Legislative Update - March 27, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

First of all, I’m wishing all who celebrate a happy, healthy, and meaningful holy month. Ramadan! This holy month, may your fast be prosperous and faithful and your feast be abundant.

Here’s my update from the Capitol.

Our Progress

Last Monday, the Minnesota House passed The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, which I co-authored. This bill will guarantee out-of-state subpoenas and court orders for records related to reproductive health care cannot be weaponized for prosecution where such care is considered a crime. Not only does it protect Minnesotans but any American who seeks care in our state. 

We have seen states propose legislation allowing private citizens to sue anyone who helps a resident from their state access abortion care. This is clearly out of line with the views of Minnesotans who do not want to see abortion providers or patients prosecuted for providing or seeking health care. I applaud my DFL colleagues who voted in support of this vital legislation.

On Thursday, the House passed the Trans Refuge Bill. We have seen a wave of legislation targeting trans folks over the past couple of years - including efforts seeking to restrict and criminalize life-saving, gender-affirming care. In 2022 this included states like Texas investigating supportive families of trans youth, Florida taking action on care standards through its state medical board, and multiple states proposing bans on gender-affirming care for both youth and young adults. 

The standards of gender-affirming care are evidence-based, well-researched, and supported by all major medical and psychiatric associations. Minnesota has an obligation to protect youth, their families, and the care providers who serve them. I was proud to vote “yes!”

Our Bills

I’m thankful to Anna for stopping by on Alzheimer's Day at the Capitol and sharing her family’s story. Families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's need greater support. Anna’s father being the sole caregiver for her mother is honorable, but it is too great a burden for anyone to manage on their own. We need to do more. That’s why I’m a co-author of House File 1852, which creates a public information campaign for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Last week, I introduced a bill to invest $50 million to attract major sporting events to Minnesota. When the Super Bowl came to Minnesota, it brought economic vitality to Minnesota’s tourism. However, these large sporting events cost millions of dollars in public safety, operations, permitting, and more. Other major cities like Indianapolis, Detroit, and Las Vegas, are putting money towards these events, so the Twin Cities are losing out. In fact, Minnesota is the only state that doesn’t use public dollars for this work. These events bring tourism dollars and reinvestment into communities and initiatives to support local sports in Minnesota. I’m proud to be carrying this bill for our entire state! You can read more about it here.

Updates

It is Arts Action Week, and advocates from all over the state are meeting with their legislators to support arts funding. I believe there are great economic opportunities that Minnesota can unlock if we decide to fund artistic endeavors across our state.

Our house district 64A topped the charts for 2023 Best Places to Live in Minnesota. The top two neighborhoods are Macalester-Groveland and Summit Hill. I’m not surprised and am so proud to represent all of 64A in the Minnesota House! (Six St. Paul neighborhoods made the Top 10 List!!)

Stay in Touch

If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.kaohly.her@house.com or call (651) 296-8799 or like my Official State Representative Facebook Page.

Sincerely,  

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative