Dear Neighbors, On November 1st, 440,000 Minnesotans will lose critical food assistance due to Donald Trump’s government shutdown. For many, SNAP is a lifeline. Just $6 per day makes the difference between just getting by and going hungry for too many of our neighbors. Nearly 40% of all SNAP recipients in Minnesota are children. Every day that Congressional Republicans, who control both the House and the Senate, refuse to return to Washington and work on a budget that will pass is another day they are taking food out of our children’s mouths. Never before has the SNAP program been made insolvent, under Democrat or Republican administrations, even during prior shutdowns. And now, when Republicans control the White House, Republicans control the Senate, and Republicans control the House of Representatives, the Trump Trifecta refuses to take meaningful action to prevent this unnecessary pain and suffering. Republicans don’t even need to pass a budget in order to resume SNAP assistance – they could end this crisis right now. The Trump Administration has access to $5 BILLION in USDA contingency funds, money set aside for programs like SNAP in case of an emergency or a government shutdown. President Trump and his administration are actively choosing not to feed children, seniors, and disabled Americans. The administration does not need congressional approval to partially fund November SNAP payments. The money is there, but he would rather use Americans who depend on SNAP as a political pawn. I wrote a column with my colleague, Health Committee Chair Robert Bierman, to discuss the reality we're facing. This cruelty is unconscionable. If you are in need of food assistance, you can find resources here. If you are looking for a way to help, consider donating time, money, or food to your local food bank or food shelf. You can find resources in our community here. I will continue working with my Democratic colleagues to ensure our community makes it through this. Governor Walz announced this week the use of some emergency funds that will be allocated. I will update you on further developments. Face to Face Health & CounselingI’m so grateful to Hanna for taking the time to give me a tour of Face to Face Health & Counseling and for sharing both the challenges the organization faces and her inspiring vision for growth. For more than 53 years, Face to Face has been serving marginalized youth with compassion and purpose. Their model provides comprehensive, wraparound services; a holistic approach that meets young people where they are and helps them navigate multiple challenges in their lives. By being relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based practices, Face to Face has built a trusted and effective model of care. I look forward to supporting their bonding request for housing, which will help expand their critical work and ensure that even more young people have access to stability, safety, and opportunity.  Supporting Public Housing in St. PaulThank you to the St. Paul Public Housing Agency (SPPHA) for hosting members of the House St. Paul Delegation on a recent tour of SPPHA properties. Board Chair Missy Staples Thompson and agency staff showcased their strong commitment to providing safe, high-quality, and deeply affordable housing, along with essential wraparound services that strengthen our community. We visited McDonough Homes, a 592-unit townhome community offering an impressive range of resident services, and Front Hi-Rise, a 20-story building that has recently undergone significant improvements, including plumbing modernization, new boilers, and interior updates. From mobile grocery and library programs to educational and health services, SPPHA’s work reflects a deep dedication to the well-being and stability of its residents. This tour served as a poignant reminder of the importance of continuing to invest in public housing, ensuring that every Minnesotan has access to a safe and dignified place to call home.  Gun Violence PreventionI recently met with a group of concerned and engaged constituents to discuss the proposed special session on gun violence prevention. In the aftermath of the tragic Annunciation shooting, Minnesotans are calling on the legislature to take meaningful action to keep our communities safe. DFL legislators have been working closely with Minnesotans to draft comprehensive legislation that can be taken up during a special session. These proposals reflect our shared commitment to saving lives and preventing future tragedies. I urge my Republican colleagues to come to the table and work with us to negotiate the terms for a special session. Now is the time to act because Minnesotans are counting on us to put safety and common sense first.  |