Week of February 19th – 23rd
Keeping Our Students Safe
In just a single week, two massive rallies were held at the state capitol on gun violence prevention. The first was on Tuesday, held by Mom’s Demand Action, then on Thursday I was given the opportunity to speak at a rally held by Protect Minnesota.
This most recent mass shooting has not only awoken our youth like never before, but also driven our entire country to listen to what they have to say. Gun violence prevention could become this generation’s Vietnam.
Through awareness and legislation, I am hopeful that we’ll see real progress in the coming weeks.The time is now to get this done.
Last week I told you I was co-author of SF 1262, which creates gun violence protection orders. I’m now proud to say I’m now also co-author of SF 1261, which implements universal background checks on all firearm sales. These are just two of several essential bills that our state should pass in order to keep our children safe.
Still, there are more things that we can do. This morning, on
Friday February 23, I visited 11 classes at Eden Prairie High School to directly ask students about what they think we should do. It did my heart good to see such a plethora of insightful responses from students who just want to feel safe in their school. I look forward to bringing their ideas to the state capitol when I return on Monday.
Session is Underway!
Though many of you already know him, Greg Weiner is my amazing legislative assistant. As session gets back underway, I look forward to the work that we are going to get done.
Year two of the 90th Minnesota Legislature has begun, and I’m incredibly excited to get back to work. A lot of difficult but crucial conversations will be had on issues ranging from infrastructure to opiod abuse. I truly believe that each and every one of us 67 senators is here to make the world a better place, and I am confident that we can get BOTH sides together to forge a more united, cooperative Minnesota.
Constituents at the Capitol
On Monday, I got together with some former students of mine from the class of 1993 and took them and their kids on a tour of the capitol. It was the best day-before-session that I could have asked for.
Also on Monday, I got to meet with Trinidad Santillan, a foreign exchange student from Eden Prairie High School who wanted to learn more about our state’s government. Also joining us was her host family: Anya, Kris, and Bill Falk.
Former student Marty Stock came to visit, and boy, it sure
was a pleasure to see his warm smile again!
Great to have another former student Alex Fox, as one of my interns this session. He’s a bright young man with an interest in politics, economics, and music!
I hope you all have the best weekend ever, and enjoy all this fresh snow that we got!
Best,
Cwod