Having trouble viewing this? View it as a Web page.  Legislative UpdateDear Neighbors, Returning to session since we’ve lost Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, Mark, and Gilbert has been challenging, but what I know about our fearless leader is that this work, making lives a little better was her life’s work, her mission. I know she is with us, pushing us to keep her legacy alive by working for the people of Minnesota. Our first day of the legislative session without Melissa, was a heartbreak and a celebration of this place and this state she held dear.  Melissa lives on in the work we do for our own neighbors, and in the fight for Minnesotans each day. We do this work for future generations, our cherished elders, hardworking neighbors, and our multi-generational immigrant small businesses. We do this work beyond urban and suburban borders for our farmers who feed us and by extension we feed the world. We work on behalf of women whose reproductive freedoms are on the line. We have a duty as public servants to listen first, find common ground, and produce the results Minnesotans deserve. That’s the Melissa way, people first, centered in our mission.  Security Updates at the State CapitolWe all deserve to be safe within our shared communities. My colleagues and I have been working with the Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and Capitol Security all summer, fall, and winter to improve safety at the State Capitol for visitors, staff, and elected officials. The bipartisan Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security commissioned a comprehensive report on Capitol Security and adopted a series of recommendations to enhance safety while maintaining the accessible nature of the State Capitol. Following these recommendations, Governor Walz recently issued an executive order implementing weapons screening at the Minnesota State Capitol for the legislative session. With 37 other State Capitols having some restrictions on firearms or screening, this is an overdue, reasonable step to protect the ability for Minnesotans to safely engage with and observe their state government in action. The screening process will closely resemble other states and entering other government buildings that adopted these measures decades ago. Minnesotans experience these measures at major sporting events or concerts, with modern equipment able to screen most individuals in just seconds, while bags and other large items will need to go through a scanner.  PHOTO: Andrew VonBank, Minnesota House Photography While this process represents a change, we are taking action to keep Capitol visitors, lawmakers, and staff safe. Screenings will serve as a deterrent to those who attempt to bring illegal weapons into the Capitol to commit violence, intimidate, or interfere with the orderly work of government. Additional information is available from the Department of Public Safety. At the end of the day, the Capitol represents sacred spaces where the ideals of our democratic republic are a matter of discourse, lively debate, and the exchange of ideas, where we solve our differences through shared values, not with weapons but words. This is the fundamental basis for our democratic principles. These tragedies have reminded us of our sacred spaces and our sacred mission. Operation Metro Surge The eyes of the world are once again on Minnesota. Two American citizens were killed in the streets of Minneapolis: Renee Good, a beloved mother and wife, and Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse caring for veterans at the VA. Others were also harmed: a man was shot in the leg; a grandfather was dragged into the bitter cold without clothing in a case of mistaken identity; a disabled woman with a brain injury was ripped from her car; and a pregnant woman was pulled across icy gravel. Five-year-old Liam, in his now-iconic bunny hat, was detained. These are just some of the stories of neighbors who suffered for being in the wrong place at the wrong time — or simply for exercising their First Amendment rights. I welcome collaboration amongst government at all levels with the aim to keep all our neighbors safe and adhere to all state and local laws and uphold our Constitutional rights. I’m deeply troubled by the lack of training of these federal agents. While I am proud of the high standards of our local Maple Grove law enforcement, why would we demand any less than the same level of integrity and professionalism from these federal employees? Federal agents should be held to these same high standards as we all defend the Constitution and uphold our laws. No one is above the law. Let me be clear: violent criminals have no place in our communities, but ensuring public safety means we must fully train immigration enforcement agents carrying out those operations to meet or exceed these standards in carrying out their duties. Their tactics should match their mission and yet they have not. Nearly 75% of detainees have no criminal record at all, while the data reflects that the “worst of the worst” are primarily the result of Minnesota agencies handing over these criminals in cooperation with federal agents, not through harsh tactics inflicted on our neighbors and our businesses. As a legislator who takes fiscal management seriously, I am troubled that federal immigration enforcement and border patrol officers have run an open tab, totaling approximately $203 million of taxpayer dollars during their time here, with hotel costs alone at $360,000 per night. A month-long hotel stay is costing Minnesota taxpayers $10 million. Moreover, we estimate $80 million in losses a week for Minnesota business like those in Maple Grove that form a huge part of our economy and tax base, serving our neighbors each end every day, while U.S. citizens stay home in fear, and our children are too afraid to go to school, erasing recent gains to get kiddos back on track after the pandemic. Minnesotan taxpayers should not foot the bill for being terrorized in their own communities, while children, families and our businesses were made to suffer. Connected to CommunityAs I mentioned above, everyone deserves access to the care they need, especially when it’s critical. Earlier this week, I visited the Hennepin County Medical Center, Minnesota's largest trauma center and a vital regional asset, was inspiring. While the hospital serves Maple Grove residents, 60% of its critical care patients come from rural Minnesota, and Hennepin Health has trained over half of the state doctors and surgeons at this one facility, a testament to their proud partnership with the University of Minnesota. It was especially meaningful to visit the Emergency Department and Cardiac Critical Care Unit, where my mom spent 47 years as a dedicated nurse and passionate patient advocate. Caring for others runs in my family. I’ll always work to care for yours.  Stay Connected!Please always feel free to reach out with questions, input, or to let me know how I can help. I appreciate hearing from you! It is a great honor to represent our Maple Grove neighbors in the Minnesota House. Sincerely, Kristin Bahner
Your State Representative Representative Kristin Bahner5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155 |