 Neighbors, The 2026 legislative session – my last as your representative – is officially done. The past two years in a tied House have definitely been challenging! At a moment in history when bold action and response is essential, we have been structurally hindered by the legislative makeup as the most closely-divided state government in Minnesota history. In the months before this term began, I read a memoir by Rod Searle, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House during the only other tied legislative session. While these past two years have brought unimaginable challenges and tragedies for our legislative family and our community, I have to say that I think we did a better job navigating the divide and delivering for the people of Minnesota than I had initially anticipated. We were able to pass some important bills this year, which is really impressive because in “policy years,” there isn’t the same leverage and pressure to come to a deal. We could have adjourned accomplishing nothing at all. Instead, we rescuedthe Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), which is the state’s top level one trauma center. We created the Office of the Inspector General, which will be transformational in preventing and fighting fraud in our state. We delivered $40 million in rental assistance for community members impacted by the federal occupation of ICE. We passed funding for food shelves and regional food banks and added capacity for SNAP. We passed an Infrastructure and Jobs bill that invests $1.2 billion dollars in vital local projects.  As the DFL Chair of the Civility Caucus, I am no stranger to working across the aisle to get good things done. I did find it disheartening that we couldn’t work together to take the truly bold action required to address gun violence, to respond to the ICE occupation under Operation Metro Surge, to make the investments necessary to fill gaps created by the Trump administration’s abandonment of its commitments to our state, and to strengthen our protections against federal overreach more broadly. That said, I am still gratified that my years of working to create opportunities for bipartisan relationship-building played a role in our ability to enact important legislation and investments this term.  As I reflect on my three terms, I have valued being exposed to new perspectives, having the opportunity to fiercely advocate for my positions, and building relationships with people who are very different from me. I am a more well-rounded person than I was when I was first elected. And I am ultimately a more hopeful person, having experienced firsthand the way that we can work together in a bipartisan way to do meaningful work. And even when we agree to disagree, we can inform one another's work so that we have fully investigated our assumptions before passing partisan bills. Of course, I hope that next session brings another DFL Trifecta so my colleagues can take meaningful action to respond to the Trump administration's overreach and build upon the successes of the 2023-2024 trifecta term. That said, I also hope those who serve after me will continue building bridges across the aisle for the benefit of the people of Minnesota and to enhance their own sense of shared humanity with all Minnesotans regardless of political viewpoints. On the final day of session, I gave my retirement speech on the House floor where I shared the top 5 things I won't miss and the top 5 things I WILL miss about being a legislator. I also thanked just a small fraction of the people who need to be thanked for supporting me in my service to the State of Minnesota. You can watch my remarks here. A few days ago, U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar honored me and my work as a legislator on the floor of U.S. Congress. I'm truly humbled by this recognition. I'vevalued partnering with Rep. Omar in both my roles as an immigration attorney and as a Minnesota State Representative. I know that we'll find ways to continue to collaborate as I transition back to private life. You can watch Rep. Omar’s remarks here.  Me with my very last vending machine cheesewich of the legislative session (and hopefully ever!) Though the legislative session is through, I remain at your service as your Representative until the new year. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or thoughts you would like to share with me. One of my favorite parts of being a legislator has been hearing from you, and I look forward to continuing that until my very last day in office. And if you see me out and about in our district, please say hello! |