Dear Neighbors,
The quick pace at the Capitol continues! In between committee hearings and floor sessions I squeeze in as many meetings with advocates and community members as possible. Here are a few things you may have missed.
Childhood Hunger Caucus
The hunger caucus received a briefing from groups who are working to end child hunger. We listened, learned, and are working on next steps. While this is more symbolic than anything else, I am pleased that we finalized the House resolution creating the Hunger Caucus. Here is the resolution if you would like to read it:
A House resolution expressing the sense of the Minnesota House of Representatives concerning the issue of child hunger.
WHEREAS, ten percent of Minnesota residents struggle to provide enough food for their families and one in six Minnesota children are food insecure, meaning they do not have access to adequate food; and
WHEREAS, children lacking access to adequate nutritious food will not reach their full potential due to poor health, increased likelihood of anxiety and depression, and impacts on classroom behavior and performance that will lead to poor academic achievement; and
WHEREAS, more than 200,000 Minnesota children do not have enough food to eat and hunger is an issue affecting urban, suburban and rural Minnesota communities; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota that it believes that no child should ever go hungry and we possess the resources to end child hunger in Minnesota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives is establishing a caucus of Members committed to finding solutions that will eliminate child hunger in Minnesota.
Thank you to Representative Hamilton and the rest of the bipartisan Child Hunger Caucus. It is great working with my Republican colleagues to end child hunger—Minnesota’s most solvable problem. One in six children don’t know if they will have enough food in a day. I am grateful there are so many who are willing to come together to end child hunger. Here is a picture after we signed the resolution.
Coffee and Conversation
My next Coffee and Conversations will be Saturday, March 10th, at 10:30 AM at the Dunn Brothers in Apple Valley (15265 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124). These events are really important to meet with constituents and hear their concerns. I hope you can make it.
Capitol Visitors
Here are some of the constituents and other meetings at the Capitol this week!
It was great visiting with the workers from the Department of Corrections. Minnesota has thousands of dedicated professionals who serve our state, and deserve to have their agreed upon contracts approved without further delay.
Thank you to Homes for All for visiting me. Affordable housing is critical to making Minnesota a stronger state.
Burnsville High Schoolers had their day on the hill. It is always fun to answer their questions. I know these students aren’t waiting, they are ready to lead now.
Warmly,
Erin