Han Mitákuye Owási? (Hello all my relations), It was an emotional but inspirational week at the Legislature, witnessing the power of resiliency from the families, students, and survivors of Annunciation Catholic School. The wicanagi (human spirit) was dancing in the Rotunda as they held a sing-in. In the House, we held a hearing on two proposals to ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. We need to give these families hope through viable solutions that support their healing and ensure no other community suffers this same tragedy. Jackie Flavin shared gut-wrenching testimony about losing her child, Harper Moyski, in the Annunciation School shooting.  Republicans remained unmoved. They voted against both proposals, offering no solutions—only regurgitated dated talking points that do nothing to address the prevention of gun violence. Wowi?teca (shame) on them. This is a sacred time to honor the children who have died and the numerous others who were injured and emotionally scarred by this tragic mass shooting. In our Dakóta ways, we talk about seven generations because we see our future with our children in it. If we continue to lose our children to the gun violence epidemic in our country, we fail that future. This is a time for us to lead with purpose and healing for these families and prevent further tragedies from unfolding in our communities. I will keep fighting alongside Minnesotans and families to protect our children against gun violence.  Legislative Town Hall I am excited to be co-hosting my first official legislative town hall for our vibrant district. To better support our team in preparing for the meeting, registration is required for attendance. Please reach out to my legislative assistant Maren Twedt, with any questions or if you need accommodations, such as translation services. I want to ensure all of our community feels welcome and has the tools they need to stay engaged. We will provide an update on legislation being introduced and voted on at the Legislature, answer constituent questions, and discuss how we can work together to improve our district. Time: 6PM-7PM Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Location: RSVP at https://forms.gle/knhF53TjiaYWBQE98  I’m looking forward to a great conversation with the community. I hope to see you there! DFL Anti-Fraud Prevention Package Public dollars must serve public needs. Throughout this discussion and action against fraudsters, we must remind ourselves that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We are one family, and we must stand together with a single heart to root out the dishonesty that threatens our shared future without using vulnerable communities as collateral damage. This week, Vice President JD Vance announced that the administration is suspending Medicaid payments to Minnesota. Many of our relatives will face direct impacts to their health and safety creating domino effects that lead to life-threatening consequences. My colleague, Rep. Matt Norris, made an easy-to-understand video explaining the misrepresentations created by the GOP regarding the Office of the Inspector General bill and the ways he plans to improve it. I encourage you to watch it and send me your feedback and questions. In the House, we are introducing a dozen bills to root out fraud—from giant corporations to fly-by-night providers. Please click on the links below to view handouts highlighting the work DFLers have passed over the last couple of years to address fraud, improve systems, and increase transparency. While there is more work to be done, please know I am taking this issue very seriously. Continue to send me your feedback, questions, and concerns. Fraud is not a partisan issue; it’s a moral one. I am willing to work with all colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we are holding bad actors accountable—but not at the expense of our vulnerable relatives. Stay Connected I want to remind you that the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. You can also "follow" and "like" my new official Facebook page to stay up to date on the daily happenings at the Capitol. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.shelley.buck@house.mn.gov or 651-296-7807, and I will be happy to help. Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your State Representative; I will continue to work hard to ensure your voice and your passions are realized here in the House. Pidamayayepi (thank you to all of you), Rep. Shelley Buck (Bdewakantunwan Dakota) Minnesota House of Representatives (47A) |