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It has been a historic legislative session, marked by unprecedented support for Ramsey County and the wonderful city of St. Paul.
Throughout this session, I have worked tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of our community. My legislative efforts have been focused on promoting sustainable development, enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, and advocating for the welfare of our residents.
One of the key accomplishments I achieved during this session was the successful passage of several landmark bills that will positively impact our district. These bills will not only provide crucial funding for infrastructure projects but also bolster local businesses and create new job opportunities.
Below you will see information on the legislative achievements;
2023 Ramsey County Platform Priorities
Family and Community Stabilization
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Outcome
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Investing in housing-stability, affordability and transitions out of homelessness.
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• $11.4 million will go directly to the partners and service providers we work with on the continuum of care.
• $1 billion statewide housing package; programs/funds for Ramsey County residents (renters/homeowners).
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Addressing racial disparities in out-of-home displacements.
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• $13 million each year to implement the Families First Prevention Services Act.
• Passage of the MIFPA to backstop the ICWA.
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Preventing and responding to youth violence through innovative community programming and investments.
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• $5 million to open intensively therapeutic treatment homes for justice involved youth.
• $5 million for community supports.
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Funding an increase in County Program Aid.
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• New ongoing amount will be $26 million.
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Systems Transformation
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Outcome
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Improving mental and behavioral health systems and support.
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• Removes the county cost share payments for mentally ill and dangerous individuals who await transfer from one state-operated facility to another. (2 years only)
• Creates a Task Force on Priority Admissions to evaluate the impact of the requirements for priority admissions (aka the 48-hour rule).
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Reforming criminal justice approach, centering community.
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• $70 million onetime grant opportunity for community crime and violence prevention.
• $6 million for Ramsey County in onetime Public Safety Aid.
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Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion
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Outcome
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Funding transportation, including new revenues for transit, roads and bridges.
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• 2023 Transportation omnibus bill is historic with ¾ cent sales tax in the 7-county metro area for transit-transportation purposes.
• Other dedicated funds for needs across the state.
• Shift of capital maintenance/operations to Met Council will save Ramsey money.
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Investing in workforce supports for all residents.
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• Paid Family Leave
• Earned Safe & Sick Time
• $2 million to Ramsey workforce programs.
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I am delighted to announce that our advocacy for social and economic equity has yielded remarkable results. We have secured additional resources to support affordable housing initiatives, expand access to quality healthcare, and enhance educational opportunities for our youth. By prioritizing these issues, we are fostering a more inclusive and equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are building a brighter future for Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul.
Rena
County Board Workshops
Most weeks, our County Board meets to discuss specific policy issues and receive updates from County Departments and Service Teams in our Board Workshops.
Workshops and discussions are held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions below.
Recent workshops include: look up all of workshops and place here:
You can access video recordings of the meetings as well as the materials shared by clicking here.
You can watch upcoming workshops live by clicking here.
  In an exciting development for the community of St. Paul, Minnesota, the Youthbuild Construction Careers Pathway celebrated the completion of a remarkable achievement—an environmentally sustainable Gold LEED-certified home. Students were honored for their dedication to both construction skills and sustainable building practices. I had the opportunity to celebrate with the students and the individuals that trained the students.
The Gold LEED certification signifies that the newly constructed home, located at 448 Page St E, St. Paul, MN 55107, meets rigorous standards of environmental performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. This achievement not only demonstrates the commitment of Youthbuild Construction Careers Pathway to training the next generation of skilled workers but also showcases their dedication to responsible building practices. The completion of the Gold LEED-certified home not only adds a valuable asset to the St. Paul community but also provides an opportunity for the Youthbuild students to gain practical experience and showcase their skills in sustainable construction.
For more information about the Youthbuild Construction Careers Pathway and their initiatives, please visit their website at [https://youthbuild.workforcegps.org/Blog/Construction/2020/05/11/19/15/Building-a-Construction-Career-Pathway-at-Your-YouthBuild-Program].
  I stopped by the Dinner with Ramsey County Safety and Justice Service Teams Community Engagement event for underserved communities in partnership with the YMCA was another way to connect with community. This event was aimed at fostering closer relationships between residents and local authorities while promoting a safe and inclusive community for all.
The gathering was well attended by community members and Ramsey County shared valuable insights on the ongoing efforts to enhance safety and justice within our county. This was an excellent opportunity to connect directly with your elected representative and individuals working in the front lines of 911 Center, Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and Medical Examiner's Office.
 I attended the groundbreaking ceremony, it was a testament to the dedication and perseverance of all those involved in making this cultural landmark a reality. The location is in the heart of Rondo and Frogtown communities and I have been involved since the journey began. This day completed the journey and construction can begin.
A Vision Realized: Designed to provide a state-of-the-art venue for various performances, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts, the theater will serve as a platform to showcase local talents, inspire creativity, and nurture the cultural fabric of the city. Beyond its role as a performing arts venue, the theater will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting visitors, and stimulating surrounding businesses.
Sustainability and Accessibility: The Victoria Theatre of Arts will also prioritize sustainability and accessibility. By implementing environmentally friendly practices, such as energy-efficient design and the use of renewable resources, the theater aims to minimize its ecological footprint. Additionally, the venue will be fully accessible, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the diverse range of artistic experiences it offers.
The Victoria Theatre of Arts is poised to become a cultural landmark that will nurture creativity, foster community engagement, and enrich the lives of countless individuals in St. Paul and beyond.
  I recently had the honor of speaking at a joyous youth celebration to recognize and applaud the graduates of the Employment and College Readiness Program, in collaboration with JK Movement lead by Johnny Allen. The event marked a significant milestone in the lives of these young individuals who have successfully completed the program, equipping them with essential skills and empowering them for a brighter future.
Empowering Youth for the Future: The importance of programs like the Employment and College Readiness Program in empowering youth and fostering their personal and professional growth. By providing a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses skill-building workshops, mentorship opportunities, and real-world experiences, the program equips graduates with the confidence, knowledge, and resilience needed to excel in their chosen paths.
The significance of investing in the potential of young individuals and providing them with the tools necessary to thrive. As these graduates embark on their respective paths, they do so with newfound confidence, knowledge, and an unwavering belief in their ability to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
   The open house event was to celebrate the new location of Walker West at 650 Marshall Ave, St Paul. I have supported and appreciate Walker's West contribution and positive impact on the community. Walker West has been serving the local community for many years and has now relocated to a new space. There was much excitement about the move, as it allows Walker West to expand its reach and serve a larger number of youth in the area.
During the event, the emphasize was the importance of providing young people with opportunities in music lessons. Walker West offers music education and training to children and teenagers, nurturing their talents and fostering their passion for music. The new location is a great fit for the anticipated growth of Walker West.
Supporters expressed their commitment to supporting the organization and highlighted its significance in enriching the lives of young individuals by providing valuable opportunities beyond music lessons.
June is Pride Month, and our newest employee resource group is a rainbow of advocacy!
Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan which inspired many grassroots activists in the United States and around the world. What was once the gay rights movement has expanded to include a broader spectrum of diversity, the LGBTQIA2S+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender, two spirit, etc.).
Most recently, in June 2020, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision which affirmed the prohibition against sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include employment discrimination against an individual based on sexual orientation or transgender status.
The importance of the Juneteenth Holiday as a moment of celebration, reflection and reverence...Freedom Day!!
https://ramseynet.us/content/importance-juneteenth-holiday-moment-celebration-reflection-and-reverence
Juneteenth Celebrations I ATTENDED;
Community Peace Celebration at Western Sculpture Park
Juneteenth Celebration at Billy's on Grand (RC Black Excellence Members)
Save Our Sons (Melvin Carter, Sr.)
Black Excellence Juneteenth Event at Allianz Field
JK Movement Reunite, Renew and Rally Event
NAACP Gala
Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions Juneteenth Celebration
Mary McKeown, Executive Director, Mirriam Park Community Center
 I enjoyed the retirement party of Mary McKeown,. Her work extends far beyond the Merriam Park Community Center. I had the opportunity to work with Mary during her long time at Keystone Community Services, her advocacy work and providing food to the community benefited many.
Thanks for your unwavering dedication and selfless service. You have been a true champion for our community. May your retirement be filled with joy, fulfillment, and relaxation.
St. Paul Fire EMS Academy graduates were; Latisha Foster, Ciara Jones, Tyquana McChriston, Darshea Weaver, Erica Woods and Destiny Wren Graduation ceremony was at the Conway Recreation Center in St. Paul on Monday, June 12 2023.
 The EMS Academy is a program for low-income adults who are St. Paul and Ramsey County residents; the academy recruits women and people of color, who are typically underrepresented in emergency medicine and firefighting. Becoming an emergency medical technician is a steppingstone to the St. Paul fire department because all of the city’s firefighters are required to be EMT-certified.
I am thrilled to share with you an extraordinary moment of celebration and achievement that I had the honor of witnessing recently. Last week, I attended a momentous ceremony at the St. Paul's EMS Academy, where we congratulated six exceptional moms who became the first-ever all-women graduating class, surviving a group of eighteen that initially started. It was a truly historic and heartwarming occasion for our community. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. In a traditionally male-dominated field, these trailblazing moms have shattered barriers and demonstrated that gender is no obstacle to success.
I believe that the success of these six moms is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. It is a reminder that when we come together, support one another, and challenge societal norms, incredible things can be accomplished. Their achievement not only symbolizes progress but also serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who dreams of pursuing their aspirations.
  I am delighted to share with you an exciting update regarding my recent gathering with community leaders and organizations in our district. Last week, we held our first-ever meeting to discuss and inform each other about the abundant resources available to support workforce development initiatives, with a particular emphasis on empowering our youth. It was an incredibly productive and inspiring session that highlighted the collective strength and determination of our community.
The meeting served as a platform for community leaders, local organizations, and stakeholders to connect with the intention of providing access to Ramsey County resources. The objective is to equip our young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their chosen career paths.
Encouraging collaboration and identifying each other's unique strength allows the youth to be better served. Hopefully this will be the first of many meetings where exchanging of services and collaborations can be formed as we seek to provide services more efficiently. A place for "Trusted Leaders" in the community to get the resources they need.
I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting workforce development initiatives and empowering our youth. I will continue to advocate for resources, foster collaboration, and amplify the voices of our community as we work towards building a prosperous future for all.
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Midway Area Job Fair
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June 29
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10 am - 2 pm
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Allianz Stadium
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