Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Legislative Update from Rep. Kari RehrauerNeighbors, On Tuesday, the Minnesota House gaveled in to kick off the 2026 legislative session. After finishing some formalities, the House and Senate gathered to honor the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman, who were taken from us in an act of senseless political violence last June. We honored them both on the House floor and throughout the Capitol with music, flowers, and home-baked cake and bread, a hobby that Melissa and Mark loved. Melissa often brought in baked goods to share with members and staff, so it felt only right that we pick up where she left off. As we move into the new legislative session, we must also pick up the torch she left us and continue fighting for the values we shared – that every Minnesotan should be able to afford a safe and healthy life. From Paid Family and Medical Leave to free school meals to reproductive autonomy, Melissa ushered in so much progress that will make life better for generations of Minnesotans.  We also were also incredibly heartened to welcome back Senator John Hoffman, whose life was nearly claimed alongside his wife, Yvette, and daughter, Hope, the same night the Hortmans were killed. Watching him step into the chamber was a joyous moment of unity between DFLers and the GOP after what has been a very long year. Sadly, the unity we felt on Tuesday did not last long. On Wednesday in the Housing Committee, we heard about the devastating effects ICE and CBP have had on our communities and we considered bills that would prevent homelessness by giving some relief to renters who haven’t been able to go to work or who have been laid off during this crisis. Unfortunately, Republicans blocked these bills from passing out of committee. They seem to have turned a blind eye to the emergency that ICE and CBP have caused. On Thursday, we heard a bill on the floor that would require the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, an independent agency, to investigate the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE and CBP. I support this bill because the federal government has repeatedly lied to us, and only with a neutral investigation can we come to a just resolution. No matter what side of the political aisle you sit on, I know that we agree that no one should be above the law. There simply is no reason to oppose a fair, independent investigation, yet House Republicans blocked the bill from passing, going so far as to blame Renee and Alex for their own deaths. What a disappointing change of tune to hear just two days after a day of unity condemning political violence. I sincerely hope that this is not the tone the rest of the legislative session will take. Despite these differences, I remain committed to cutting through the noise and working across the aisle to make life better for all Minnesotans — after all, that’s what you sent us here to do. Stay ConnectedStay up to date on the happenings of the legislative session by following my official Facebook and Instagram pages. If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive updates in your inbox here. Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account.??To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out by email at rep.kari.rehrauer@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-1729. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Chloe, at 651-296-5486 or via email at chloe.keller@house.mn.gov. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.?? In community, Rep. Kari Rehrauer State Representative Kari Rehrauer5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155Phone: 651-296-1729
Email: rep.kari.rehrauer@house.mn.gov (replies to this newsletter are not monitored).
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Legislative Assistant: Chloe Keller, 651-296-5486 |