Friends and neighbors, To wish you a happy back-to-school season feels hollow after the devastating loss at Annunciation Church. Still, I hope that you and your family are well and finding a way to experience the newness and excitement of a new school year. Like all of us, I’m struggling to find words in the wake of this tragedy, and I’m not sure we ever will. It’s also not lost on me that this is the second time in just a few months that I’ve written to you in the aftermath of unspeakable loss due to gun violence. Even if the right words did exist, I know that it is not the words that matter, but the actions that follow. In 2023, we made major progress on addressing gun violence. But we knew then that our work was not done, and we cannot wait any longer to continue. We know that no single legislative action is going to stop all gun violence, but we do know that every safeguard in place to make it a little harder for those who shouldn’t have access to guns translates to lives saved. Banning weapons of war, requiring safe storage, and addressing reporting of lost and stolen firearms are necessary next steps. My heart is with the families of Annunciation, many of whom I attend church with, who are facing unimaginable grief and trauma. I hope that no family ever has to experience what they are going through, but the truth is that until we take action, the cycle will continue. I hope all of my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, agree and decide that our kids are worth fighting for. Our New House DFL Leader Last night, the DFL House Caucus selected Rep. Zach Stephenson of Coon Rapids to serve as our next Caucus leader. Minnesotans are counting on us to lead and to be on their side - every time, all the time. In the face of the challenges we face every day - expensive housing, health care, and child care, upcoming cuts to Medicaid and food assistance that will devastate tens of thousands of lives, and seemingly endless threats to our neighbors' rights, House DFLers are ready to work hard and fight back. I’m looking forward to get to work with Leader Stephenson. Heading Back to Campus With back to school comes back to campus for students at Normandale Community College. Normandale is not only the largest community college in the entire Minnesota State system, but it is also an absolute gem for our Bloomington community and all of Minnesota. It was delightful to meet with interim President Dr. Pakou Yang. We talked asset preservation, tuition, support for students, and how Normandale is dedicated to “skating where the puck is going to be.”  Making Time for Reading I had way too much fun visiting with staff and kiddos at KinderCare! Taking time to read aloud to kids is so important. It supports cognitive development, helps expand vocabularies, sets kids up for academic success, and so much more. It was just an absolute joy to see how much love the kids had for story time, and it was heartwarming to read a family favorite - Dragons Love Tacos!  Apply for the High School Page Program! Do you know a high school student interested in State Government? The House Page Program application window has opened and is accepting applicants now! This is an amazing opportunity for young people to spend a week learning about the legislative process and seeing it firsthand. I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet with the House Pages and answer their questions and share insights about the legislative process and public service. Learn more and apply here. |