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In this edition of the District 1 Newsletter:
 Ramsey County is deeply saddened by the loss of Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, who was killed in action while serving our country in Kuwait. She was a devoted wife, mother and neighbor. I extend my condolences to all who knew her and recognize the immense sacrifice her family has made and will continue to make. I ask you to keep Nicole’s family and fellow service members in your thoughts during this difficult time. Thank you to all who serve.
 Tara Jebens-Singh
Commissioner, Ramsey County District 1
One of the most important responsibilities of a County Commissioner is to be your advocate at all levels of government. I make it a priority to be in community as often as I can - meeting and talking with residents and local leaders to better understand the issues most important to you. These stories inform my work every day. While Ramsey County is in ongoing collaboration with our local, state and federal partners, I and my colleagues recently met with our elected officials to specifically discuss the Ramsey County Legislative Platform, which outlines the county’s current policy positions at the federal and state levels.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, McGuire, and Moran standing together outside Sen. Klobuchar’s office.
Recently, I, along with my Ramsey County Board colleagues, travelled to Washington, D.C for the National Association of County Officials annual legislative conference. We heard updates directly from federal officials on a number of policy areas and engaged with our colleagues from across the country sharing best practices on how to address the issues most affecting our communities. Highlights for me included representing Ramsey County in health and immigration policy platform discussions.
While at the nation’s capital, Minnesota County Commissioners met collectively with members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation at the Library of Congress the morning after the State of the Union. Commissioners McGuire, McMurtrey, Moran and I also met directly with Senators Klobuchar and Smith, and Representatives Craig and McCollum. The following updates highlight our key advocacy priorities: Impacts of Immigration Enforcement, H.R.1 (SNAP and Medicaid), and Election Administration.
 Commissioner Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, McGuire, and Moran meeting with Rep. Angie Craig alongside TRG staff (Ramsey County’s federal lobbying team).
On February 3rd, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners formally condemned the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration enforcement agents during Operation Metro Surge. We shared how federal militarization within our communities destabilized neighborhoods, created fear among families, and disrupted local economies, including small businesses and immigrant-owned enterprises.
My colleagues and I advocated for comprehensive, humane immigration policy reforms that consider Minnesota’s workforce needs, including agriculture and caregiving sectors. We asked for a stronger federal partnership in the recovery process, requesting necessary investments in community-based mental health services, resources to support small businesses, and improved coordination with local governments. I was proud to share how our community has stepped up to support each other, our neighbors, and businesses, rebuild trust, and address trauma.
While we continue to address the harms on our community, you can help by supporting trusted local organizations that provide legal aid, mental health support, and community resources to immigrant families, businesses, and others in need. Staying informed through local dialogues (see the upcoming event below) and sharing your stories with local, state, and federal elected officials helps ensure that policymakers hear the real impacts of these decisions on the ground. For more information, you can find Guidance for Residents on Federal Immigration Enforcement here. Additionally, the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative maintains several resource guides specific to suburban Ramsey County, and the Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative provides diverse, comprehensive, local mental health resources.
Vadnais Heights Community Gathering
Join your neighbors in Vadnais Heights as they gather for an evening of rebuilding in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge. The event will provide an opportunity to hear updates and stories from people with direct experience of Operation Metro Surge, in and near the Vadnais Heights community. Presentations will convey how they have been affected, highlight the most urgent needs, and inform residents on how they can help. Following presentations, attendees will have time to connect directly with community organizations.
Location: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Rd, Vadnais Heights
Commissioner Jebens-Singh and McMurtrey coversating with Representative Betty McCullom.
Recently, Congress passed H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which significantly reshaped federal tax and spending policies while affecting funding for essential safety-net programs. Impacts of H.R. 1 on SNAP and Medicaid include new work requirements, administrative mandates, and increased cost shifts to counties. These sweeping federal policy changes affect counties on the front lines of implementation – translating federal directives into real services, real systems, and real impacts for residents.
While in D.C. I worked closely with our federal partners to address specific Ramsey County concerns surrounding this piece of legislation. Medicaid and SNAP changes are anticipated to cut and disrupt needed supports for our most vulnerable neighbors. Additional unfunded administrative mandates are projected to cost Minnesota $160 million annually and Ramsey County an estimated $19 million a year. This single line item equates to an additional 5% hike on property taxes. This is not sustainable for our residents!
As we work to represent you, residents can support these efforts by staying engaged. Follow the latest impacts of federal and state funding changes on Ramsey County here. Share your experiences with elected leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. Let them know your priorities regarding the provision of essential services, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and protecting Ramsey County residents from additional property tax burdens.
 Commissioner Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, and TRG staff (Ramsey County's federal lobbying team) meeting with Sen. Klobuchar.
Ramsey County and Minnesota’s election systems have been recognized for maintaining strong election security, voter accessibility, and high voter turnout. Unfortunately, proposed legislation could significantly alter access, cost, and security of our elections. New voter ID requirements in the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE ACT) could disenfranchise new and current legal voters. The Minnesota Voter Integrity Act would allow the federal government to withhold funds designed to protect election infrastructure from interference or cyber threats.
I join election administrators across the state in urging federal policymakers to reconsider and oppose measures that jeopardize both election access and security. Protecting the integrity of elections requires cross-collaboration, adequate resources, increasing access to eligible voters, and enacting policies that support the work of local election administrators and officials.
If you would like to join this effort, you can learn more by viewing recent policy statements from Secretary of State Simon. I also urge you to participate in the nonpartisan educational and advocacy opportunities offered by the League of Women Voters. And again, by reaching out to your federal legislators to share any questions, comments, or concerns.
Minnesota County Commissioners and Minnesota Congressional Delegation at the Library of Congress.
 This past week, my colleagues and I participated in the Association of Minnesota Counties legislative conference in St. Paul. The day started with inspiring opening remarks from Commissioner McMurtrey and Senator John Hoffman. We also received updates from state leaders representing key departments. County Commissioners from across the state then met with their respective legislators. All 87 Counties are united in our support for modernizing state human services systems to serve residents better and reduce counties’ administrative burden. Learn more here about the need to Modernize Now!
Ramsey County Commissioners focused on areas that would help us increase revenue and relieve pressure from the property tax levy. We are making bonding requests for capital improvements at Park at Rivers Edge and Aldrich Arena. We are also asking to establish a new Capitol Complex County Host Program (CCCHP). Ramsey County has a significant number of tax-exempt properties located in one of the highest tax-capacity areas per acre in St. Paul. This program would be similar to Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for Ramsey County, as host of the Capitol Complex, and would generate approximately $27 million annually. We are working hard to find financially sustainable solutions while providing essential county services.
Having so many county commissioners collectively meeting their state and federal elected officials was quite powerful. I carry each of the stories shared with me into every room where important issues are discussed and decisions made. Your voice is essential.
Advocacy does not begin and end at the ballot box. Every day, residents shape policy decisions at all levels of government by sharing lived experiences and engaging directly with decision-makers. Whether the issue surrounds taxes, public safety, human services, transportation, or immigration reform, your voice carries weight. In this section below, I wanted to be intentional in sharing the multitude of ways you can access your representatives at the county, state, and federal levels.
Advocacy at the County: As counties deliver many of the essential state and federally mandated services, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for you on both state and federal fronts. If you have concerns, ideas, or feedback, you can:
Ramsey County Advisory Board Applications: Residents play an important role in shaping the future of Ramsey County, and one of the most impactful ways to get involved is by serving on a Ramsey County Advisory Board, Committee, or Commission. Residents have the opportunity to share their perspectives, provide feedback on policies, help guide decisions, and collaborate directly with county staff.
Ramsey County is currently recruiting for the following advisory boards and committees:
- 911 Community Voices
- Community Health Services Advisory Committee (CHSAC)
- Equitable Climate Action Resident Advisory Team (ECARAT)
- Parks and Recreation Commission
- Personnel Review Board
- Ramsey County Charter Commission
- Workforce Innovation Board (WIB)
To learn more and apply, click here. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026.
Advocacy at the State & Federal Level: State and Federal Legislators determine funding levels, mandates, and policy frameworks that directly impact our state, counties, local municipalities, and communities. If you have concerns, ideas, or feedback on proposed legislation, you can:
- Call or Email Your State Representative, State Senator, or federal legislator
- Schedule a meeting at the Capitol during the legislative session or in-district during the interim
- Provide testimony on bills
To find your state and federal legislators and their contact information, visit: http://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts
Participate in a “Day on the Hill”: One of the most effective ways to advocate is by participating in a “Day on the Hill” at the Minnesota Capitol. These are organized advocacy efforts covering a large variety of initiatives where residents, nonprofits, and community groups can come together to meet directly with legislators to advocate for legislation and address concerns. See below for various opportunities to participate:
If you are planning to participate in a Day on the Hill and would like support navigating the process or simply want your county commissioner in the room, we encourage you to invite the District One Office. My office is always happy to be present, listen to the conversations taking place, and support constituent engagement at the capitol. |
