Legislative Update - March 31, 2023

Dear Community Neighbors,

We are approaching the mid-session break. I’m delighted to report that the House DFL Majority has made historic progress for all Minnesotans. Thanks to all of our neighbors who have met with me to discuss our work in the Minnesota House. I appreciate our Burnsville neighbors advocating for our city and Minnesota statewide.

Here’s an update from the Capitol.

Our Progress

The House passed The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA). The overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to a flood of cruel and harmful laws attacking not only abortion rights but also individual liberties and privacy around the country. The RFDA would create strong protections for Minnesota’s own healthcare providers and citizens against legal attacks and criminal penalties imposed by anti-abortion extremists in other states. I was proud to vote ‘yes’ for this vital health care.

Early last Friday, the House passed the Trans Refuge Bill. We have seen a wave of legislation targeting trans folks over the past couple of years - including efforts seeking to restrict and criminalize life-saving, gender-affirming care. In 2022 this included states like Texas investigating supportive families of trans youth, Florida taking action on care standards through its state medical board, and multiple states proposing bans on gender-affirming care for both youth and young adults. 

The standards of gender-affirming care are evidence-based, well-researched, and supported by all major medical and psychiatric associations. Minnesota has an obligation to protect youth, their families, and the care providers who serve them. I was proud to vote “yes!”

At the Capitol

This week, I was lucky enough to meet Gabby Giffords! As a congresswoman, Gabby was shot during a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, she has made a miraculous recovery and began her gun violence prevention advocacy organization, Giffords. This year, Minnesota House DFLers are working on a package of gun violence prevention bills to ensure our state is a safer place for children and families to live and prosper.

Celebrations

There are many religious celebrations happening or about to happen next week!

I want to say Ramadan Kareem and Chag Sameach to all who are celebrating!

Stay in Touch

If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email me at rep.kaela.berg@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-5387. For more regular updates, you can subscribe to these regular legislative updates if you haven’t already, here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Kaela Berg

State Representative