I received feedback from many constituents regarding scheduling conflicts for the Coffee and Conversation on March 28 due to the "No Kings" Rally. My office has rescheduled the community meeting to Saturday, April 11, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We will still meet at Heal MPLS. Please save the date; I look forward to seeing you there and providing you with an update from the Capitol.
I want to inform you of two key pieces of legislation that were stalled by House Republicans. I’m frustrated by their unwillingness to collaborate in good faith on legislation that brings change and relief to Minnesotans who are facing dire impacts due to Operation Metro Surge. While the headlines have changed, the trauma and pain are real, and we need to act with urgency to address the multiplying needs of our neighbors.
As a housing champion, I know the housing crisis didn’t start when 3,000 federal agents occupied our state. The system was broken before they got here; they just exacerbated the factors. Thousands of Minnesotans across the state are facing housing instability. I co-authored legislation to pass $40 million in emergency rental assistance to offer help now. Republicans voted against the bill. We gave them another chance to stand with Minnesotans and brought the bill to the House floor, pleading the case and sharing stories of families who had to make impossible decisions all because ICE was racially profiling Minnesotans. Unmoved, they said, "No."
Republicans also showed that they don’t care about the overall well-being of African American/Black children and keeping them with their families. In committee this week, I introduced legislation to improve and update provisions in the African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (AAFPCWDA). While it is a bipartisan bill, Republicans were intent on gutting and ultimately delaying the program’s statewide implementation. I fought hard against their attempt to dismantle the integrity of this bill; in doing so, they withheld their votes, which led the bill to fail to advance to the next committee stop.
What they did was essentially tell our Black and Brown communities and our children that their families don’t deserve the right to fight for them and keep them in their kinship. Black children and families have endured centuries of harm and violent separation, yet this history does not compel them to commit to change—it just reinforces their stance to prioritize some children over others.
What they didn’t do was repeal the underlying bill; the Act still remains law. Counties across the state will need financial support to implement this bill, and they won’t be able to count on House Republicans—they killed a pathway to support the work of counties in child protection. It’s a shame, and communities have every right to feel upset and angered by their thoughtless decision.
 Despite being in a tied House, nothing in the House is "dead" until the end of the 2026 session. Please continue to reach out to your legislators and make sure they know that this issue is important to you and that you demand action.
Despite being in a tied House, nothing in the House is "dead" until the end of the 2026 session. Please continue to reach out to your legislators and make sure they know that this issue is important to you and that you demand action.
I deeply value being in this work to improve lives with you. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. Please reach out anytime if you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions at rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn.gov or 651-296-8659.
Minnesota House of Representatives (59B)
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