As the month of Ramadan begins, I extend warm greetings to all observing this sacred time. May this month be filled with peace, reflection, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Mubarak!
Sandy Pappas
@senatorpappas.bsky.social
Lifelong fighter for social justice. MN Senator, former Senate President, proudly representing SD65 - St. Paul. Advocate for women, workers, immigrants, children & human rights.
We won’t ever forget Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert Hortman. Now, we honor Melissa’s legacy by building the Minnesota she believed in and fought so hard for.
TODAY: Senate Hearing on the Impacts of ICE on Minnesotans. Tune in to the livestream at youtube.com/MnSenateMedia/streams
Trump’s lies led to Jan. 6. His pardons of violent extremists condoned attacks on democracy and political violence. Republicans who refuse to condemn it are choosing power over democracy. We must preserve our history honestly. Our democracy only survives if we defend it.
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...
A conversation '3 or 4 decades too late': Senate Gun Violence Prevention Committee debuts
Sens. Ron Latz of (DFL-St. Louis Park) and Zaynab Mohamed (DFL-Minneapolis) co-chair a senate working group – containing fellow DFLers and Republicans across the aisle – which began meeting this
hometownsource.com
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...
Brooks: New law offers justice to survivors of sexual assault
Minnesota’s restorative justice law offers survivors a path to healing and a safe way to confront the person who harmed them.
startribune.com
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...
DFL Senators in Solidarity with Union Workers on Earned Sick and Safe Time Lawsuit | Minnesota Senate DFL
St. Paul, Minn. – On Wednesday,workers at the Hormel meatpacking plant in Austin filed a class action lawsuit against their employer for violations of the Earned Sick and Safe Time statute. The lawsui...
senatedfl.mn
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.
I’m proud to author funding for the Violence Prevention Project
As the federal government cuts crime victim funding, Minnesota is stepping up. We’re protecting progress with smart investments in rehabilitation, justice reform, and community safety—because public safety means prevention, protection, and accountability.
Heather quotes a dynamic speech by Illinois gov Pritzker April 28, 2025 open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...
April 28, 2025
There has been a change afoot in the Democratic Party for a while now as its leaders shift from trying to find common ground with Republicans to standing firmly against MAGAs and articulating their ow...
open.substack.com
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.
“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
St. Paul, Minnesota Wild want state to cover half of $769M Xcel Energy Center renovation
The NHL team’s owner, Craig Leipold, said he’s committed to keeping the team in the capital city. Mayor Melvin Carter hopes the revamp, which also includes Roy Wilkins Auditorium and the RiverCentre, ...
startribune.com
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.