 Welcome to my new newsletter!
Dear District 4 County Residents,
I am thrilled to introduce myself as your newly elected County Commissioner. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve you and our community.
As your County Commissioner, my top priority is to listen to your concerns and work together to make our county a better place for everyone. I believe in open communication and transparency, and I am committed to keeping you informed and involved in the decisions that affect our community.
Over the next few months, I will be working closely with our county staff and community leaders to identify key issues and develop effective solutions. I believe that by working together, we can tackle any challenge and make our county a model for others to follow.
I invite you to sign up for my newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in our county, including upcoming events, initiatives, and community meetings. You can also follow me on social media to stay up-to-date and connect with me directly.
Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working with you to make our county an even better place to call home.
Sincerely,
Rena Moran, County Commissioner
 In 2020 as a State Representative, I had the honor of bringing the CROWN ACT to Minnesota. The CROWN ACT is a law that forbids discrimination based on hair texture and hair styles. CROWN stands for; "Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair." Hair discrimination impacts Black people especially Black women and girls in schools and workplaces who wear hair styles such as locs, braids, twists, Bantu knots, afros, and natural hair. They are punished by discriminatory workplaces, school dress and grooming policies.
At this session Rep Esther Agbaje was the Chief Author of the bill and was able to get it passed and signed by the Governor into law. This new law is a major step forward in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in our State. The signing event was filled with energy and enthusiasm, as individuals from different cultural backgrounds came together to celebrate this important moment. The Governor gave a heartfelt speech about the significance of this act and the importance of embracing our cultural differences. The Governor stated, "Discrimination has no place in Minnesota" and "by signing the CROWN ACT we are sending a message that Black Minnesotans deserve to live and work free from discrimination. Today, we are taking an important step in creating an equitable Minnesota."
It was touching to see individuals sharing personal stories about how this law will positively impact their lives and their communities.
I had the pleasure of attending and welcoming residents to the Trade Up event at the Finishing Trades of the Upper Midwest, as Chair of the Workforce Solutions Committee. The project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, over 60 residents came to learn more about union careers, get some training and then determined their further interest. Forty-one (41) residents were hi red at the end of the day. They are now members of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 82. They will begin employment helping to set up and take down various conventions in the Twin Cities starting at $21 per hour with OT at $31. Workforce Solutions team was present to help with barrier removal including driver's license academy and connections to support services. Thanks to Don Mullins with St Paul Building Trades for his partnership to help us with this effort, Don serves on our Workforce Board. Also, thanks to Director Ling Becker for her creative and innovative solution to removing barriers to create a stronger workforce and opportunity for those from disadvantage and underrepresented and communities. She has been leading in this partnership with the Building Trades. It was inspiring to see so many individuals interested in pursuing careers in the construction industry and connecting with local employers.
Overall, the event was a great success and I am grateful for the organizers who put it together. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community and the construction industry.
Women in Construction Week proclaimed by board
The board of commissioners has proclaimed March 5-11, 2023 as Women in Construction Week in the county.
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 I attended my first conference at The National Association of Counties (NACo) annual legislative conference in Washington DC, which brings together county officials from across the United States to discuss policy issues and share best practices. The 2023 NACo Legislative Conference was February 11-14, and featured sessions and workshops on a wide range of topics, including healthcare, criminal justice reform, infrastructure, and economic development. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with federal officials and advocate for county priorities on Capitol Hill. One of the highlights of the event was a visit from President Biden, where he cited the Ramsey County program that trains nurses and licensed childcare professionals with addressing childcare needs that held back workers.
 Hallie Q. Brown Community Center is a nonprofit organization in St. Paul, Minnesota, that serves as a community hub and offers a variety of educational and social programs.
Black History Month is an annual celebration in the United States that recognizes the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Providing a proclamation is a common way for government officials to recognize and commemorate important events and milestones.
I attended and provided a proclamation to Hallie Q. Brown in order to honor and celebrate the important contributions the organization has made to the community's history and culture. It has been vital in raising awareness and encouraging continued education about the experiences of Black Americans.
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