Dear Neighbors,
Before I get into this week’s update from St. Paul, I wanted to take a moment to wish every mother a very Happy Mother’s Day!
To all the moms, moms to be, grandmas, and more I wish you a love-filled day. My Mother, Edna Mae Baker in Aitkin is one of the greatest gifts ever given to me and my siblings. Love you, Momma!
Standing for Religious Liberty
This week, after months of pressure from the faith community and Minnesotans like you, we were able to finally pass legislation that restores a religious exemption to portions of the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA).
This had been an ongoing issue due to changes made in state law related to gender identity last year. Up until recently, the MHRA included an exemption for religious organizations including churches, synagogues, and faith-based schools to, among other things, hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission and values.
Our vote this week restores these protections that have always existed and are consistent with the constitutional rights enjoyed by all Americans to practice their religion without coercion from the government.
This is a huge victory for religious liberty and our 1st Amendment rights!
Protecting the 2nd Amendment
We secured another victory this week for the 2nd Amendment with news from the Senate that the most recent gun control bill, House File 4300, does not have the necessary votes to pass.
The bill was problematic because it mandated how law-abiding citizens must store their firearms inside their private homes, making it harder to protect themselves and their families in a home-defense situation.
We should be going after the criminals who are making our neighborhoods less safe instead of criminalizing law-abiding gun owners.
This is a huge win for the 2nd Amendment.
Staying in Touch
I had a great visit with 6th graders from CMCS this week.
They got to see the new Willmar Exhibit from Artist John Salgado Maldonado showing the unique diversity and what makes Willmar so special for new residents joining our community.
Go Bluejays!
Keep an eye out for more updates as we are entering the final week of the 2024 legislative session. Thank you for your continued support and for placing your trust in me to represent you, your family, and Kandiyohi County! If you have any questions or comments, reach out to me at rep.dave.baker@house.mn.gov or 651-296-6206.
Have a great Mother’s Day Weekend!
Dave