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Dear Neighbors,
First, I want to wish a joyful month of fasting, prayer, and reflection to all who are celebrating Ramadan here in Minnesota and around the world. Ramadan Mubarak!
The Minnesota House of Representatives hosted a wonderful Iftar ceremony at the Capitol Monday evening, and had members of the community join us for prayer, dinner, and a community gathering. Thank you to all who attended.
Minnesota legislators and Governor Tim Walz gather with community members during Iftar celebration.
Advancing Ethnic Studies Legislation
Recently I joined my Minnesota DFL legislators and members of the ethnic studies for all coaltion to hold a press conference unveiling legislation to support ethnic studies in Minnesota school curriculum.
Minnesota’s K-12 student population is rapidly becoming more diverse, but the classroom learning experience in our state does not yet reflect our student population. All students deserve to see themselves – their own cultures, communities, and histories – within their education. Studies have found that when students’ experiences and backgrounds are reflected in their curriculum, they become more engaged in learning, they have a greater sense of belonging, and they achieve better educational outcomes.
This bill ensures all students have access to ethnic studies instruction in Minnesota. It creates an Ethnic Studies Advisory Working Group and provides financial support to aid school districts in the development and implementation of ethnic studies curriculum, tailored to their community needs and interests. I’m honored to be carrying it.
You can view the press conference here.
Rep. Sencer-Mura stands in front of the microphone during the ethnic studies press conference along with members of the Education Finance committee.
Budget Bills are Advancing
Work in legislative committees is winding down, and chairs are hard at work assembling their respective budget bills. Beginning in April, committee work will conclude, and each chamber will pass budget bills off the floor.
In the Education Finance Committee, we’re working hard to deliver historic new investments in education while ensuring Minnesota students can have the sustainable funding they deserve. We’re increasing per-pupil funding, filling the English language learning budget shortfalls our schools are facing, reducing the special education budget shortfalls, and working toward closing the achievement gap with funding for literacy improvements in schools and for hiring and retaining more Indigenous teachers and educators of color.
As this process continues to evolve over the next few weeks, I’m committed to seeing these investments through.
Trans Refuge Bill
Recently the House passed the Trans Refuge bill. The legislation prevents out-of-state laws from interfering in the practice of gender-affirming health care which has been and is already legal in Minnesota. This law simply allows families from other States to be able to come to Minnesota for the care they or their families seek. With attacks against the trans community on the rise across the country it’s critical that we guarantee the health and well-being of our trans neighbors and loved ones. I’m proud to have voted for this legislation and will continue to support laws that make our trans community safer.
You’re Invited to a Coffee and Conversation!
As we progress through the final months of session, I want to invite you to a Coffee and Conversation. On Friday, April 14th. From 8 to 10am, I will be at Northern CoffeeWorks in Minneapolis with School Board Member Lori Norvell. We hope to see you there!
Future of the 3rd Precinct
The city of Minneapolis has announced that a series of community-wide discussions are planned next month to discuss a future building for the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd Precinct.
3rd Precinct community conversations
- Business owner session: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge, 3010 Minnehaha Ave.
- General public session: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St.
- General public session: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at Roosevelt High School, 4029 S. 28th Ave.
- General public session: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. Location to be determined.
More information is available at minneapolismn.gov/3rd-precinct-building.
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. You can also follow my new Facebook page.
In community,
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Minnesota House of Representatives
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