Dear neighbors,
We had another busy week with more late nights at the State Capitol, as we continue to debate and vote on policy packages aimed at improving the lives of hard-working families.
We passed a number of policy packages off the House floor this week, including bills relating to Environment and Natural Resources, Commerce, Human Services, and Climate and Energy.
Notable provisions include strong consumer protections, safeguards for children on social media, phasing out the sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities, and guaranteeing coverage for gender-affirming care. I’m looking forward to passing more bills that build on our historically productive 2023 legislative session and help Minnesotans live with dignity!
Free Park Day!
On Saturday, April 27, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will be offering free admission to everyone– no vehicle permits needed! In Minnesota, we are lucky to have amazing state parks all across the state, and these fee-free days are a great opportunity to experience them! You can find out more information about the fee-free days here.
Expanding Insurance to Cover Prosthetics & Wigs
DFLers are laser focused on making sure all Minnesotans can work, go to school, run errands and afford their lives with dignity. Two bills that are advancing would require insurance companies to cover the costs of wigs for people undergoing cancer treatment, and the costs for prosthetics for those who need them. As families work through a new transition in their lives or navigate a new diagnosis or health challenge, the last thing they should have to worry about is their financial security. These are common sense proposals I support, and will advocate for as we continue to pass legislation that puts Minnesotans first.
Advocates at the Capitol
This week, I was pleased to join the South Indian community and represent the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus at the Connect India event with my colleagues Rep. Mary Frances Clardy, Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn and Rep. Esther Agbaje.The South Indian community is the second largest AAPI community in Minnesota, and they make great contributions to our state’s economics, education, workforce, and culture. Thank you India Association of Minnesota for collaborating and bringing together the diverse organizations that serve and advocate for the South Indian community.
April 12th was the start of the Cambodian New Year. It was a privilege to meet with community leaders and present a Minnesota House Resolution on behalf of the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus. Our state is richer and stronger because of the refugees and immigrants who settled here.
Though our Southeast Asian communities are uniquely different, we have shared trauma tied to the communist takeover of Southeast Asia and thus are tied to each other in our liberation. Thank you MN8 for your leadership with the post-conviction relief (PCR) legislation and your continued fight for equity and justice. Rep. Liz Lee and I, along with the MAP Caucus, look forward to continuing to partner with you.
When I worked at Saint Paul Public Schools, I saw firsthand the important work of Education Support Professionals (ESP) in our schools. They play a key role in the education of our children. Many ESPs make the lowest wages in the buildings they serve and lack access to healthcare and insurance. I support increased benefits to these hard working educators.
Thank you Education Minnesota and Minneapolis Federation of Teachers for your presence at the Capitol and ensuring legislators are aware of the needs for ESP.
I met with Minnesota School Psychologists Association members Kristen and Elizabeth. The ideal ratio of school psychologists to students is 1:500. Minnesota's ratio of school psychologists to students is 1:1127.
School psychologists do more than test for special education qualifications. They also provide mental health services, evaluate school programs, crisis prevention and so much more. In order for them to best serve our students, we must invest in a better student ratio.
As we near the end of the 2024 legislative session, now is the time for a final push to pass sensible gun legislation. I’m proud to stand with Sen. Heather Gustafson and Sen. Bonnie Westlin who are chief authors for safe storage and reporting lost or stolen firearm legislation in the Senate, respectively.
Thank you Moms Demand Action for your tireless work. There was a great turnout for the rally despite the rain! And a special shout out to First Lady Gwen Walz for supporting Moms Demand Action!
Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood holds a special place in my heart. I had the honor of being a part of the advisory board when SPPN was established. It was a pleasure to attend the Family Advocacy Celebration hosted by SPPN as part of the Education Partnership Coalition’s Annual Day on the Hill. It was wonderful to connect with old friends and partners at SPPN and Generation Next.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for our work this year, always feel free to reach out to my office at 651-296-8799 or rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov, and you’ll hear back from me or my Legislative Assistant, Madisyn. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page, and subscribe to these regular emails if you haven’t already.
Sincerely,
Kaohly Vang Her
State Representative