Dear Neighbors, We opened the 2026 legislative session by honoring my friend and our former Speaker, Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their dog Gilbert. Our friends will always be remembered; their public service carries on in the work we do each and every day for our neighbors.  The legislative session is underway and we’re working hard to address the issues Minnesotans are asking us to take on. I hope you’ll take a moment to fill out my short, 2026 legislative survey. I want to hear from you about how you are doing. Here is the link to take the survey. Here’s an update from the Capitol: On the first day of session, a new weapons screening took effect at the Minnesota State Capitol for the legislative session. The screening process will closely resemble entering many other government buildings, as well as major sporting events or concerts, with modern equipment able to screen most individuals in just a few seconds, while bags and other large items will need to go through a scanner.  PHOTO: Andrew VonBank, Minneota House Photography This process represents a bit of a change, but I’m glad we’re taking action to keep Capitol visitors, lawmakers, and staff safe. Everyone who participates in our democracy deserves to be safe. Screenings will serve as a deterrent to those who attempt to bring illegal weapons into the Capitol to commit violence, intimidate people, or interfere with the orderly work of government. Additional information is available from the Department of Public Safety. Addressing Gun ViolenceThe generation of Minnesotans currently coming of age doesn’t deserve to accept the deadly consequences of gun violence as normal.  Parents from Annunciation pleaded with members of the Public Safety Committee to take more action to keep kids safe at school. Harper Moyski’s mom, Jackie, gave heartbreaking testimony about having to cremate her daughter twice. This was as a result of what the high capacity magazine weapon did to her 10-year old body. With a tied House, all it takes is one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us to say “enough”. We can and should 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.  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.  Working to Address Teacher Shortages We know Minnesota students, especially those with autism and emotional behavior disorders, are facing a serious shortage of special education teachers.  As I continue to seek solutions to address the teacher shortage in Minnesota, I wanted to share some positive news. A new apprenticeship program I passed into law is making a difference. You can learn more about the program and what it’s doing to fill staffing gaps and prevent burnout by clicking this link. Connected to CommunityMeeting with constituents from our area is the most joyful part of public service. Many Minnesotans showed up to share their priorities and stories with me. Met with these Head Start heroes this week! Their work provides early childhood education and family support services to some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans. The energy and light they brought while advocating for their students were inspiring. Even as federal cuts threaten ongoing investment, they're not giving up on our neighbors.  Great to meet with my constituent visiting with LIUNA. When we can secure high-wage construction jobs, strengthen worker safety, and invest in critical infrastructure, everybody thrives.  Our beautiful Boundary Waters are the natural crown jewels of Minnesota. It was great to visit with constituents advocating with the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness to protect the BWCA for future generations.  I appreciated meeting with representatives from the Black Farmers and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to discuss future partnerships.  Farm to Food Program In 2025, House DFLers passed the Farm to Food program, which supports local farmers and gets food to Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity. In short: connecting local food to local people. That program is now open for applications.  Full grant eligibility requirements and application details are available on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Food Security webpage. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime with your thoughts, questions, or ideas. I love hearing from you. Due to technological constraints, direct replies to this newsletter won’t reach my inbox. Please send an email directly to rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov. Thank you for the honor of working for you at the State Capitol. Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |