Dear Neighbors, Recently, I joined colleagues in urging Congress to reject Trump’s reckless budget proposal, a plan that makes life less affordable for everyday Minnesotans while handing out more breaks to billionaires. Minnesotans deserve a federal budget that invests in what we value: affordable health care, stable housing, food security, and economic opportunity. Instead of cutting programs that seniors, children, people with disabilities, and families rely on, we should be building a government rooted in compassion, justice, and integrity. That means protecting access to SNAP and Meals on Wheels, ensuring seniors maintain their healthcare, and guaranteeing that no family has to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. I will continue fighting for a federal budget that invests in the real needs of the American people: healthcare, childcare, housing, food security, and opportunities for all. Here are some updates from our beautiful community. JazzFest!For more than 25 years, the Selby Avenue JazzFest has grown into a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community. Its resilience and success are rooted in the strength and tenacity of the Rondo neighborhood. At this year’s celebration, I had the chance to connect with organizations in our district that serve our community every day. Thank you to Mychael and Stephanie Wright and the entire JazzFest team for their dedication; the transformation of Selby and Milton stands as a powerful testament to your vision and hard work.  Playwright’s CenterWalking into the new Playwrights’ Center, I was overwhelmed with joy. The space is bright, beautiful, and inviting. Back in 2019, I met with Robert and Jeremy and I believed in their plan, but I couldn’t have imagined how incredible it would turn out. One of the first bills I carried was the PWC bonding bill, and after seven years of effort, nearly $5 million in state funding, $4 million in federal funding, and millions more from private donors, the vision has become a reality. Every debate and every fight was worth it. The Playwrights’ Center has long developed diverse voices and powerful stories. With this new home, its reach will grow even further, enriching the cultural fabric of our entire state. A special thank you to Congresswoman McCollum, whose partnership made the federal funding possible.  Learning from our Armenian CommunityThe heart of the Twin Cities’ Armenian community is centered at St. Sahag, located right here in our district. It is more than a place of worship, it is a cornerstone of culture, tradition, and resilience that has helped shape our community for generations. The richness of our city comes from the diversity of its people, and St. Sahag embodies that spirit. I was grateful to share a meal and meaningful conversations with parishioners. Their hospitality, faith, and commitment to preserving Armenian heritage reminds me of the strength I see in the broader community and the importance of lifting up every culture that makes Minnesota home. I look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the work of St. Sahag as it nurtures connection, belonging, and pride for the Armenian community and for our district as a whole.  Independent PharmaciesJohn and Hildie, the owners of St. Paul Corner Drug, operate one of our city’s independently owned pharmacies. Small, community-based pharmacies like theirs are struggling to survive because of the unfair practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These middle-men have made it nearly impossible for independent pharmacies to remain viable. It doesn’t have to be this way. States like Arkansas have already taken action to level the playing field by requiring PBMs and pharmacies to be separate entities. You can be one or the other, but not both. Minnesota needs to follow that lead to protect independent pharmacies and ensure families have access to trusted, local care. Thank you to The Minnesota Independent Pharmacists (MNindys) for hosting an important conversation on this critical issue.  Meeting with AFSCME at the U of MOrganized labor built the backbone of Minnesota’s middle class, and that legacy is alive today. When my family first came to the United States, my father’s union helped protect his wages and working conditions, support that was essential to the start of our life here. I will always be grateful for the role organized labor played in my family’s story. That’s why I joined my AFSCME friends in solidarity with Teamsters Local 320 as they fight for a fair contract from the University of Minnesota. Workers deserve respect, dignity, and a voice at the table.  Thank you, Lisa!After decades of dedicated service to our state, our trusted colleague and friend, Lisa Dresslin, has retired. Lisa was an invaluable non-partisan member of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, always bringing skill, calm, and steady leadership to her work. Her presence at the Capitol will be deeply missed. I was grateful to join her retirement celebration and to see so many familiar faces from the LCPR team. We wish Lisa the very best in this next chapter of her life and thank her for her remarkable contributions to Minnesota.  |