Dear Neighbors,
Since my last newsletter, it’s unfortunate that there was another act of political violence in our nation. I want to shed light and voice my solidarity for HBCU students, professors, staff, and university communities who were targeted as a direct backlash in the killing of a far-right political commentator. Every student, regardless of age, deserves to earn their education and engage in daily life without the fear of gun violence or threats to their safety, just for being who they are.
While the news is bursting with sensationalized headlines- I want to be very clear when I say, our country is uniquely dealing with a gun violence epidemic, and we must come together as a nation to not only condemn the ongoing violence but we have to take action in dismantling the cycles that perpetuate these senseless tragedies.
My heart remains with Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski’s families, friends, and the entire Annunciation community that loved them. Their parents have endured a type of pain no one should have to suffer. I continue to pray for their healing and will do everything in my power to ensure we take meaningful action to help prevent another child being stripped from their family. Minnesotans deserve better, and I am committed to using my legislative tools to fight and advocate for our community everyday.
New Appointment
I am proud to share, last week, I was elected as the co-chair of the Tax Expenditure Review Commission along with Rep. Greg Davids. This commission, which began in 2021, is tasked with reviewing Minnesota's tax exemptions to ensure they are still obtaining their original objectives. By systematically reviewing tax exemptions—often referred to as "tax expenditures"—we can ensure that our tax system is not only fair but also creating genuine opportunity for all Minnesotans.
We'll be working to identify which tax exemptions are truly helping families, supporting small businesses, and strengthening our communities, and which ones are simply no longer serving their purpose. Over the course of this term, we expect to have a set of recommendations for certain expenditures. I'm looking forward to working with the board and updating you on any pertinent details.
October District 59 Town Hall
I’m excited to be joining my district partners for our fall townhall on Thursday, October 2 at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC).
Save the date! I look forward to seeing you and sharing my legislative updates with you.
I also wanted to inform you about an upcoming town hall with my House POCI Caucus members, which will focus on health inequities in Black and Brown communities. I encourage you to join and make your voice heard. Details below.
Let’s Stay Connected!
I deeply value being in this work to improve lives with you. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. Please reach out anytime if you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions at rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn.gov or 651-296-8659.
In community,
Rep. Esther Agbaje
Minnesota House of Representatives (59B)
Legislative Assistant
Nhia Chang
Nhia.Chang@house.mn.gov
651-296-4165