 Dear Neighbors, We’re rounding out a busy week at the Capitol! It was great to connect with a coalition working on pre-trial data and bail reform, as well as another group supporting the Minnesota Newborn Act—a bill I am carrying to provide financial support to parents. I’m proud that our Paid Family Leave program gives parents time to care for their newborns, and this act adds to that by providing the financial help needed for essential baby supplies. I’ll keep fighting for this bill and working with my colleagues to pass it into law.  It’s been another busy week at the Legislature as we work 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 Top Priorities Gun violence prevention and addressing fraud have also been top priorities for me and my colleagues. Every public dollar should be used for the public good — not to enrich scammers, shell companies, or criminals who exploit Minnesotans. DFLers are furious that taxpayer dollars meant to support families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children have been stolen through fraud. That’s why we’re serious about preventing and prosecuting fraud. We will stop fraud before it starts, hold those responsible fully accountable, and protect the programs that serve the most vulnerable Minnesotans.  Jackie Flavin and her husband, Mike Moyski—parents of Harper Moyski, who was killed in the Annunciation School shooting—provided gut-wrenching testimony during a House bill hearing to ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. Republicans were too cowardly to look the parents and survivors in the eye after voting against the ban in committee. The couple wrote about their experience at the hearing and expressed their determination to create change, so no other family has to endure the trauma of losing a loved one to gun violence. Read the article here. No offers to work together to change bills, just outright refusal to do any work on gun violence prevention. Shame on them. Minnesotans deserve better. This fight is not over. We know we are on the right side of history along with 79% of Minnesotans who are demanding change. We’ll continue to work with families, survivors, and advocates to pass meaningful legislation to mitigate the gun violence epidemic affecting our communities.  I’m proud to be the author of the safe storage of firearms bill. We must protect our children and our communities from preventable deaths. Protecting our children shouldn't be a partisan issue; Republicans need to stand with Minnesotans, not the gun lobby. Keep in Touch Please continue to reach out to my office to address any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time at rep.athena.hollins@house.mn.gov or call my office at 651-296-4224. You can also follow my official Facebook page. In community, Rep. Athena Hollins Minnesota House of Representatives Legislative Assistant: Emma Erdahl emma.erdahl@house.mn.gov |