Dear Neighbors,
Last week, the legislature was on Easter/Passover break. I used this opportunity to catch up with constituents, attend community events, and prepare for the final stretch of session. As we approach the end of session I’m working hard with my colleagues to make sure that legislation that must pass continues to make progress.
DFL Bills to Protect our Kids
Before break, the House DFL brought forward floor votes on legislation to keep ICE out of schools, ban assault weapons, and ban high-capacity magazines. This legislation is supported by the vast majority of Minnesotans. All of our children deserve to go to school without the fear of federal agents terrorizing their classmates, teachers, and staff, and without the fear of yet another deadly school shooting like Annunciation, which brought mourning families into committee after committee to call for action. All we needed was one Republican to vote for these bills to protect kids; unfortunately these bills didn’t receive a single Republican vote. Session isn’t over yet - they still have time to change their minds after hearing from Minnesotans.
Improving Teacher Salary and Healthcare
Teachers are the backbone of our society. It’s because of their expertise and dedication that our children are able to achieve their full potential. Teachers are seriously underpaid which is a major factor contributing to our teacher shortage. But on top of being seriously underpaid, large insurance companies take advantage of teacher health plans and continue to pocket higher and higher profits. I wrote a bill to improve teacher compensation and create a statewide teacher health insurance pool to cut out corporate middleman profits. I did it because it is the right thing to do, and the best way to improve the quality of education in our state.
Taxing the Ultra-Rich
It’s time for the ultra-rich to pay their fair share. For too long, millionaires and billionaires have been able to horde wealth for themselves while the rest of us struggle to afford basic necessities — and Donald Trump and Republicans in DC are only making it worse. My colleague Rep. Aisha Gomez introduced legislation to fix this broken system. It’s time to tax the ultra-rich to create a fairer economy, and invest in our public systems.
Saving HCMC
The closure of Hennepin County Medical Center would be catastrophic for Minnesotans. HCMC is a shining example of how our health care system *should* work — they accept patients from across the state regardless of whether they have insurance or the ability to pay massive medical bills.
In the richest country in the history of the world, people should not be forced to go without the care they need to survive. But federal cuts to Medicaid and the broken for-profit dystopia of America’s health care system could lead to HCMC shutting down by JUNE.
This week, the House DFL brought forward legislation that would be an ongoing solution. There will be a lot of ongoing discussion as to the exact way to save HCMC. Ultimately, if we don’t find a solution, Minnesotans will die and receive worse care.
Progress of Adult-Use Cannabis
Adult-use cannabis is continuing to make strong progress across the state as licensed businesses get up and running and the supply chains ramp up Already, hundreds of licenses have been issued for the industry, with there being 128 recreational stores in operation across the state. We are also seeing sales and cultivation rise consistently. I’m proud that I voted to legalize adult-use cannabis. With the industry growing stronger every day we are seeing more revenue for our roads and schools. We are also seeing that most of these businesses are microbusinesses and new entrepreneurs. As was our intent, this law is creating an economy that benefits Minnesotans and not massive national corporations.
DFL Constituent Survey
We want to hear from you and what you would like to see the legislature prioritize for next year's legislative session. Make your voice heard and help determine what we fight for, here.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087.
In community,
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Minnesota House of Representatives