Dear Neighbors,
Coming into this session I heard clearly from you that we needed to take action to pass legislation responding to the epidemic of gun violence and ICE abuses that terrorized our communities. I fought tirelessly to bring home change, but ultimately a tied House blocked this decisive action.
But, I was still able to work with my DFL colleagues to bring forward significant wins for our entire state. This includes; saving HCMC, funding for critical infrastructure with a focus on water infrastructure, property tax breaks, and massive fraud fighting measures to guarantee that tax dollars go where they are needed most.
I’m especially proud that we got $40 million for rent assistance to help those hurt by Metro Surge. Unfortunately the House GOP refused to take further action to rein in ICE or acknowledge the harms of Metro Surge (even with the rental assistance we had couldn’t explicitly say it was for recovery from the surge.) The last bill we debated was my bill with a package of provisions to make sure ICE could never do what they did to us again. Even though that bill failed to pass this year, I’ll make sure we bring it back first thing next year.
Gun Violence Sit-In
At the start of session it was clear that we needed to take action to prevent gun violence. And Speaker Demuth seemed to agree, promising to Annunciation families that a vote would be held on critical legislation like an assault weapons ban and a ban on high capacity magazines. Yet when the time came, no vote was held. In response to this lack of action, I joined my colleagues for a sit-in to demand a vote on this legislation.
My colleagues and I took a stand to show Speaker Demuth, and all of Minnesota, that it is time to take action to reduce gun violence. We saw an outpouring of support and the movement of hundreds of Minnesotans who came to the Capitol to stand with us. Sometimes the reality of where Minnesotans stand can be obscured by meetings with lobbyists and the walls of the Capitol. This weekend, we broke those walls down; we showed that Minnesotans will not rest until we take action on gun violence. We legislators will not rest until we take action. This is only the beginning of our commitment to the moment and the people of Minnesota.
Investment in our Community
The critical infrastructure bill, shepherded by Capital Investment Co-Chair Rep. Fue Lee, includes a $43 million investment in several projects that are integral to the future growth and success of Minneapolis. Some of the most notable funding includes:
- Critical Water Infrastructure,
- Homeless Youth Housing,
- Southside Avivo campus,
- Roof Depot project,
- and North Commons and other vital Minneapolis Parks funding.
Free Meals Offered by Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) will provide meals and snacks at no cost to all children 18 and younger from June 15 through August 28. The meals and snacks are offered through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. Kids and teens do not need to be enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools; any youth 18 and under may participate.
More than 60 schools, parks, recreation centers, libraries and community sites in Minneapolis are participating. No sign-up is needed – just show up. Food will be provided during specific times and must be eaten on site. Download the “Free Meals for Kids” app to find locations. More information can be found on the MPS website.
HCMC Saved
A premiere accomplishment for the year includes stable funds to save HCMC and a framework to create a permanent solution. HCMC is a level one trauma center and teaching hospital that serves the entire region. Without it, the entire Minnesota health care system would face catastrophic collapse. The underlying factors that created the problem – health care cuts from the Trump administration and a broken corporate health care system – remain, but the entire state can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the safety net of HCMC will remain open for all who rely on it.
Upcoming Town Hall
I’ll join my districtmates Rep. Emma Greenman and Sen. Zaynab Mohamed on Wednesday, May 27 at 6pm for a town hall. We’ll have a lot to recap about what happened during the 2026 session and what we need to do to make progress in 2027. We’ll also take your questions and input. Be sure to RSVP for the location here!
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