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Neighbors,
There's so much happening at the Capitol, here's a quick recap of some of the things I've been working on.
Last night we voted on and passed a bill that would put a question on the 2020 ballot asking you, and all Minnesotans, whether our state constitution should be amended to include gender equality. I was proud to vote for this bill to make equality a permanent guarantee under law.
Years ago when I studied American Sign Language and Deaf Culture at the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development, I never imagined I would be signing and celebrating at the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing Rally at the Capitol in support of communication equity.
I’m proud to be the chief author on HF 1594, a bill to provide funding for job skills training for early childhood education for economically challenged individuals. Through the YWCA, this program would help provide professional caregivers the training they need to fill these critical jobs.
In HHS policy committee this week I presented H.F. 928, a bill to create programs to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and H.F. 975, a bill to create a commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
Minnesotans have sent a clear message: they want their legislators to prevent senseless gun violence now. We can't wait for the heartbreaking death of another child, teacher, police officer or neighbor before taking action. One of the first steps we can take is to empower people to take action when they see signs of a threat to their safety or their community's safety. By allowing Minnesotans to petition a court to prohibit dangerous people from possessing a firearm, we can make our communities safer. I have been presenting my bill, H.F. 9, in committees these last two weeks and hearing Minnesotans' tragic stories of unnecessary gun deaths.
Unfortunately, we are rescheduling our town hall that was scheduled for Sunday, March 10, due to the weather. We will keep you updated as we plan a new town hall, and please stay safe!
Constituent Shout-Outs
Constituents from UMD shared concerns about the rising cost of tuition and aging infrastructure.
Met with constituents on Physician Assistant Day at the Capitol. We discussed ways to improve practice options and decrease barriers for patients.
Connecting with constituents at Realtors Day at the Capitol.
Surprise visit on Dentistry Day at the Capitol. We talked about concerns about the provider tax and barriers to dental care for families experiencing economic hardships.
Have a great weekend! As always, reach out with any questions, concerns or comments.
Sincerely,
Ruth Richardson
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