It’s this spirit of powerful togetherness that I took to the legislature this session, working to help our communities recover from a federal occupation, heal from traumatic gun violence, and get ahead in an economy where big corporations continue to squeeze everyday families. Progress was an uphill battle in our tied House, and though we protected hard-fought wins, too often Republican obstruction meant that we weren’t able to meet this moment in the ways our community and state needs. Still, there were important victories that will improve lives. As the DFL Chair of the Housing Committee, I led efforts to deliver $100 million toward new, affordable homes, and $40 million in emergency rental assistance. We saved HCMC, passed protections to ensure the integrity of public dollars, and approved an infrastructure bill that’ll bring $2 million to our district to reconstruct Nicollet Avenue. There’s much more work to do. We need to hold the federal government accountable for Operation Metro Surge and protect the rights of citizens. We need to ban weapons of war and increase mental health supports for students. And we need to make life more affordable for Minnesotans by cracking down on corporate greed. Again, I have never been more proud to represent our strong, caring, and resilient community. It's what gives me hope that although the session has ended, we will organize in partnership and ultimately win these victories to create an even better future for all. Though session is over, please continue to reach out with anything you or your family needs. Productive legislative sessions start with the work we do in the interim. You can reach me at rep.michael.howard@house.mn.gov or (651) 296-7158, and follow along on my official Facebook page. In solidarity, Michael Howard |