Dear Neighbors,
Happy summer! I hope you’re enjoying it, and are staying cool during this heatwave and safe from the smoke due to the wildfires up north. The frequency and persistence of these widespread fires in recent years is yet another example highlighting the urgency of tackling climate change.
Nevertheless, if you don’t have air conditioning and need a spot to cool off, head to one of Saint Paul’s rec centers or libraries, many of which have events and programming scheduled! Ramsey County has some helpful resources, too.
There are a couple of events coming up this summer I’d like to highlight for you. On Thursday, July 30 at 6pm, Como Community Mutual Aid is hosting a community meal at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. The organization has done some terrific work stepping up to help our neighbors during incredibly difficult circumstances this year. This event will be another opportunity to connect with neighbors so everyone can thrive.
On Saturday, August 15 from noon-2pm, you’re invited to attend a Parking Lot Party at Rainbow Child Development Center (605 Como Ave). There will be food and plenty of fun activities! RSVP here.
Reflecting on the Legislative Session and New Laws
Despite a 67-67 tie in the House, lawmakers found some common ground by passing a supplemental budget and addressing some urgent priorities for Minnesotans. We strengthened safeguards against fraud, provided a critical lifeline for Hennepin County Medical Center, invested in emergency housing assistance, boosted property tax refunds, provided relief from volatile gas prices due to Trump’s war in Iran by lowering tab fees, delivered a $1.2 billion infrastructure & jobs package, and more.
I'm proud of what we accomplished, but the session ended with too much unfinished business due to Republicans blocking action on many issues Minnesotans care deeply about. From protecting constitutional rights and holding ICE agents accountable in the wake of Operation Metro Surge, to banning the use of masks and unmarked vehicles by law enforcement, to banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to lowering costs by limiting influence from corporations and private equity in our economy, the GOP refused to meaningfully engage on much of what matters to Minnesotans.
This work isn’t over. I'll continue fighting for these and other priorities important to our community when the Legislature returns in 2027.
In the meantime, many of the bills we passed this year are becoming law. On July 1, dozens of new Minnesota laws took effect, including measures to help schools establish anonymous threat reporting systems so students and families can safely report concerning behavior, requiring social media platforms to display mental health warning labels (although Big Tech is currently fighting it), and investments from the Capital Investment and Legacy funding packages. Additional laws will take effect on August 1, and nonpartisan House Public Information Services will provide updates.
Paid Family Leave is Making a Difference!
Under DFL leadership, we passed Minnesota's Paid Family & Medical Leave law in 2023 because no one should have to choose between their paycheck and caring for themselves or the people they love. Just six months after the program launched, it's already making a big difference. More than 75,000 Minnesotans have been approved for Paid Leave benefits, including more than 38,000 families who used the program to welcome a new child. Thousands more have been able to recover from a serious health condition or care for a loved one without sacrificing their income or their job.
For many workers, this kind of benefit simply wasn't available before. Minnesota's Paid Leave program is helping ensure that families can navigate life's biggest moments with greater financial security and peace of mind. The Minnesota Reformer published a piece this week outlining how such a massive undertaking has been able to succeed.
I'm proud to have supported this landmark law, and it's encouraging to see so many Minnesotans already benefiting from it. As with any new initiative of this scope, there may be some bumps in the road and improvements to make, but make no mistake: Paid Leave is giving workers the time they need to care for themselves and their families without jeopardizing their financial future.
Last Update
Going into an election period, incumbent legislators cannot send unsolicited communications like this newsletter so as not to provide an unfair advantage. Therefore, this will be my last e-mail update from the Capitol until later this year. To be clear, this is the only thing changing about how I connect with you. I’m still available to listen to your ideas and assist you with any issues you may need a hand navigating in state government, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Please don't hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. Email me 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