campaign. You can read more here.
Anti-Protest Bills - Governor Dayton must hear from you
If you have thoughts on the unconstitutional anti-protest bills (HF 390 and HF 1066) currently moving at the Capitol, I would encourage you to call Governor Dayton's office and share your concerns at 651-201-3400.
These bills are an unconstitutional threat to our first amendment rights and they are the same types of initiatives that white supremacists used in attempts to stop the protests of the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. They would increase criminal penalties for blocking highways, airports and public transit to a gross misdemeanor. Speaker Daudt has called this “a top priority,” and both of the bill authors have expressed that they authored these bills to put protesters in jail.
The increased penalties in these bills would subject nonviolent protesters to penalties stronger than those for first time offenders of violent crimes like assault, domestic violence and sexual assault. These anti-protest bills seek to prevent peaceful protest by arresting people, instead of addressing the issues Minnesotans are protesting to solve.
Immigration Fair – Thank you!
I was pleased to provide an opportunity to assist those with questions about immigration at the Immigration Fair I hosted last weekend. Please continue to reach out if you have more questions or if I can be of assistance.
Homeless Day at the Capitol
I met with constituents who were lobbying to raise awareness about the need to end homelessness in Minnesota. They were a powerful presence at the Capitol this week!
Hearings in Higher Education this week -
Several testifiers joined me for two bills relating to student success that I’ve authored that were heard in the Higher Education Committee this week.
HF 2257 would help make child care grants available to more student parents. The bill will be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Ed finance bill.
HF 1577 would ensure information and services necessary for success are available to pregnant students. The bill will now need to be heard in the Health and Human Services Finance committee.
You can always contact me at rep.ilhan.omar@house.mn or at 651-296-4257. I appreciate hearing from you.
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Sincerely,
Ilhan Omar
State Representative