Friends and Neighbors, 

As fall settles in and our kids are back into the rhythm of the school year and activities, I’ve been grateful for the chance to connect with so many of you at local festivals, meetings with community leaders, legislative panels, or through the educator survey I recently sent out. These conversations are what keep me grounded in this work, ensuring that the priorities I bring to Saint Paul reflect the voices and values of our community. I’d like to share a few updates from the past several weeks. 

One of the most important responsibilities we share is ensuring our neighborhoods remain safe. Recently, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced her office will no longer prosecute felony cases that stem from lower-level traffic stops, such as expired tabs or a broken taillight. While she argues this will address disparities, local police chiefs have raised serious concerns that this policy weakens a vital tool for keeping drugs, guns, and impaired drivers off our streets. I am working with local law enforcement to ensure these policies don’t impact their work and your safety.   

One of our own police departments recently added a drug detection canine, which has already proven effective in intercepting meth and other dangerous substances during routine stops. Yet, under this new approach, many of those felony-level cases may not move forward, leaving communities more vulnerable. The reality is these so-called “minor” stops often reveal major crimes, including felony DWIs, illegal firearms, and trafficking of dangerous drugs. 

State law clearly authorizes officers to conduct these stops, and Minnesotans expect them to be enforced. That’s why I sent a letter to the County Attorney to express these concerns. Weakening enforcement not only undercuts law enforcement, but it also puts families at risk. I will continue working with our local police chiefs to ensure public safety remains a top priority. 

As a parent of four young kids in Minnesota’s public schools, I know how important it is that our educators have the support they need to help students thrive. That’s why I’ve been focused on efforts to reduce class sizes, strengthen school safety, expand access to counselors, and direct resources where they’re most effective. 

Recently, I sent a survey to over 7,000 educators asking for their input on what would make the biggest difference in classrooms. Last session, educator feedback directly influenced improvements to teacher pensions, classroom shadowing for legislators, and flexible local funding. I look forward to sharing the responses to this new survey once they come in, and I’m committed to ensuring that those working directly with students continue to help shape the solutions we advance at the Capitol. 

Question of the Week 

With the start of fall/winter sports seasons, in the last newsletter, I asked which Minnesota professional team has the best chance of bringing home a championship this year. Here’s how you voted: 

• Lynx (WNBA) – 31.3% 

• Frost (PWHL) – 25% 

• Wild (NHL) – 12.5% 

• Vikings (NFL) – 12.5% 

• Minnesota United – 12.5% 

• Timberwolves – 6.2% 

• Twins – 0% (and, unfortunately, they’ve since been knocked out of playoff contention). 

This Week’s Question:  

After the tragic acts of political violence against Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband, as well as the attempted assassinations of Senator John Hoffman and his family, there have been ongoing discussions about safety at the Capitol. Minnesota is one of the few states that still allows completely open access to legislators and the Capitol complex, something we have prided ourselves on for decades. However, the tragedy in June has left some wondering if a change is needed. 

Would you support the use of security checkpoints, including metal detectors, to enter the State Capitol and the adjacent legislative offices? 

Click here to add your voice to the conversation.