Dear Neighbors,
Greetings to you from the Capitol! The third committee deadline is today and we have been busy with committee, floor sessions, and visitors advocating on the issues important to them. I was especially proud to join Muslim Minnesotans from around the state this week who gathered in the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday for Muslim Day at the Capitol. The event had a positive attitude, full of energy and optimism that will be required for the difficult work ahead of us.
Here are a few other updates from the Capitol this week:
House Omnibus Bills
The House took up the Omnibus Tax and Environment bills yesterday and we’re taking up the Omnibus Education and Transportation bills today. Every two years the majority party usually groups each part of the state budgets overseen by individual committees together and pass them as omnibus bills.
Omnibus bills contain many provisions from many individual bills that were heard in committees throughout the session, and regrettably that means that these bills often include provisions that would be harmful to our community, alongside some provisions that would be helpful. If you would like to read more about omnibus bills you can click here.
Protest Bills in Omnibus Public Safety Bill - Monday
As I said above, sometimes omnibus bills contain very bad provisions. Some examples are the unconstitutional protest bills which I’ve mentioned before, included in the Omnibus Public Safety bill that will be heard on Monday on the House Floor. I’ll be sure to be speaking out strongly against that bill on Monday if it continues to include those provisions. You can watch the House Floor sessions Monday by following this link.
New Americans Listening Session - Wednesday
Next week between floor sessions a diverse group of legislators is providing an opportunity for members of our communities to gather and have their voices heard on some of the issues facing new Americans. There will be a variety of legislators joining the event to learn more from the issues you bring. The event will be Wednesday, April 5, from 4:00-6:00pm in Minnesota Senate Building Room 1200. Call 651-296-5285 for more information.
Muslim Day at the Minnesota Capitol
During my remarks at the Muslim Day at the Capitol rally, I got the chance to discuss a religious freedom bill I have authored. That bill, HF 2558, would give students and employees of all faiths the legal ability to take special religious holidays from school or work. For me, it’s about the state of Minnesota showing equal respect for the traditions of people of all faiths.
It was an honor to join engaged members of the Minnesota Muslim community in the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.
You can always contact me at rep.ilhan.omar@house.mn or at 651-296-4257. I appreciate hearing from you.
Please follow me on facebook and twitter to stay up to date and receive action alerts.
Sincerely,
Ilhan Omar
State Representative