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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL)

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 22, 2019

Rep. Kunesh-Podein

Neighbors,

If your Thanksgiving holiday is like mine, it involves a lot of family, sharing what we are thankful for, missing those who can't be with us, and watch sporting events. I’d like to thank the communities that I represent, Columbia Heights, Hilltop, New Brighton and St. Anthony Village for the opportunity to represent you all at the state capitol. It is a responsibility I don’t take lightly and be assured I will continue to do my very best to advocate in the best interest of my constituents and of all Minnesotans.


Over the years I have found it difficult to ignore the very real historic pain of our indigenous people at this time of thanksgiving, including a whole branch of my ancestors, who lived on these lands hundreds of years before European colonizers arrived. I eventually realized it is possible to observe the holiday in a spirit of gratefulness; always taking time for a prayer or a moment of silence for a moment of reflection on past actions and to remember the communities, cultures, languages and lives lost as a result of colonization. With that in mind, my best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all.

If you're doing any holiday shopping, I hope you'll make a point to support small and local businesses on Small Business Saturday (and on all days!).  

I know that the shorter days and the cold can be difficult - I just want remind you that Minnesota has a Cold Weather Rule. Currently in effect until April 15, the rule helps protect Minnesotans who struggle to afford their heating bill during the winter. You can find more information on this and other programs on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. No family should be left out in the cold.

Honoring Rep. Diane Loeffler

Last weekend, we lost a friend and colleague, Rep. Diane Loeffler, to cancer. Many of you may have known Diane as she represented our neighboring district in NE Minneapolis. I was fortunate to sit next to Diane on the Health and Human Services Committee and considered her a mentor. Not a day went by that I didn’t tap into her wealth of knowledge and experience - and she so graciously shared what she knew. She always had a kind word for everyone - from colleagues to constituents. She will be greatly missed. I encourage you to read more about Diane and her work here, and there will be a Celebration of Life for her on Saturday.  

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Stay in Touch

Please contact me anytime with questions and input. Feel free to share this email with neighbors who may be interested in signing up for these regular Capitol updates

Have a great weekend and a happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Mary KP