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Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re doing well! I’d like to start this newsletter out with some good news: Brooklyn Park’s African Career Education & Resources (ACER) Organization is receiving a state grant of more than $194k! ACER is a community-driven organization founded in 2008 by a group of African Immigrants to help voter and civic engagement, fair and just housing, health equity, and economic development.
These investments were passed by the legislature in 2021 through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to support local community and economic development.
Update from the Capitol
Our work continues in the Minnesota House. In accordance with our co-governing agreement, the House Republicans will continue to control committee gavels and the overall agenda until a mid-March special election, after which we hope returns us to a 67-67 tie.
I see this as an opportunity to vet legislation and find common ground with one another; after all, 68 votes are needed to pass any bill, and we must work together to get this done for Minnesota.
I was recently a guest on Minnesota Public Radio to join a segment featuring “freshmen” representatives in the State House. I spoke with my Republican House colleague Max Rymer, and we had a great conversation about how we can be effective in passing a budget; you can tune in here.
 Photo Credit: Clay Masters | MPR News
In contrast, the national news of the Trump/Musk administration’s federal budget resolution proposing to freeze critical lifelines our most vulnerable Minnesotans rely on is very concerning, especially considering ⅓ of our state budget relies on federal dollars. I spoke in the House Human Services Committee recently to a GOP-lead proposal to gut the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, which was established in 2023 to address the low wages and poor working conditions of nursing home industry leading to a desperate shortage of workers. Now more than ever, we need to be supporting these workers, not removing protections in place. You can watch my remarks by clicking on the video below.
 I’m especially concerned about the proposed federal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and how this will impact more than 25% of our state's population, including 650,000 children and 125,000 Minnesotans with disabilities. Even a small handful of Republican state legislators sent a letter to their congressional counterparts urging them to stand up against these cuts, as they’ll hurt people who rely on these services in all corners of the state.
 Grateful for the opportunity to visit Hennepin Healthcare for an incredible Youth With Stethoscopes event recently! They are doing amazing work to prepare and guide the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Floor Action
On Thursday, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted down HF 13, a Shoot First bill which would remove Minnesota’s duty to retreat, allowing Minnesotans to shoot first when they feel threatened. If passed, this would lead to even more gun violence victims and more loss of life. Minnesota has already made so much good progress on reducing gun violence. The bill failed to reach the 68 votes needed to pass on a party line vote.
After one year of implementation, the evidence is clear: Extreme Risk Protection Orders are protecting Minnesotans from senseless gun violence. The Star Tribune recently published an op-ed spotlighting the impact of this important law, which you can read here. So far, 135 ERPO cases have been filed, with law enforcement initiating the vast majority of the petitions. The red flag law is saving lives, particularly in situations involving domestic violence or when individuals are experiencing mental health crises. Minnesotans overwhelmingly support common-sense gun violence prevention measures, like ERPOs and criminal background checks, and House DFLers remain committed to keeping our communities safe.
Addressing Minnesota's Housing Crisis
Minnesota’s housing crisis is untenable. A shortage of over 100,000 homes has led to 600,000 Minnesotans being cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income in housing. The average age of a first-time home buyer is now 38 years old, a record high. Eviction filings are through the roof. And there isn't a single county in the state where a family earning the median income can afford the median-priced home. This week, a group of bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers joined together to announce the The Yes to Homes Legislative Agenda, which includes bills to address Minnesota’s housing challenges in three key ways:
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Build more homes: Jumpstarting the production of more homes, especially the kinds of homes that too often are torpedoed by over-regulation: starter homes, townhomes and apartments.
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Build homes faster: Build homes that Minnesotans want faster by providing local leaders with the tools needed to streamline project approvals.
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Make homes more affordable: Cut costs by eliminating unnecessary regulations that drive up prices, such as excessive parking, requiring HOAs, and mandating luxury materials.
Connected to Community
Every day should be Early Childhood and Family Education Day. The joy of witnessing a child's developmental milestones and the resilience of families working together is a powerful testament to the impact of early education. Investing in ECFE is investing in our future. Grateful for the chance to read to and connect with ECFE Osseo kiddos and families at the Capitol recently!
 MAPE was in the HOUSE this week! It was one of the BIGGEST Advocacy Day ever! So great to meet with MAPE members from our SD 38 district.
Keep in Touch
Due to technical constraints, direct replies to this email will not reach my inbox. Please feel free to always reach out directly at rep.huldah.momanyi.hiltsley@house.mn.gov or call 651-296-3751. I’m always happy to provide assistance to you and your family.
Take care and enjoy the weekend!
Stronger together,
Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley
State Representative
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