Dear Neighbors, The Great Minnesota Get-Together kicks off this week! The State Fair runs from August 21 through Labor Day, September 1. If you’re heading to the Fair, be sure to stop by the nonpartisan Minnesota House of Representatives booth in the Education Building. You can meet House members, take our opinion poll on legislative issues, pick up a Capitol Dome Hat, and find out how to stay connected with what’s happening at the Capitol. I’ll be at the House booth Thursday, August 28th!  West Side Community OrganizationI recently joined neighbors and organizers with the West Side Community Organization (WSCO) to hear their vision for the West Side. Together, we reviewed its ten-year plan, gathered community feedback, and discussed potential solutions to local concerns. This kind of community-driven work is intentional, inclusive, and essential to building a stronger future. I’m grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and support these efforts!  Freedom from the Streets Community BBQHomelessness is one of the most urgent challenges facing our communities. I was honored to join friends from MICAH, ISAIAH, and St. Timothy Lutheran Church at the Freedom from the Streets community BBQ, where neighbors came together to share stories, food, and hope. The Executive Director, Junail, spoke powerfully about her own experience and why centering lived expertise is essential to real change. My thanks to everyone who organized this inspiring event and continues the hard work of building a more just and compassionate Minnesota.  Supporting Families with MN8No family should live in fear of being torn apart. I was proud to stand with MN8 and our coalition partners to raise awareness about Trump’s cruel and inhumane deportation initiative. I want to be clear: these actions are not about protecting national security or public safety. They target fathers, mothers, and children who work hard, pay taxes, and strengthen our communities. This is a moment to stand up for our neighbors and defend our shared values. We cannot sit idly by while families are ripped apart and authoritarianism goes unchecked.  Central Honors PhilandoTen years have passed since the tragic killing of Philando Castile, but his memory continues to be in our hearts. Philando was not only a victim of injustice, he was a beloved member of our community, working at J.J. Hill, where my own children went to school. His kindness and dedication touched countless lives. I joined our community gathering at Central Honors Philando to keep his memory alive and remind us of the urgent work still ahead. We must continue to reform a justice system that too often delivers disparate outcomes for our Black and Brown neighbors, and honor Philando’s legacy by striving for true equity and justice.  Meeting with Retired AFSCME Members Organized labor built the backbone of Minnesota’s middle class, and that legacy is alive today. It was an honor to meet with retired AFSCME members and hear directly from them and their stories. Even in retirement, they continue to lead the fight for fair labor agreements, safe working conditions, and fully funded pensions. The dedication to the next generation of workers is inspiring, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen Minnesota’s working families.  Summer Meal for KidsHouseholds can use the following resources to locate open Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites throughout Minnesota: - Download the summer food app, Free Meals 4 Kids provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device.
- Call the 211 Hotline. From a cell phone – Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-291-0211, Greater Minnesota: 1-800-543-7709, TTY: 651-291-8440.
- Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151, available from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Text Summer Meals to 914-342-7744. For Spanish speakers, text Verano to 914-342-7744.
HAP’s 35 CelebrationFor 35 years, the Hmong American Partnership (HAP) has been a cornerstone of opportunity and empowerment in our community. I was honored to join their celebration recognizing 35 community leaders who embody that legacy. This organization is so meaningful to me; when my father moved our family to Minnesota in 1995 to serve as HAP’s Director of Self-Sufficiency, it changed the course of our lives. I would not be where I am today without the foundation HAP provided. To be included among these trailblazers is both humbling and deeply personal.  High School Page and Undergraduate Internship ProgramsAre you a high school junior or college student interested in the Minnesota Legislature? Consider applying to the 2026 House High School Page Program or the Undergraduate Internship Program! It’s a great way to get an up-close look at how a bill advances out of committee, passes during a House Floor session, and becomes a law. There are also ample opportunities to participate in research and policy. To learn more information about the High School Page Program, click here. The deadline to apply is December 4. To learn more information about the Undergraduate Internship Program, click here. The deadline to apply is November 7. |