Beloved Community,
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. We need to retake the House if we want to pass progressive policy.
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, $40 million in rent assistance to help those hurt by Metro Surge, property tax breaks, and massive fraud fighting measures to guarantee that tax dollars go where they are needed most.
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.
I’m really happy about the Roof Depot funding.The Roof Depot project is an environmental justice victory for a community overburdened by industrial and transportation pollution. The East Phillips Neighborhood Institute plans to convert the building into an indoor urban farm, local business and organization hub, and affordable housing. With this funding, that community vision comes closer to a reality.
New Laws
On July 1st, many new laws from the 2026 legislative session took effect. Some highlights include helping schools establish anonymous threat reporting systems so students and families can safely report concerning behavior, implementing a mandatory social media mental health warning, and more. You can find a list of the new laws and summaries here. There will also be a new set of laws coming into effect on August 1st, so be sure to visit House Information services to learn about those!
While these laws will certainly do a lot of good, I can’t help but think about what we could have passed with a House majority: gun violence prevention, housing protections and affordability measures, protections against federal overreach, resources for our schools and so much more.
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.
Last Update for a Bit
Lastly, I also wanted to let you know that this will be my final newsletter until November. Mid-July marks our 60-day deadline since the end of the legislative session, when Minnesota law requires unsolicited official communications to stop until after the 2026 election. This is so that an unfair advantage is not given to incumbents. As a result, this will likely be the last newsletter you receive from my office until later this year.
This is the only notable change - I want to emphasize that my office is available to constituents year-round to assist you with your needs. As always, you can reach me at 651-296-7152 or rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.
Keep In Touch
As always, feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions you have for me! I always appreciate working in partnership with you. You can also follow me on my Facebook page.
In solidarity,
Aisha Gomez
651-296-7152
rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn.gov