Legislative Update: January 13, 2023

Neighbors,

The new year is upon us and with it, the 2023 legislative session has begun. My House DFL colleagues and I are hard at work delivering on our promise to improve the lives of Minnesotans. This year, I have the honor of serving as Chair of the Agriculture Committee. As one of the most senior members of this committee during my time here, I’ve invested time to listen to communities from across the state, as the impact of agriculture can be seen from across our fields to our city streets. I hope to continue to gain the trust of communities by showing my commitment to doing the work well, and I look forward to building partnerships to grow and strengthen our agriculture economy in the state of Minnesota.

My colleagues and I are ready to work hard, work together, and work quickly to deliver on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans.

Stopping Hate

One of the first bills, HF 181, I introduce will address the hate and bias incidents that we have seen soar during the pandemic against Black Indigenous and people of color communities including Asian Americans. This bill will improve reporting of bias incidents and hate crimes along with training police officers to identify and support victims. This bill will go a long way toward giving us the data and full understanding needed to track our rising hate crime problem so we can actively work to put an end to hate. I urge my colleagues to join us in advancing this vital safety measure.

Funding Full-Service Community Schools

This session, I introduced H.F. 21, which would provide comprehensive support and funding for full-service community schools. Throughout the last few years, we have heard of the staffing shortages and the needs we must meet for our students in our education system. Full-service community schools incorporate community partnerships to meet the aspects of early childhood services, academic support, and enrichment activities. In Brooklyn Center, we have seen graduation rates increase in its first-in-the-state full-service community school. It’s vital we support and invest in these schools to support our students.

Formation of the Inclusive Democracy Caucus

On the second anniversary of the violent insurrection of January 6th, my colleagues and I announced the formation of the Inclusive Democracy Caucus, dedicated to the power of Minnesotans coming together to govern, solve problems, make decisions, and build a collective future in an inclusive, multi-racial democracy. I am excited to be working together with lawmakers of all backgrounds to expand the freedom to vote and center the voices of voters.

Stay in Touch

Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn.gov or please contact my Legislative Assistant Matthew at matthew.sauser@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Samantha Vang

651-296-3709

rep.samantha.vang@house.mn.gov