Dear Neighbor,
The Davis family wishes you the best as we celebrate our Father’s greatest sacrifice through his Son, Jesus Christ, this Easter. May this holiday inspire you to new hope, happiness, prosperity, and abundance – all received through God’s divine grace.
In news from the Capitol:
Red Lake land transfer
I am hearing significant concern regarding a bill (H.F. 4780) that would transfer the Red Lake State Forest land – as well as the strip of land that is within one mile of the Upper Red Lake shoreline – to tribal interests.
As the bill reads:
“(a) The commissioner of natural resources must convey to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians for no consideration all state-owned land and real property that the commissioner administers within one mile from the lakeshore of the portion of Upper Red Lake that is in state ownership.
(b) The commissioner of natural resources must convey to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians for no consideration all state-owned land and real property within the boundaries of the Red Lake State Forest.
(c) The commissioner of natural resources must identify any funding restrictions or other legal barriers to conveying land and real property according to paragraphs (a) and (b). By January 15, 2025, the commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources that specifies all identified barriers and gives recommendations for addressing those barriers, including any recommended legislation to eliminate the barriers."
The bill is becoming a big topic of discussion locally and I have heard from a number of people who are concerned about what this bill would mean. I share many of their concerns and oppose the bill. The land’s current status as a state forest makes it available to the general public and tribal members alike for a wide variety of purposes. This land should remain available to all Minnesotans, including Band members, for generations to come. Although the current tribal leadership has provided assurances over land use for all Minnesotans, future leadership may have a different approach.
Religious freedom
Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature on Monday intensified their efforts to address an issue related to religious freedom. Democrats then put that project on indefinite hold.
The afternoon started with a press conference where dozens of religious leaders from around the state joined Republicans in calling for religious freedom to be restored in the Minnesota Human Rights Act, protecting religious organizations and faith-based schools against claims of gender identity discrimination.
Shortly thereafter, Democrats in the majority tabled a House Republican motion to bring forward legislation to make that happen. It was the third time this session Democrats had at least temporarily blocked a Republican attempt at restoring religious freedom language to the HRA, following committee votes in both the House and the Senate.
It remains unclear when – or if – the Democrat-controlled House will revisit that bill. At least one faith-based school already is facing an employment complaint at the department of human rights because of the removal of the exemption.
Until next time, have an enjoyable holiday and please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Ben