The judiciary and public safety budget bill being finalized by a bicameral committee of lawmakers includes a provision for expanded background checks and a red flag law. The background check provision would require a permit-to-purchase or a valid permit-to-carry in order to receive a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon. Under the red flag law, family members or law enforcement… Read More »Support Provisions for Gun Safety
Neonicotinoids are a group of insecticides used widely on farms and in urban landscapes. They can persist in soil for months or years after a single application. Neonicotinoids are absorbed by plants and can be present in pollen and nectar, making them toxic to bees. A current bill in the Minnesota Legislature (HF2805 and SF1915) would ban the sale, possession, or use… Read More »Support Our Pollinators
The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act HF366/SF165 would enact strong protections for anyone in Minnesota seeking abortion care as well as the providers who care for them – safeguarding all from prosecution under laws aimed at imposing other states’ restrictions on Minnesotans. HF366 has already passed in the Minnesota House. The Minnesota Senate needs to pass SF165. Message: Please support the… Read More »Defend Reproductive Freedom
Introduced in February, the MN End-of-Life Option Act (HF1930/SF1813) will allow access to medical aid in dying to terminally ill adults 18 years of age or older with six months or less to live. Qualified adults who are fully capable of making their own decisions and able to ingest the medication will have the option of requesting this help from… Read More »Support Compassionate End-of-Life Choices
The Minnesota House passed the Trans Refuge Bill on March 19, a step toward making the state a safe haven for transgender youth – including those traveling from other states – seeking gender-affirming health care. The bill prevents state courts or officials from complying with child removal requests, extraditions, arrests or subpoenas related to gender-affirming health care received in Minnesota.… Read More »Protect Gender-Affirming Care
As the clean energy transition moves forward, let’s ensure the transition is just and equitable. Support climate innovation and equity through the “green bank” bills. HF 2336/SF2301 would establish the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MnCIFA) to bridge financing gaps in clean energy production, establish regional offices around the state to provide technical and financial assistance and take advantage of… Read More »Support the “Green Bank” Bill
It’s time to ensure equal rights for women! Women have been waiting and working since 1923 for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would formally recognize them and their equal rights. Ratification is a long process: 35 states ratified the the amendment, but it fell short of the 38 needed within the deadline. There has been a resurgence for… Read More »Equal Rights Now
Addressing the climate crisis (getting to Net 0 by 2050) requires a two–pronged approach. Although the primary means is stopping climate pollution, it is also necessary to protect and expand natural carbon sequestration through the preservation of lowland conifer stands. These treed wetlands occur on mucky mineral or wet organic soils and include richly forested peatlands or bogs. Minnesota lowland… Read More »Support Climate Crisis Mitigation
Kaiser Foundation reported in October that up to five billion pills are thrown away by hospitals and nursing homes, ending up in landfills, when three out of 10 people report they have not taken their medications, lacking money to pay for them (see 2/23/23 Star Tribune Editorial). HF 1032 and SF 868 provide for additional funding for Roundtable Rx, a… Read More »Fund Roundtable Rx
PFAS or “forever chemicals” have been linked to cancers, allergies, diabetes, and birth defects. New EPA guidelines confirm there is virtually no safe level of PFAS in drinking water. Forever chemicals are used in a variety of consumer goods including cookware, clothing, dental floss and children’s products. HF552 and SF2222 would prohibit PFAS in products designed for infants and children… Read More »Protect Children from Forever Chemicals
