 Dear Neighbors, It’s always great to meet with community advocates at the Capitol. I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from residents across our state advocating for the issues they’re passionate about. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the chance to meet with union members, healthcare workers, Moms Demand Action, local city leaders, and educators.  This week, the United States Senate voted to take up the debate on the SAVE Act – legislation being pushed by MAGA Republicans to impose additional and unnecessary barriers to registering to vote and voting. The proposal, which has passed the Republican-controlled U.S. House, would require voters to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote, including a passport or a birth certificate. Federal law already requires that voters are citizens and prescribes penalties for noncitizens who attempt to vote. It’s estimated that over 21 million Americans lack ready access to these documents. Roughly half of Americans don’t have a passport, and millions lack access to a paper copy of their birth certificate. Additionally, millions of Americans whose married names are not on their birth certificates or passports would face extra barriers, costs, and steps in the process of registering to vote. On February 27, a group of Minnesota Republicans sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, urging the US Senate to pass the SAVE Act. I joined my Co-Chairs of the Minnesota Legislature’s Inclusive Democracy Caucus in releasing the following statement:  You can read the full release here. Updates on Key Legislation This week in the Public Safety Committee, I introduced new provisions to strengthen and expand Minnesota’s Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation — also known as the Red Flag Law protections, ensuring more loved ones can step in when someone they care about is in crisis. This is about giving families and communities the tools they need to act early — before tragedy strikes. Since the law took effect in January 2024, judges have used it to bar 281 people from legally owning guns for at least two weeks. That includes 10 people who had threatened violence at schools or day care facilities and 40 who openly discussed targeting a workplace or engaging in a gunfight with police officers. Records show some of those people had dozens of weapons and large stockpiles of ammunition, and most of them lost those weapons for at least six months. The data is clear: this law is saving lives. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure we are protecting Minnesotans from gun-related tragedies. Watch my committee remarks here.  As the Legislature is working toward committee deadlines, I’m frustrated by my Republican colleagues’ unwillingness to collaborate in good faith on legislation that brings relief to Minnesotans who are facing dire impacts due to Operation Metro Surge. While the headlines have changed, the trauma and pain are real, and we need to act with urgency to address the multiplying needs of our neighbors. We’ve heard from thousands of Minnesotans across the state who are facing housing instability. I proudly voted for the $40 million emergency rental assistance bill introduced by House Democrats to provide immediate relief to families in need. Unfortunately, Republicans voted against the bill at every opportunity, choosing to maintain the status quo. We gave them another chance to stand with Minnesotans on the House floor, pleading the case of families forced to make impossible decisions—unmoved by the heartbreaking reality of our neighbors, they all still voted, ‘No.’ Watch the floor hearing here.  DFL Affordability Initiatives It shouldn’t be this difficult to get ahead. Working hard and playing by the rules should mean that your family is safe, well-educated, and that you can afford a home, child care, and health care. But far too many Minnesotans feel any chance at the American Dream slipping away and struggle every day just to get by. The status quo is broken, the system is rigged, and Minnesotans are paying the price. House DFLers work every day to make Minnesotans’ lives better. With record wealth inequality, a disappearing middle class, and a system that’s built for the rich and well-connected rather than the rest of us, we’re setting forward a vision of the future where Minnesotans have power and control over their own lives and can thrive. Watch our press conference to learn more on our affordability initiatives. I want to ensure residents in our district have every tool and resource possible to keep life affordable and provide everyone a fair shot at getting ahead. There are several bills working their way through committee hearings but the two I want to amplify are: - Bill to ban predatory surveillance pricing: The bill would prohibit companies in Minnesota from tracking consumer data to increase prices. We are hearing how large corporations and Big Tech use data—such as geography and purchase history—to hike costs.
- Bill to increase homeownership opportunity: The bill would prohibit private equity firms from owning single-family properties and cap other corporate ownership at 50 homes. Unfortunately, Republicans voted against this bill, prioritizing corporations over people.
 Keep in Touch I am incredibly grateful for your continued support and for your active participation in our democracy. It is an honor to represent you and our community at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions you have about legislative matters or to share your thoughts on the issues that are most important to you. Your voice is essential, and I look forward to hearing from you. If you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions, you can reach me at rep.cedrick.frazier@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4255. You can also follow my official Facebook page and the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus page. Sincerely, Rep. Cedrick Frazier Minnesota House of Representatives Legislative Assistant: Emma Erdahl Email: Emma.Erdahl@house.mn.gov Due to technological limitations, this mailbox is not monitored. To reach Rep. Cedrick Frazier directly, please email rep.cedrick.frazier@house.mn.gov. |