April 30, 2021
Standing Up for Election Freedom
On Monday this week we debated the Senate State Government and Elections omnibus bill. Included is the implementation of provisional balloting, restrictions on early voting, and a ban on localities being able to choose ranked choice voting. This type of voter suppression legislation runs contrary to our values as Minnesotans. Because of this, I voted against the bill.
We have to be vigilant in protecting our freedom to vote. On Monday, the Senate will once again be debating Voter ID. It is disheartening to see these continued attempts to make it harder for Minnesotans to exercise their civic duty. It will be a vibrant discussion, and I know that we will prevent this from becoming law.
Minnesota routinely leads the country in voter turnout because we trust that our elections are fair. What we should be doing is expanding the freedom to vote. We should be making it more convenient to vote, engaging more voters in the democratic process, and providing sufficient resources to our local election officials. Let’s keep working, and keep trying to increase voter participation until we reach that magical 100%.
Two Weeks Left of Session
This week on the Senate floor we also took up the Health and Human Services and Tax omnibus bills. They now head to conference committee, where details will be worked out with the House. There are just two weeks left of the 2021 legislative session, which is still plenty of time to make your voice heard!
This was a great week for political efficacy in Senate District 48. Some of the constituent groups I met with were:
- Advocates for police reform
- Supporters of increased ballot access
- Advocates for protecting Minnesota wolves
- Affordable housing supporters
Many of you wrote in this week as well. Some of the big subjects were:
- Affordable healthcare
- Environmental protection
- Education policy
- Police Accountability
- Elections
Thank you to everyone who exercised your civic duty this week.
Preserving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Wilderness
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court overturned Polymet’s permit to mine in northern Minnesota, meaning the DNR will have to further reevaluate the permit request and ensure no harm will come to the Boundary Waters. This is great news for protecting the BWCA, an internationally recognized jewel of our state.
Wednesday afternoon, Friends of the Boundary Waters organized a press conference to celebrate this victory. There was limited time so I did not get a chance to speak, but I attended to show my support.
Cleaning Up Flying Cloud Fields
This past weekend, the Eden Prairie Rotary Club organized a clean-up of Flying Cloud Fields in southern Eden Prairie. We had great turnout, and it was nice to spend some time outside making the world a better place.
President Biden Delivers Historic First Address to Congress
President Biden delivered his first speech to a joint session of congress on Wednesday. He began his speech with “Thank you, Madame Speaker and Madame Vice President,” greeting Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “No other President has ever said those words from this podium, and it’s about time.” It was incredible to see, and a great moment for our country.