Dear Neighbors,
Every day, I am inspired by Minnesotans who are sharing their priorities, questions, and challenges at our State Capitol. Thank you to everyone that has reached out with their stories so far, I’m committed to taking action to improve the lives of Minnesotans and build a state that works better for all of us.
Minnesota House Approves Equal Rights Amendment Bill
Minnesota women deserve equal rights in all aspects of life. All Minnesotans should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender. House DFLers on Thursday, March 7 approved the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) ballot question to let Minnesotans decide whether or not to give everyone full equality under our Constitution. The Republican-controlled Senate is now responsible for determining whether voters will have that opportunity in 2020.
The Star Tribune covered the historic vote here. Watch chief author Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein’s closing speech here.
Local Government Aid
On Monday, I presented my bill to expand local government aid in its first committee. This is aid that the state gives to local governments to meet their needs, help cities run, and help reduce local property taxes. This aid has decreased for a number of years and this bill would restore it to 2002 levels – the highest appropriation paid to cities - allowing communities like ours to build and thrive.
Local government aid is to ensure cities can afford to provide basic quality services in public safety, maintenance of local roads and parks and recreation, and quality level of education, no matter where they live. This bill would help make sure that happens.
Culturally Competent Mental Health Providers
Our overall mental healthcare system needs investment. However, we also need to address the disparities in our system, which currently lacks culturally competent providers. In fact, our entire healthcare system lacks the culturally competent provider. This is an issue that disproportionately affects people of multi-cultural and multi-lingual backgrounds and people in rural MN. I am committed to addressing this issue, and I welcome your feedback on how we can address these inequalities.
MPR
ICYMI - last Friday I joined Angela Davis on MPR to talk about the legislative session so far and the work we’re doing on housing, equity, immigration, and being the largest class of Hmong legislators ever to serve in Minnesota’s history.
Listen to the full broadcast here.
If you ever want to visit, call, or ask a question feel free to reach out at any time! The best way to reach me is at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn and 651-296-3709.
Sincerely,
Samantha Vang |
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