Wishing all who observe Yom Kippur an easy fast and good final sealing. G’mar Chatimah Tovah

Last week I brought two proposals to the Senate Gun Violence Prevention Working Group: • Letting cities ban guns in libraries, rec centers & city halls • Renew funding for the nonpartisan Gun Violence Research Center Read more about the Working Group here: www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/new...

To those who celebrate - Happy New Year!

As Chair of the Capital Investment Committee, I joined our resident civil engineer Senator Ann Johnson Stewart and Committee members in southeast Minnesota this week to tour local infrastructure projects. We’ll be traveling across the state all fall to learn more about the needs in our communities.

Like so many of you, I am heartbroken by the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School. A new school year should bring hope, not fear. Please join Rep. Hussein, Rep. Pérez-Vega & me for a District 65 Town Hall on Public Safety to share concerns & work together on solutions for safer neighborhoods.

This year brought challenges, but Senate DFLers worked to protect what makes Minnesota strong. I’m proud to represent District 65, where some of my most impactful legislation comes directly from ideas shared by constituents. Read my 2025 End of Session Report to see what we accomplished.

I’m proud to have been the author of Minnesota’s new restorative justice law, which gives survivors of sexual assault another path to healing. I'm grateful to the advocates who made this possible. Read more here: www.startribune.com/new-law-offe...

As the author of MN’s Earned Sick and Safe Time law, I stand with UFCW Local 663 as they take Hormel to court. No one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck. Read the full press release here: senatedfl.mn/dfl-senators...

I attended last Wednesday's ceremonial signing of the bill to fund suicide prevention barriers on the Washington Ave Bridge. I was honored to share the moment with my grandchildren and acknowledge the advocates who made this life-saving legislation possible.

Please attend The Capitol Area Community Vitality Kick-Off event on Monday, July 14th from 4-8pm at Cass Gilbert Hill Park! There will be food trucks, games for kids, and live music. We hope to see you there!

Though the Trump admin will end the national 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialty line on July 17, Minnesota will continue to have counselors trained to support LGTBQ+ youth. Whether you’re in crisis, feeling overwhelmed, or are concerned about a family member, 988 is here for you.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is never given — it is claimed, defended, and carried forward by each generation. As our communities grieve in the wake of targeted political violence, we recommit to this work to carry on the memory of all who have fought for justice. #juneteenth

Last night I attended a celebration for the passage of my bill SF 2200, which deems information obtained from a restorative practice as inadmissible in court. This bill works by creating a space where people who are navigating the aftermath of a crime can engage with honesty and vulnerability.

Lesson 2 from Snyder’s On Tyranny” Institutions also include our city, county, state & federal governments.

Lesson one from “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder

I’m proud to author funding for the Violence Prevention Project

Heather quotes a dynamic speech by Illinois gov Pritzker April 28, 2025 open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...

Our democracy works best when voters, not billionaires or scam PACs have power. The Senate's election bill takes on dark money, makes campaign finance and lobbying more transparent, and invests in local elections administration. In Minnesota our votes are not for sale.

Happy Passover to those who celebrate!

“People are worried about their aging water and sewer infrastructure. People are upset about roads that we can’t maintain. Everything seems to be aging out at the same time ... and the Xcel, that’s only 25 years old.” - Chair @senatorpappas.bsky.social www.startribune.com/st-paul-minn... #mnleg

Exciting plans for CHS Field! Representative Perez-Vega and I are carrying a bill for a reasonable request to fund stadium renovations and facility upgrades. Go Saints! www.startribune.com/st-paul-sain...

I’ve spent decades fighting sex trafficking, especially when it impacts young girls. So much of this horrific crime is driven by demand. Having a fellow Senator accused of joining the ‘johns’ who prey upon underage girls is totally abhorrent.  He has no place in the Senate, and he should resign.

Yesterday was Sovereignty Day, a day to celebrate the ongoing importance of protecting tribal sovereignty. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Native American history and will continue to support the 11 Minnesota Tribes.

Thank you for joining our District 65 Virtual Town Hall! We had a great discussion, answered important questions, and heard from the community. I am always grateful to hear the opinions of my constituents and I will continue to inform my work based on the needs of District 65 residents.

Federal workers make essential government services like Social Security, Medicare, the VA - and so much more - work for working people. Join @machinistsunion.bsky.social, @nffe.bsky.social, and more on Monday morning in Washington, DC to thank our federal workers.

I'm pleased to have authored this bill and to fund this important work! www.startribune.com/extreme-risk...

FBI hate crimes show a surge in attacks against people based on religion, sexual orientation, gender identity. The 11,863 hate crimes are the most ever, but this is only a fraction. The 18,000 federal, state, and other entities aren’t required to report and don’t. Reports must be required.

From Abraham Lincoln: “the same old serpent that says you work and I eat, you toil and I will enjoy the fruits of it. …whether it come from the mouth of a King, an excuse for enslaving the people …it is all the same old serpent.”

As a leader in the AFL-CIO in the mid-20th century, Bayard Rustin helped integrate formerly all-white unions and increased unionization of African American workers, was an organizer in the Civil Rights Movement and for gay rights. The 2023 movie- Rustin can be streamed on Netflix.

Last week I met with multiple constituents for their Day at the Capitol. I am always grateful for the opportunity to listen and advocate for constituents. To find out more about who these organizations are and their important issues, subscribe to my newsletter: shorturl.at/V1jXo

This is the 4th week of the Minnesota legislative session. During these first 4 weeks, I've invited 2 chaplains to open the floor session with a prayer. Thank you to Fr. Chris Collins (R) from St. Peter Claver Church and Rev. Christopher Chatelaine-Samsen (L) from Central Presbyterian for joining!

Happy Black History Month! This year's theme is African Americans and Labor. I'm proud to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments that Black Minnesotans have made to our community and uplift Black history, culture and heritage. #BlackHistoryMonth

Black Entrepreneurs Day on the Hill inaugurates Black History Month. www.eventbrite.com/e/black-entr...

I just read this in a NYT article! Minnesota said it was locked out of a Medicaid system and could not submit a request for $408 million.

bsky.app/profile/minn... Congrats to my wonderful colleague and friend!

Today we solemnly remember the lives stolen from our world during the Holocaust. Over 7 million people were exterminated from our Earth systematically—today we remember and reflect on the wicked hate that fueled this travesty, and recommit ourselves to the promise, “never again.”

I join my colleagues in the Blue Dog Coalition in urging bipartisan cooperation to pass a bonding bill early this session. Full press release: senatedfl.mn/senate-dfl-b...

Americans send us to Washington to make their lives better, and this law did that. Trump doesn’t care that your neighborhood bridge is back to structurally sound, that the lead pipes in your kids’ school were removed, or that you have a new transit line that takes you to work.

Buried in the flurry of Executive Orders last night is one that halts all funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Yes, the law that Republicans and Democrats came together to pass that fixes our roads, modernizes old bridges and makes drinking water safer.

Wonderful commentary on MLK day! We all can be heroes. open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...