Dear Neighbors,
As your state legislator, I take our community’s feedback and concerns very seriously. During the interim, I met with many constituents and community leaders to address the unlawful tactics of ICE and federal agents in our state.
One recurring theme was the disturbing scene of ICE abducting our neighbors and violently shoving them into unmarked cars before sending them to unknown locations. I began drafting language for a bill after witnessing the nationally scrutinized "Operation Trojan Horse" in Los Angeles. In that case, ICE agents arrested more than a dozen undocumented immigrants near a Home Depot and transported them in a Penske moving truck. Nationally, three people have died in ICE custody while being held in vehicles not designed to transport passengers.
Minnesota needs to set the standard that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and safety. We should be doing everything we can to keep Minnesotans safe from potentially fatal situations while they're being transported by law enforcement. It’s a basic matter of safety and due process. It's unfortunate that Republicans don't seem to believe the same.
Watch the committee hearing here.
ERA Bill
I am proud to be the House author of the ERA bill. Every Minnesotan deserves to be treated with dignity and equality under the law. We know that it is our diversity that makes us strong. Regardless of who you are, who you love, or where you come from, you deserve the dignity of equal rights. Regardless of your religion or your gender identity or your disability, you deserve the same.
While the federal government is actively trying to rescind our basic rights—including the very existence of the trans community—we have full faith that Minnesotans want full equality. It’s time to put the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment on the ballot and let voters decide. It is long past time. Equal rights under the law must belong to all of us.
Let’s keep fighting until we get it done.
GOP Votes Against Minnesotans in Need
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.
Stay Connected
I am incredibly grateful for your continued support and for your active participation in our democracy. It is an honor to represent you and our community at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions you have about legislative matters or to share your thoughts on the issues that are most important to you. Your voice is essential, and I look forward to hearing from you.
If you haven’t yet, you can “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page to keep up with my work. I also invite you to contact my office with any questions or comments you may have at (651) 296-3824 or rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov. I will be happy to assist you.
For broader legislative information, you can access the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services for nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative - 66A
Legislative Assistant: Robin Mercer-Taylor
Email: robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov