Dear Neighbors –
I was joined at the Capitol by so many of you as we rallied, sang, and moved our feet to push for real legislative action to protect our children from the epidemic of gun violence. It was a powerful first step towards banning the weapons of war that have devastated our community, and so many others across our state and country.
This was only possible because of the advocacy and leadership of our Annunciation communities and South Minneapolis neighbors. The voices of families, survivors, kids and Minnesotans have been echoing through the Capitol halls -- calling on us to act urgently to protect our kids from further tragedies.
The Annunciation Light Alliance with parents and teachers hosted two sing-alongs in the Capitol rotunda offering hope and calling on all legislators to Be Brave as we listen to survivors and the public calling on us to act. They installed 60 empty desks which stand outside the Capitol as a reminder of the lives of children lost to gun violence in Minnesota, and our responsibility to act.
Two of those empty desks inside the Capitol stood to remember Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski with their notebooks, backpacks, volleyball and a batting glove. Harper and Fletcher should be sitting in those desks today, and we must act to stop the next tragedy.
The House Public Safety Committee heard our priority gun violence prevention bills including my bill to ban assault weapons and Rep. Tabke’s bill to ban high-capacity magazines. We heard powerful and heartbreaking testimony from families and first responders, including Harper's parents, Jackie and Mike, Lydia's dad, Harry, and David's mom Brittnay. You can watch the entire hearing here.
Senator Zaynab Mohamed and I joined Governor Walz in support of a comprehensive gun violence prevention package. We were joined by Annunciation families, survivors of gun violence and advocates at a press conference where Lydia Kaiser bravely shared her story and the incredibly difficult road to recovery she’s had since being wounded during the shooting.
It was a hard day, but I was so proud of her and all the courageous families, survivors and students in our community and around the state who are raising their voices and telling their stories to end these heartbreaking tragedies that have taken too many lives.
Before the vote, I read aloud a letter from a 10-year old Annunciation student, who recounted the shooting and implored legislators to “do something to make it right.” As lawmakers with the power to make change, and banning weapons made for war is an easy vote and it’s one we owe to every Minnesota kid. You can watch my comments to the committee here.
It is frustrating and unfortunate that both of these urgent bills were blocked from moving forward by my Republican colleagues who voted with the gun lobby against both bills on a party-line vote.
It’s hard for me to understand how my Republican colleagues could sit through the stories of these families and first responders and still refuse to act. The Star Tribune’s Rochelle Olson also wrote about how GOP members refused to stand on the side of the survivors, families, kids and the 69% of Minnesotans who support our assault weapons and high capacity magazine ban.
But this is only the beginning of this fight, the companion bills are moving forward in the Senate and are still available in the House to be taken up at a later date. We won’t quit until we change Minnesota law to protect us from these weapons designed for mass casualties on the battlefield.
The Annunciation families have vowed to continue to share their stories with legislators, and they are joined by advocates from around the state pushing for real change. I will be right there with you fighting to keep our kids and communities safe.
Stay in Touch
Thank you for your time, energy, and all you do to make our community a great place to live, work, and play. Always feel free to reach out to me with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is rep.emma.greenman@house.mn.gov or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page for updates.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative. I'm very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together and look forward to the work we have ahead of us. Together, we can create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!
Best,
Emma Greenman
State Representative