Dear Neighbors,
Here are a few updates I have from the Capitol. The POCI Caucus continues to be recognized for our good work this past legislative session, there is an upcoming meeting to meet the finalist candidates for Executive Director of the Council of Minnesotans of African Heritage that I want you to be aware of, and I am also raising awareness about the need for restrictions on the sale of menthol tobacco being considered by the city of St. Paul.
POCI Caucus Recognized by Minnesota Nurses Association
I recently attended the State Convention of the Minnesota Nurses Association, and I was honored to accept the Public Official Award on behalf of all of the legislative members of the POCI (People of Color and Indigenous) Caucus. We’ll keep fighting for Minnesota families of color to do better, and we appreciate the recognition and the motivation from one of our state’s great union families!
Two Generations, One Dream: Student Parents, Higher Education, and Economic Opportunity
Earlier this week I participated in a panel discussion at the University of Minnesota hosted by the Student Parent HELP Center and the Office for Student Affairs along with Representative Ilhan Omar. We discussed the challenges and opportunities that students with children face when they are accessing higher education. This event was in honor of the Student Parent HELP Center's 50th anniversary. Beginning in 1967 as a program for underrepresented students at the University, the program has evolved into a model program supporting students with children.
AALC, NAACP & ALLIANCE CMAH Candidate Finalist Forum - November 2nd at 6:00 PM
The African American Leadership Council, Saint Paul Branch of the NAACP and Saint Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance is hosting a community forum to meet the three candidates for the Executive Director position with the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 North Kent Street, St. Paul in Club Room "C". This position is extremely important to our community, and I encourage you to mark the date on your calendars and attend. The Council is the primary lobbying organization at the Capitol on issues that significantly impact Black Minnesotans. Come let your voice be heard. The AALC will provide light refreshments and Sash Cotton, AALC vice president will moderate the community forum.
Raising Awareness About the Dangers of Menthol
This week I authored a letter in the Pioneer Press outlining why the City of St. Paul needs to take action against big tobacco and their targeted campaigns to get African Americans addicted to menthol. We need to restrict the sale of menthol tobacco in St. Paul to protect the health of Black families. As someone who kicked the habit, I know how hard it is to quit, but tobacco is a destructive force in our community and it’s got to go!
Please contact me if you have questions about these topics, or any other legislative issue. You can reach me at rep.rena.moran@house.mn or 651-296-5158.
Together, we are stronger!
Sincerely,
Rena Moran
Deputy Minority Leader
State Representative – District 65A