 Dear Neighbors, It’s hard to believe we are less than a month from the end of the legislative session. Much has happened over the past week, and I want to take a moment to address two of the latest developments at the Capitol. On March 25, GOP Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls), who is the Education Finance Chair, attempted to end the session by making a motion to adjourn sine die. My DFL colleagues and I defeated the attempt to adjourn on a 72-58 vote. What Minnesotans need right now are fearless leaders willing to act with courage and bravery—leaders who will set aside party politics to make decisions from the heart. We have a moral obligation to do our jobs and represent our constituents at the Capitol to ensure we are passing laws that will make their lives better. Early this session, families and survivors of the Annunciation School Shooting came to the Capitol to share testimony on their heartbreaking tragedy, recounting one of the worst days of their lives. These parents and survivors are demanding change and urging lawmakers to pass gun violence prevention measures to prevent future tragedies, save the lives of innocent children, and increase public safety. In the end, every Republican voted against banning high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. With just weeks left before the session ends, Republicans are trying to save face by introducing a ‘Safe Schools’ proposal that does nothing to address the real root cause and leading cause of death for young people: guns. I spoke on the House floor in opposition to the proposal, watch my remarks here.  Another critical proposal that Republicans voted against funding is the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System for schools statewide. The reporting system is a free, 24/7, national school safety program that enables students and adults to anonymously report, via app, website, or hotline, potential threats of violence, self-harm, or bullying to a Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, which notifies school officials and law enforcement to intervene. This life-saving measure is crucial, yet the GOP continues to prove they aren't serious about protecting our children. It is also very disturbing that Republicans would rather harden schools and expect teachers to put their lives on the line to protect our students— then defaulting to criminalizing five-year-olds—rather than addressing the gun violence epidemic. Republicans would rather go home without addressing the many crises our state is facing like housing instability, food insecurity, economic recovery post-Operation Metro Surge, the potential closure of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), and the federal government jeopardizing our pristine Boundary Waters for foreign mining. Minnesotans have been through enough, and what they need right now are fearless leaders willing to act with courage and bravery—leaders who will set aside party politics to make decisions from the heart. Impact of Operation Metro Surge While the headlines have moved on, Minnesotans and communities are still reeling from the trauma and financial impact of Operation Metro Surge. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum you cannot deny the federal overreach and unconstitutional actions of ICE and federal agents. These cases are now being adjudicated in the courts—and even the judges are confirming what we saw with our own eyes. As the DFL Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, I held an important informational hearing to amplify the voices of small business owners, educators, farmers, residents, and other impacted Minnesotans. The financial toll Operation Metro Surge has had on our state is devastating and, in some cases, dire. We need to act with urgency and offer immediate relief to those who are hurting and picking up the pieces after 10 weeks of occupation. Watch the press conference here.  It is important for recognize the number of immigrants who have died while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody has reached an all-time high this fiscal year under the Trump administration, making it one of the deadliest on record from any president. These deaths are a heartbreaking loss of life. These individuals had families and dreams of freedom; to treat their lives so disposably is dehumanizing and a stain on our shared humanity. Throughout session, my colleagues and I introduced several proposals to safeguard Minnesotans’ civil and human rights against ICE and federal immigration agents to ensure something of this scale does not ever happen again. We all deserve to live peacefully, and our communities deserve to thrive and be celebrated for the diversity and cultural vibrancy that makes us the North Star—a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation. This fight is far from over. I will continue working with my colleagues and community leaders to ensure we provide relief and support to all our neighbors recovering from this militarized operation that attempted to dismantle our state. Keep in Touch As I reflect on this legislative session, I am not discouraged by the GOP resistance; it clearly showed where they stand and which side of history they want to leave as their legacy. I remain committed to fighting for every one of you and ensuring you have the tools and resources to not only survive, but to thrive. Our children deserve nothing less. I look forward to our continued partnership and collaboration to make our district and state better for generations to come. Please contact my office if you need assistance, would like to schedule a meeting, or have any questions. I can be reached 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. |