I was honored to meet with Bukola Oriola last week
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a busy start to the year as I have had a number of meetings across the district. Here is a recap of a handful of those meetings and information on a number of upcoming events.
Fighting Human Trafficking
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit with Bukola Oriola to discuss ways we can combat human trafficking here in America.
Bukola, a native Nigerian and victim of trafficking, travels around the state and country raising awareness about human trafficking and domestic abuse among undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
In 2013, Bukola established The Enitan Story—a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving victims and survivors of domestic violence and trafficking. For more information about her story and for ways to help, visit her website, www.enitan.org.
Update on Fetal Tissue Research
Late last week, I penned an Op/Ed for the Star Tribune, outlining my opposition to the University of Minnesota’s fetal tissue research program. I was blessed to be joined by 21 colleagues who also signed onto the letter.
I remain committed to ensuring that aborted fetuses are not used by taxpayer funded entities like the University of Minnesota and am hopeful that we will be able to ensure that this practice ends.
You can read the Op/Ed here.
Upcoming Events
The 2016 MCCL March for Life takes place tomorrow at noon. Join myself and other pro-life legislators as we stand for the unborn.
The rally begins at noon on the steps of the capitol in St. Paul. I hope to see you there!
February 6th marks the 6th annual Mayor’s Snowmobile Ride in Anoka. The event begins at the Anoka County Fairgrounds with rider registration at 10 a.m. next to the parking area by the boat ramp.
Pre-registration is $10 per person ($20/person day of event), kids under 14 participate for free as proceeds benefit Youth First Community of Promise and other non-profit organizations.
For more information, visit the city of Anoka’s website.
I would also like to remind all of you to vote in Senate District 35’s special election which will be held February 9th. For information on polling places visit here.
Finally, I would like to offer my congratulations to Katie Crosby, a high school student from Ramsey, for submitting a winning video through Constituting America’s nationwide contest.
Constituting America utilizes outreach such as music, film, internet, and social media to reach, educate and inform America's adults and students about the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the foundation it sets forth regarding our freedoms and rights.
You can view Katie’s winning video here.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
You can also stay up-to-date on everything that is happening in St. Paul by visiting my Facebook page and Twitter account.
Sincerely,
Abigail