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.

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.

Marking 5 years since the January 6 insurrection. Image of rioters in the capitol rotunda attacking capitol police.

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.

BildBildBildBild

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.

Bild

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.

BildBild

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

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.

BildBildBildBild

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!

Bild

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.

Text: 988 is here to help. 
Minnesota Lifeline Specialists have been trained to support LGBTQ+ help seekers. Everyone who contacts 988 will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent specialists who can help with mental health needs, suicidal thoughts, substance misuse, or any other kind of emotional distress.

Background image: Woman with brown curly hair and a microphone headset speaking. Outline of MN in the bottom right with an outline of a hand holding a cell phone.

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

Bild

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.

BildBildBild

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.

Image of Elon Musk, with a background of buttons that say "vote". The bottom border is $100 bills. Text: Banning Elon Musk Style Bribery: Elon Musk is trying to buy power, including a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. In Minnesota our votes are not for sale. This bill outlaws shady tactics like offering cash prizes for voting.Background of the US capitol dome with a big crack in it, and ominous red clouds. Headline text: Senate Elections Bill, Shining a Light on Dark Money. Caption text: Closing loopholes on "issue" ads and strengthening regulations that prevent dark money groups from circumventing campaign contribution limits. Headline: Senate Elections bill, Stopping Scam PACS. Background image is a $100 bill on fire, and in the foreground is a person's hands typing on a laptop. Caption: Stopping predatory practices of scam PACs that target vulnerable people, mislead donors, and misuse contributions.Headline: Senate Elections Bill, Transparency in Elections. Vote buttons in the background, and a "vote here" sandwich board sign in the foreground. Caption text: Clear disclosure on political ads, income disclosures for ALL public officials, and helping Minnesotans know who is trying to influence their vote.

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.

BildBildBild