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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well and staying healthy. Monday, the Legislature gaveled in for the 2022 legislative session. Our main focus in the House will be helping our working families, students, and main street businesses recover from the challenges we’ve all experienced over the last two years. By many measures, our economy is recovering strongly, and we have a $7.7 billion positive budget balance. However, we know our state’s ongoing economy recovery isn’t being felt by many Minnesotans who are not sharing in the growth they are helping create. That’s why we are focused on reducing costs and boosting family budgets. I’m eager to continue working with and for our Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Eagan and Sunfish Lake residents and families at the Capitol.
Black History Month
February 1st marked the beginning of Black History Month, a time to reflect back on the pivotal contributions of Black Americans across the country, with a commitment to continuing our work to create a more equal Minnesota for everyone who lives here.
Almanac recently amplified the work of our groundbreaking Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Task Force, which was created as a result of legislation I authored last year. We are working to center the voices of survivors and families to address the disparities of the crisis with a community-based response. You can watch my discussion with Cathy Wurzer here.
 I’m overwhelmed with emotion to have received the Woman of Courage Award by the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, and to be connected with the legacy of the mother of the Civil Rights Movement, Mamie Till-Mobley. My parents were children in Alabama and Mississippi when 14-year old Emmett Till was violently murdered. The Women of Courage award is presented to women nominated across the United States who have demonstrated the ability and resolve to transform tragedy, disappointment, heartbreak and or loss into “a lasting legacy of courage and hope" in honor of Mamie Till Mobley.
Education Plan
I’m honored to continuing serving as the Chair of the House K-12 Education Policy Committee. Last week, my House colleagues and I released a plan to increase access to affordable childcare and early learning, enhance the high-quality K-12 education our kids deserve, and expand opportunities to pursue post-secondary education. It’s critical that every student has the tools and support they need to thrive, now and in the future.
I’m glad the plan invests in our youngest Minnesotans. Since the first years of a child’s life set the foundation for their future, investing in childcare and early learning would have a positive impact on thousands of kids for the rest of their lives. When families have access to childcare and early learning, parents can work, employers can grow, and communities can thrive.
In my education role, I’ll also work to expand mental health resources for students and school staff, increase funding for special education and English language learner programs, recruit and retain teachers of color and Indigenous teachers, address workforce shortages, and lower the cost of college. More information about our education plan is available here.
 I appreciated the opportunity to speak on the importance of Paid Family and Medical Leave and our efforts at the legislature to address maternal and infant mortality and morbidity at the recent Prenatal to 3 Forum.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.ruth.richardson@house.mn or 651-296-4192 to share input, ask questions, or let me know how I can provide assistance.
It’s an honor to serve our communities at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Ruth Richardson
State Representative
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