"The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for universal background checks, a federal gun-trafficking statute, extreme-risk protection orders, limits on high-capacity magazines, raising the purchase age, and banning assault weapons."

Terrifying start to the school year. We must do more to stop gun violence from devastating our communities.

Thank you to those who organized and welcomed us to their Night to Unite parties in Vadnais Heights, White Bear Township, North Oaks, and Lino Lakes. Grateful for Ramsey County Sheriff's Dept and Lino Lakes Police Dept their outreach in our communities.

A packed Market Fest in White Bear Lake, plus perfect weather for Public Safety Night. Huge thanks to White Bear Lake Police and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for keeping our community safe.

The line is long, the mood is somber, and quiet conversations reflect the deep respect so many had for Melissa and Mark Hortman.

Melissa Hortman was a force. She was brilliant, funny, fierce, and so deeply kind. She believed in people and gave everything she had to public service. My heart is broken for her family and for our friends John and Yvette Hoffman, we're praying for you and a successful recovery.

Special session done, budget passed. While D.C. is in chaos, we delivered for Minnesotans: school meals, reproductive rights, clean energy, paid leave, gun safety, and college without crushing debt. We tackled tough issues and stopped GOP rollbacks every chance we got. #mnleg

In Minnesota, we protect LGBTQIA+ rights, not just in Pride Month, but every day. No matter what happens federally, we’ll keep fighting for freedom and equality. 🏳️‍🌈

The Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566 Memorial Day event is always special and it's an honor to speak each year. On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our country and the families who carry their memory every day.

Always grateful to be invited and attend the Memorial Day Program at Union Cemetery in White Bear Lake. Memorial Day is a time to remember not just the fallen, but the values they fought to protect: freedom, democracy, and unity.

May 25th marks five years since George Floyd was killed. His death forced Minnesota—and the nation—to reckon with the reality of systemic racism in policing and beyond. 1/3 #georgefloyd

As a teacher, this one means a lot. Today we signed pension reform into law, a long overdue step forward for Minnesota educators. We also boosted pensions for firefighters and police officers. Deep thanks to Sen. Nick Frentz for being a relentless advocate. #mnleg

These remarks misrepresent the OIG bill and dismiss the serious, bipartisan work behind it. The IG’s unique role is clearly defined, and it’s clear the current system needs support. Minnesotans deserve better oversight and real accountability. #mnleg www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/ne...

Plans for new Office of Inspector General "dead" at Minnesota Capitol, leaders say

A bipartisan effort to establish a new state watchdog agency to crack down on fraud in public programs won't advance this year, former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman said Friday.

cbsnews.com

Teacher pension reform was one of the reasons I ran for office and today I was proud to vote yes on the substantial positive changes this pension bill contains. For years, many of us have been fighting to make things right and today we took a huge step forward. #mnleg #teachers

After months of bipartisan work and countless hours of negotiation, the Senate just passed historic legislation to create an independent Office of Inspector General. I’m proud to have authored this bill and grateful to colleagues who helped get it across the finish line. #mnleg

Today we designated the 10th Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis as the Senator Kari Dziedzic Memorial Bridge. Senator Dziedzic was a remarkable leader and worked hard for her community in Northeast Minneapolis, and the entire state of Minnesota. #mnleg (1/3)

Regardless of party or politics, being in a joint session for the State of the State is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to Minnesota. Proud to be part of this work. #mnleg

Teacher pensions aren’t a giveaway - they’re part of the deal. Allowing educators to retire with a strong pension isn’t just cost-effective, it’s the right thing to do after decades of service and paying into the system. #mnleg #TeacherPension

The teacher pension system isn’t fair—and teachers know it. That’s why they showed up in force last night, and why I introduced a bill to make it right. As a Tier II teacher, I know their frustration. Teachers deserve the pension they earned and paid for. #mnleg #TeacherPensions

Sure sign of spring? The Vadnais Heights Fire Department Open House & Lions Belgian Waffle Breakfast! Thank you to the volunteers and staff who always make this event a success. Great turnout as always!

Trump’s pardons of Jan 6 insurrectionists sent a clear message: attack democracy, get rewarded. We swore to uphold the Constitution. The vote today to condemn treason should be easy, but not one Minnesota Republican Senator voted for it. Not one. #mnleg

Minnesota Senate DFL@senatedfl.bsky.social · last yr.

Today we moved a resolution to condemn President Trump for pardoning 1500 insurrectionists who tried to overthrow our democracy, giving them a green light to attack our nation and law enforcement again. This is an easy call, but Republicans filibustered debate. We'll be back next week for a vote.

Thank you to Chief Peterson from White Bear Lake Fire Department for stopping by the Capitol and meeting with me to talk about public safety policy. We're lucky to have you serve in our community!

Busy day at the Capitol. In addition to a successful hearing on making the Circle Pines license center full service I met with Centennial and Mounds View school district staff and leadership. It's an honor to represent our community. #mnleg

Trump has cost our state $160 million in his first 50 days in office. The DFL invested in schools, roads, public safety, cities, counties, and tax cuts for working families. The real threat to Minnesota’s budget is Trump’s reckless policies. #MNleg #TrumpChaos

Great turnout and even better conversation. I appreciated everybody's feedback and questions!

Today, Republicans defended a president who is threatening to eliminate 10% of MN education funding—including critical support for special ed, students with disabilities, and school meal programs. We're asking them to stand with us and fight for every dollar our kids deserve youtu.be/VvLxSjLafaw?...

Sen. Heather Gustafson: Trump's plan to dismantle Dept of ed. threatens MN school budgets and plans

YouTube video by Minnesota Senate DFL

youtu.be

Trump promised our families he'd lower costs and instead he's thrown us into even more chaos that could likely make groceries, medicine, and energy costs more expensive. This from the Wall Street Journal: