Dear Community,
I’m working hard at the Capitol to advocate and advance legislation that will ease the consequences of federal chaos and Trump political retribution. At the state level we have many resources and reforms we can deploy to improve affordability, provide quality services, and cut costly red tape. We just need the political will to put people over special interests. I’m committed to fighting for legislation designed to improve the lives of my constituents!
Teacher Salary and Healthcare
Teachers are the backbone of our society. It’s because of their expertise and dedication that our children are able to achieve their full potential. But on top of being seriously underpaid, large insurance companies take advantage of teacher plans and continue to pocket higher and higher profits. I wrote a bill to improve teacher compensation and create a statewide teacher health insurance pool to cut out the corporate profit middlemen.
Rethinking 94
Highway 94 is a historic mistake that trampled over historic black neighborhoods and continues to pollute our communities today. Even though the MN Department of Transportation has stated they wouldn’t build 94 if it did not already exist, they continue to push forward with designs that perpetuate historic wrongs. Now, under the Trump admin, federal funds are locked behind making the project more destructive and auto-centric without considering the needs of the surrounding communities. That’s why we need to pause the Rethinking 94 until we can approach the project with health, environment, and quality of life as centerpieces, not century old thinking that causes more harm than good. Please join me in calling on MNDoT to put a pause on this project.
Affordable Housing and Rent Assistance
Housing across Minnesota is too sparse and too expensive. I'm working with my DFL colleagues to pass sweeping affordability reforms. Everyone deserves a place they can call home without breaking the bank. The MN senate passed legislation to provide $40 million in rental assistance across the state, but unfortunately this wasn’t able to pass the house yet because of opposition from GOP colleagues. Read more about what we are fighting for here.
People were not free during the ICE occupation. Minnesotans were illegally profiled and detained, were unable to work or leave their homes, and the least we could do is support them with some reallocated dollars to keep a roof over their heads. The economic disaster from ICE is still ongoing, and we need to do what we can. Watch to hear more of my thoughts on this important issue.
MN Uninsured Rate Rises and HCMC
A new report shows that the uninsured rate in Minnesota is rising rapidly. This is a direct result of massive cuts to healthcare coupled with the ongoing affordability crisis. If the uninsured rates continue to rise we will see huge consequences for our state. For starters this means fewer people getting the care they need, leading directly to more harm. But beyond that we will see a huge financial strain on our healthcare system, just look at HCMC for a vision of what the future holds if we continue to underinvest in healthcare.
I toured HCMC and met with workers and constituents who rely on and make HCMC function. Without HCMC the entire region would suffer terrible consequences as thousands rely on their life saving services. I will do everything I can to pass legislation that funds this cornerstone facility.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087.
In community,
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Minnesota House of Representatives