Dear Neighbors,
Coming into this session I heard clearly from you that we needed to take action to pass legislation responding to the epidemic of gun violence and ICE abuses that terrorized our communities. I fought tirelessly to bring home change, but ultimately a tied House blocked this decisive action.
But, I was still able to work with my DFL colleagues to bring forward significant wins for our entire state. This includes; saving HCMC, funding for critical infrastructure with a focus on water infrastructure, $40 million in rent assistance to help those hurt by Metro Surge, property tax breaks, and massive fraud fighting measures to guarantee that tax dollars go where they are needed most.
Investment in our Community
The critical infrastructure bill, shepherded by Capital Investment Co-Chair Rep. Fue Lee, includes a $43 million investment in several projects that are integral to the future growth and success of Minneapolis. Some of the most notable funding includes:
- Critical Water Infrastructure,
- Homeless Youth Housing,
- Southside Avivo campus,
- Roof Depot project,
- and Cedar Riverside Rec Center and other vital Minneapolis Parks funding.
IT Upgrade Win
One major win was when we passed legislation to modernize human services IT software that families, counties, Tribal Nations, and frontline workers rely on every day. For decades Minnesotans have been forced to navigate aging “green screen” and “blue screen” systems built generations ago, systems that slow down services, frustrate workers, increase errors, and make it harder for people to access the support they need. This will increase efficiency and quality of services to make Minnesota a better place to live.
Me with Co-Chair Paul Torkelson (R) and Rep. Steve Elkins (DFL) who I worked with on a bipartisan basis to shape and pass the Human Services IT modernization funding bills, just after the House passed the bill unanimously.
HCMC Saved
A premiere accomplishment for the year includes stable funds to save HCMC and a framework to create a permanent solution. HCMC is a level one trauma center and teaching hospital that serves the entire region. Without it, the entire Minnesota health care system would face catastrophic collapse. The underlying factors that created the problem – health care cuts from the Trump administration and a broken corporate health care system – remain, but the entire state can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the safety net of HCMC will remain open for all who rely on it.
Free Meals Offered by Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) will provide meals and snacks at no cost to all children 18 and younger from June 15 through August 28. The meals and snacks are offered through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. Kids and teens do not need to be enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools; any youth 18 and under may participate.
More than 60 schools, parks, recreation centers, libraries and community sites in Minneapolis are participating. No sign-up is needed – just show up. Food will be provided during specific times and must be eaten on site. Download the “Free Meals for Kids” app to find locations. More information can be found on the MPS website.
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