Neighbors,
Today marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions of women in history and to celebrate the achievements of women today.
I couldn’t imagine a better time to pass a bill putting an Equal Rights Amendment on the ballot, declaring that equality under the law shall not be abridged or denied on account of gender. Minnesotans, both men and women, deserve nothing less than equality and fairness. Gender discrimination is still far too common, and I’m hopeful that in a House vote next Thursday, we will pass this bill and send it to the Senate for approval.
Here is more information on Women’s History Month and how you can participate in Minnesota.
Saving Lives
Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want their representatives to address gun violence. This week the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee went late into the night hearing two bills to address the epidemic of gun violence in our communities. Under current law, background checks aren’t performed when guns change hands between non-licensed dealers. HF 8 would require criminal background checks to be performed all gun sales. These background checks are an effective way to make sure that people with a history of domestic violence or other violent crimes aren’t able to access guns. Evidence shows expanded background checks will save lives, and states which have taken this approach have experienced lower homicide rates, lower firearm suicide rates, and less firearm trafficking.
HF 9 would create “red flag laws,” allowing Minnesotans to petition a court if they see someone is in danger of harming themselves or others. On average, someone in Minnesota commits suicide with a gun every single day, often after showing signs of mental distress or violence. These laws would help save lives and prevent these tragedies.
Teachers of Color
I had a hearing this week in the Education Policy committee on my bill to increase the percentage of teachers of color and indigenous teachers, which currently make up approximately 4 percent of all educators, while 34 percent of students are students of color. This bill will create system changes to finally start increasing the percentage of teachers of color, and close achievement gaps for students in our state. The bill will be heard next in the Ways and Means committee. You can read more here.
Floor Vote
Late last night the House passed a bill to fix the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS), which has had a high-profile IT problems. Issues with systems of this magnitude are pervasive in the private and public sectors, and cause frustration for Minnesotans when they update vehicle registration, need license plates, tabs, or to change titles. Minnesotans deserve a licensing system that works, that’s efficient, and that gets fixed when it isn’t working. I was glad to bring relief to the crew of incredible, solution driven team with funds to compensate MNLARS employees for keeping things running smoothly.
Constituent shout-out
I got the chance to meet and listen to students from St. Anthony Middle School and St. Anthony Village High School during Youth Day at the Capitol this week, and they were a great audience in the Education Policy committee during my testimony on H.F. 250, a bill to require affirmative consent instruction in schools.
I got to visit a group of children from Native Youth, a group that builds youth leadership around tobacco resistance while learning the cultural integration of tobacco.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who came to our town halls last weekend – meeting and hearing from you helps me as a legislator and advocate for our district.
Sincerely,
Mary KP |
|
|
|