Dear Neighbors,
We are in the last month of session and there are a lot of things I wish were accomplished by now. We have bills ready to invest in critical infrastructure, save HCMC, fight fraud, increase housing affordability, and so much more. Unfortunately, politics is increasingly coming into play, and it appears that some lawmakers have decided that getting nothing done is their goal.
They are gambling with Minnesotans’ lives and well-being, betting that a Legislature that does not function will help them in an election year. I will continue working hard through the final day to push for legislation that our community desperately needs. There is too much on the line to gamble it all away.
School Safety
One area of potential agreement is around improving school safety. Obviously the most important thing we can do is to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, but seeing as my GOP colleagues are allergic to saying the word “gun,” we have to consider other options available to us. There are several proposals being discussed at the moment, including increased mental health funding, improved reporting systems, and hardening school infrastructure. We have to make sure to take the right approach, for instance hardening our schools may sound like a great solution at first, but it begs the questions; what are we hardening our schools against? And do we want our kids to learn in a friendly and welcoming environment or in prison style schools?
We owe it to the Annunciation families to get something done this session to make our kids safer. I will continue to push for and support quality legislation that does just that.
Rent Assistance
Minneapolis residents are now able to apply for rental assistance funded by the City of Minneapolis! The city entered a Joint Powers Agreement with Hennepin County for $2 million to allow their existing contracted community-based providers to support this rent assistance effort. Learn more and apply for assistance here.
At the state level, there is momentum behind statewide rental assistance to help those in need stay in their homes. I don’t want to promise too much as in a tied House things could change, but at the moment, I’m very hopeful that we’ll get this aid out. I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the legislation is signed by the Governor!
Rent Assistance
Minneapolis residents are now able to apply for rental assistance funded by the City of Minneapolis! The city entered a Joint Powers Agreement with Hennepin County for $2 million to allow their existing contracted community-based providers to support this rent assistance effort. Learn more and apply for assistance here.
At the state level, there is momentum behind statewide rental assistance to help those in need stay in their homes. I don’t want to promise too much as in a tied House things could change, but at the moment, I’m very hopeful that we’ll get this aid out. I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the legislation is signed by the Governor!
Boundary Waters
We refuse to let international mining companies and the most corrupt administration in history sell out our most critical natural environment. Shame on GOP Legislators for betraying their state, we won't forget. We also won't back down, Minnesota is for Minnesotans, not corporate mining exploitation. We will save the Boundary Waters!
Get involved here.
Ban on AI ‘Nudify’ Apps Passes
We passed nation-leading legislation to ban this exploitative and harmful technology in Minnesota. The bill will ensure Minnesotans don’t have to fear having their public photos turned into explicit imagery without their consent, and it will empower victims of this technology to sue those who unlawfully use or promote it.
Governments around the world have failed to react quickly enough to the dangers of AI. But here in Minnesota, thanks to the brave advocacy of victims of this exploitative AI technology, we’re stepping up and taking action.
Free Park Day
On April 25th, it’s Free Parks and Trails Day in Minnesota. Four times a year, Minnesota state parks offer free entrance, waiving the need for a $7 vehicle permit. It’s a great way to revisit our local gems or explore a new part of the state. You can use the parkfinder here to plan your next trip.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions or comments on our work, now is a great time to touch base! Please feel free to contact my office at (651) 296-4257 or rep.mohamud.noor@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mohamud Noor
State Representative
District 60B