Dear Neighbors,
This week DFLers introduced another slate of bills to address fraud, gun violence prevention, and holding ICE and federal entities accountable.
In my last newsletter, I shared that I was proud to present legislation in the Housing Committee to extend the statewide eviction notice from 14 days to 30 days. I want to thank my testifiers and the many advocates who sent in letters of support.
This week, the bill was brought before the committee again, giving me an opportunity to advocate for its importance and share more details on the urgency of the matter. This legislation is a win-win: it helps renters stay housed and ensures landlords meet their bottom line. While it is unfortunate the bill did not pass this time, I am determined to continue dialogue with my Republican counterparts.
Everyone should recognize the state of emergency many Minnesotans are facing and the urgent need for rental assistance to help our residents stay in their homes.
You can watch the committee hearing here.
My office is glad to share the growing curated list of local restaurants and small businesses to support in our district and surrounding neighborhoods. If your favorite spot is missing, let me know and I'll pass it on to the community members working on this list.
Taking Action to Prevent Gun Violence
Two empty school desks currently sit in a corridor of the State Capitol. They belonged to Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, whose lives were taken last August during the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting. Since this tragedy, we’ve continued to hear directly from survivors of gun violence and loved ones of those who’ve been lost, calling for action to prevent more heartbreaking losses in the future.
My House DFL colleagues and I are united in seeking bold action to ban assault weapons, ban high-capacity magazines, reenact the ban on binary triggers, require the safe storage of firearms, regulate so-called “ghost guns,” and require lost or stolen guns to be reported. This week in the Public Safety Committee, Jackie Flavin—mother of Harper Moyski—shared gut-wrenching testimony. It’s disappointing Republicans remained unmoved and voted against both bills.
We know these policies are effective in saving lives, and they are supported by 70% of Minnesotans. It’s up to Republicans to tell us where they stand: with Minnesotans who deserve to be safe, or the gun lobby. With a tied House, all it takes is one of them to join us to say “enough” and advance these and other key solutions that will make a difference in our communities. Fletcher and Harper should still be in school today. We owe it to them and their families to act.
Northside Mutual Aid Event
Join us for an evening dedicated to the power of grassroots support in North Minneapolis. Our community-led efforts ensure that neighbors have access to food, pet supplies, and emergency care—but to sustain this vital work, we need your partnership.
- When: Wednesday, March 4
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Where: North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center (2825 N 2nd St, Mpls)
Featuring: North Mpls Mutual Aid, Northside People’s Pantry, North Mpls Pet Resource Center, and Near North Mutual Aid & Community Care.
For more information visit: https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org/
Let’s Stay Connected!
I deeply value being in this work to improve lives with you. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. Please reach out anytime if you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions at rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn.gov or 651-296-8659.
In community,
Rep. Esther Agbaje
Minnesota House of Representatives (59B)
Legislative Assistant
Aishat Tiamiyu
aishat.tiamiyu@house.mn.gov
651-296-4165
Due to technological limitations, this mailbox is not monitored. To reach Rep. Esther Agbaje directly, please email rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn.gov