Heather Gustafson
@gus_heather
Followers
3,838
Following
2,986
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264
Statuses
1,164
Mom, teacher, and MN State Senator representing SD36. Democrat (DFL). This is my personal account. Official account: @SenGustafson Threads: @heatherhgustafson
Vadnais Heights, MN
Joined November 2019
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Pinned Tweet
As a parent who used to struggle to make ends meet and as a teacher who saw students struggle to pay for food, I knew this bill would help so many people. We're on a mission to make Minnesota the best state to live, work, and raise a family.
#universalmeals
#mnleg
Universal free meals for school children in Minnesota takes effect July 1.
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1 in 5 students in Sen. Drazkowski's district qualifies for free and reduced lunch.
#mnleg
Minnesota Republican state Sen. Steve Drazkowski on bill providing free school breakfast and lunch: "I have yet to meet a person in Minnesota that is hungry. Yet today. I have yet to meet a person in Minnesota that says they don't have access to enough food to eat."
#mnleg
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16 months ago, I decided to run for office. Almost 7 months ago, I was elected. Today, we wrapped up a historic legislative session that makes MN an even better place to live & raise a family. The difference you can make by flipping one senate seat can not be overstated.
#mnleg
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Also, a significant number of these bills were carried by women who got to work and made sure we weren't going to waste a one seat majority. Minnesota really is the best state to live, work, and raise a family.
It's not just Walz: Minnesota Democrats are an inspiration. They won a one-seat majority and *got to work*. I have this paragraph saved on my desktop & I periodically go back & read it just for pleasure.
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Hey parents. Cheers to never having to worry about this next school year. 🍎
#universalmeals
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A family of four in White Bear Lake, Minnesota saves around $1800/year with Universal School Meals.
New in PN: The case for Kamala Harris embracing free school meals
"Universal school meals is a good policy, a financially sound investment, and an overwhelmingly popular program. It will excite the Dem base; it will underline Republican callousness."
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Largest tax cut in Minnesota's history, and every Republican voted against it.
#mnleg
“The largest tax cut in state history, as a matter of fact.”
The Senate DFL tax bill prioritizes the needs of Minnesota families.
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This video ❤️
Because of our bill, every K-12 student in MN will get a free breakfast and lunch at school - no questions asked. This gives money back to families and makes sure students get the food they need to be healthy.
#feedthekids
#mnleg
“It’s law,” Walz says , signing a universal school meals bill, while taking a teacher moment to explain the process to students. Adds MN 4th state to do so permanently.
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Our new billboard replaced a Kris Lindahl sign if you're still thinking about how to vote.
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Guess what I'm not going to do as a teacher? I'm not going to report my trans students to the state or anyone else. This is inhuman.
Greg Abbot has officially directed Family and Protective Services to begin investigating all trans children in Texas and prosecuting their parents as child abusers.
He has also instructed all teachers, doctors, and caregivers to begin reporting any trans students they see.
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Everything on this list is common sense, people first policies. Take my bill, Universal School Meals, for example. Popular with parents across political spectrum, saves families money, & keeps our students fed.
@KamalaHarris
picking
@Tim_Walz
makes sense.
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One of my favorite things to happen since
@GovTimWalz
joined the ticket is watching the country learn about how great Universal School Meals is. It's good for students, families, and schools.
#ProudMinnesotan
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Special shout out to
@JenMcEwenMN
who carried the bill and took the most hits.
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Me in 2007 with my youngest. As I did with most of my kids, I went back to work ~3 weeks after delivery because our family needed the money and I couldn't lose my job. I know there are a lot of Minnesotans who had to make this same tough choice.
#PaidFamilyMedicalLeave
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I'm begging everyone to pay attention to your local races. City councils, school boards, special elections... there are no off years. Make a voting plan, talk to your neighbors, stay engaged. We can't take anything for granted when people like this are running for office.
Roseville school board candidate Vaughn Klingenberg is not just a Holocaust denier, he’s explicitly anti-Jewish and promotes great replacement theory. His words from just last month:
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Never forget
A Minnesota state senator said he was voting against a bill to provide free meals for school children in part because he’d never encountered anyone in the state who was hungry. (via MaddowBlog)
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Voted yes for Paid Family Medical Leave today because Minnesotans deserves an economy that works for all of us.
#PaidLeaveMN
#mnleg
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About a year ago, I announced I was running for office.
@ClareOumou
was one of the very first to have my back. She was there for doorknocking, pep talks, and advice. Today, as we walked to the chamber as state senators, we spotted this in the tunnel. ❤️
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I'm deeply honored to announce that I have been appointed Vice Chair of the Education Finance Committee. With over a decade of teaching experience, I look forward to continuing the work of ensuring students and schools have the resources and support they need.
#mnleg
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In the classroom, in the workplace, in sports, and anywhere else we see discrimination, I will fight to protect your rights.
#FlipMNSenate
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Sen. Chamberlain: I will continue to do what I've been doing.
We know. That's why we're voting for change.
#FlipMNSenate
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When he said this on the floor, jaws dropped. Universal school meals offers a real solution to fighting hunger in Minnesota and thankfully our bill passed, even without his vote.
via
@KARE11
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Thank you to the Senate judiciary committee, the staff, the advocates, and
@SenRonLatz
for getting this done.
#mnleg
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SD36 needs new leadership. I'm a teacher and community advocate ready to fight for what is possible: a brighter future for all Minnesotans. Join me.
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I’m running for senate in the new SD36 to replace Roger Chamberlain. Our community deserves an advocate instead of a voice of hate & division. While I know we can win in November, we’re going to need many grassroots donors to fund this campaign.
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Proud to see Minnesota get a shout out for Universal School Meals. A good policy that makes sense, saves families money, and makes sure students in MN get the food they need at school.
What's an even more feel-good story than a fifth-grader raising money to pay off his school's lunch debt?
The adults in a state legislature making "lunch debt" an antiquated concept and offering free school meals for all.
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We did it. 34 is my new favorite number.
#mnleg
Today, the Senate will pass SF 4 and set Minnesota on a path toward a 100% carbon-free energy standard by 2040. It's essential in our fight against climate change, prioritizing environmental justice, and creating good jobs for thousands of Minnesotans.
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Literally, all of this is possible right now.
Minnesota Senate Republicans unveiled a slate of measures Monday that would require teachers to share classroom materials with parents, and allow parents to seek alternative instruction, or leave the school altogether if they don't like what they see.
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Remember when they said abortion wasn't on the ballot in MN?
The proposed ordinance is based on a TX law that allows private citizens to sue anyone who "aids or abets" an abortion after 6 wks of pregnancy — a time before many women know they're pregnant.
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A very long day/night/day that ended with a huge boost to Minnesota schools. 100% worth it.
#mnleg
Overnight, the Senate DFL Majority took action to protect Minnesota consumers and passed the biggest public school funding boost in state history. As we near the end of session, our budget is taking shape — and it represents the values Minnesotans share.
#mnleg
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I'm running for state senate, Chamberlain is my opponent. As a current teacher, I can assure you that budget cuts will hurt student achievement (including literacy rates). Imagine being one of the few people with the power to help & refusing to do it. We can do better.
#Education
The largest school districts in the district of Senate Education Committee chair Roger Chamberlain are facing budget shortfalls of more than $6.2 million.
His budget does NOTHING to help them. Centennial and White Bear Lake students deserve better than zero.
#mnleg
#edmnvotes
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Without the DFL trifecta, we would not have passed universal meals, which ensures every child in MN gets a breakfast and a lunch - no questions asked. It also saves families money and helps students succeed in school. And it received votes from Republicans and Democrats
#mnleg
The DFL agenda is an agenda for working Minnesotans, and key pieces of it have passed with bipartisan support:
💰 $100 Million tax cut
⛏️ UI for Iron Range miners
🍽️ Universal School Meals
🗳️ Restore The Vote
👑 CROWN Act
✊🏿 Juneteenth Holiday
🥪 Food shelf funding
💟 MIFPA
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Roger Chamberlain demands a lot of teacher transparency for a state senator who locks his Twitter account.
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Universal Meals (SF-123) makes sure all students get the food they need and gives money back to families. It's also the right thing to do. Being hungry makes learning almost impossible. It was an honor to get this bill across the finish line in the Senate today.
#mnleg
Senator Heather Gustafson presenting her bill for universal meals on the Senate Floor.
#FeedTheKids
#mnleg
@gus_heather
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Reminder to all the parents getting their kids ready for school today - every K-12 student in Minnesota now gets a breakfast and a lunch at school - no questions asked. One less thing to worry about. Have a great day!
#mnleg
#DFL
#UniversalSchoolMeals
Universal free meals for school children in Minnesota takes effect July 1.
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From me to you, a heartfelt thank you. This campaign only succeeded because of the hard work, dedication, and support of our volunteers, staff, my family, and our communities. Thank you for believing in me & showing up at the polls to vote for a better Minnesota.
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I ran for office to be a voice for students, schools, and families. Carrying the Universal Meals bill was an honor. In Minnesota, every K-12 student will now get the food they need while they're at school, no questions asked.
#mnleg
Kids are coming to school hungry, and it's so hard for kids to learn when they're hungry.
That's why
@GovTimWalz
,
@mnhouseDFL
, and
@SenateDFL
passed a law to provide breakfast and lunch to every student! This is what progress looks like!
#mnleg
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As the Senate author of this bill, I couldn't agree more. After decades of experience as a teacher and a parent, I can assure you that passing this bill will be a relief to so many of our kids, families, and schools.
#mnleg
If you are against universal free school lunch, do you think we should charge for choir class? Spanish? History? I get that it feels weird to give free lunch to people who can afford to pay, but the data is clear that it's a small price to make sure low income kids are fed.
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They worked incredibly hard on this bill, as did their staff. Well done.
It was a wonderful moment when
@SenClareOumou
reached out to hold Sen
@Lindsey_Port
’s hand as the votes were being counted on her marijuana bill. It passed the Minnesota Senate 34-33
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Some new friends asked if I'd sub on their soccer team, and I said sure if they doorknock for our campaign. 😉 Yesterday they knocked doors with us! So here I am suiting up for a sport I haven't played since college. Minnesota, I hope you appreciate my dedication to democracy.
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So many good choices to lead our country forward, but you could do a lot worse than a Midwestern dad who wants to feed kids and protect our rights. Proud to join my fellow Senate and House colleagues in support Minnesota's own
@Tim_Walz
.
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Before my daughter left for college, she bought a bunch of little ducks online & quietly left them around the house. I couldn't figure out why they were there or who did it. She smiled, said it was her way of saying goodbye & reminding us she's still here. Still finding them♥️🐤
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Voted on the first day of early voting. Later I knocked on doors & met people who did the same - for us. People in our district want change. They want common sense leadership from someone who understands what they're going through. We can flip this seat.
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Happy anniversary to my husband who got way out of his comfort zone and traded fishing for doorknocking this summer. Love you ❤️
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State governments are on the frontlines of so many important issues. We appreciate your support,
@BarackObama
!
If you need a reminder that elections have consequences, check out what's happening in Minnesota.
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Happy Pride! 🌈 Good to be back with my fellow senators to celebrate, appreciate, and recognize the importance of
#pridemonth
.
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When
@taylorswift13
came to MN this year, she made a large donation to a food bank. Swift's staff requested $$ amount remain confidential, but similar donations in other states were described by Billboard Magazine as "sizable," "generous," & "massive." Happy birthday, Taylor 🫶
On the best day, I want to extend warm wishes to
@taylorswift13
, who happens to share a birthday with me. I also want to acknowledge her philanthropic efforts during her Eras tour, where she graciously donated to local food banks supporting food insecure families nationwide.
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I got the sweetest letter and donation in the mail today from a 90 year old man who wants me to send him some literature so he can campaign for me in his assisted living home. ❤️ ❤️ I love it.
#FlipMNSenate
#GusForUs
#CommunityFirst
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We get these messages almost every day and they are a blessing. This is the energy we need right now. Sign up today and help us
#FlipMNSenate
:
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Tried to get a picture in front of the Christmas tree but my 6'6" husband blocked it and we don't have time for more tries. :) Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours. Wishing you all a safe and peaceful holiday season.
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Today was a big day for those who are focused on ending childhood hunger in Minnesota. Thank you to our testifiers and community advocates who have been doing this work for so long. One step closer.
#mnleg
#schoolmealsforall
Today, Dr. Gigi Chawla,
@childrensmn
Chief of General Pediatrics, testified in front of the Senate Education Policy committee in support of SF123, which provides no cost breakfast and lunch to all Minnesota students.
#mnleg
#schoolmealsforall
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I stand by my promise to fight for full elimination of the tax on Social Security benefits. With the release of the budget forecast today, it is clearer than ever that now is the time to relieve Minnesota’s seniors from the double-tax on their Social Security benefits.
Incoming DFL Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic will not commit to tax rebates or Social Security income tax elimination. She says they have 14 new members who will have a say on those issues. They will hold hearings, but total elimination of SS income tax sounding unlikely.
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Stay away from our daughters.
Trump: What a beautiful young daughter. What a beautiful young daughter.
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And if you're considering a move to Minnesota, I'd highly recommend the Vadnais Heights / White Bear Lake / Lino Lakes area.
#MoveToMinnesota
"What’s life like in Minnesota?" Out-of-staters ponder a move thanks to online buzz.
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Lots of positive responses on the doors today! Nice to be back in our communities, especially with one of the hardest working lawmakers in the state,
@MNfromMN
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I missed the mighty
@epmurphymn
give her speech but a big CONGRATS to the senator who pushed me to go from organizer to candidate. She cares deeply for her community and state and I'm proud to call her a mentor and friend. Congrats Sen. Murphy!
#JoyFightWin
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Officially filed for office today! Running to represent the folks in
#SD36
is a huge honor & I know that our strength lies in our community. I'm working with you, for us. Help us meet our goal of $45k by the end of May:
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The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
Heads up: The Supreme Court just agreed to take up the issue of whether people accused of domestic violence can own firearms.
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I had a great time knocking on doors this weekend! Great conversations with voters and beautiful spring weather - doesn't get much better than that!
#WithYouForUs
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Also, part of me already misses working on this bill. The students, families, and educators we worked with to get this done were so inspiring and motivating. And I got a front row seat to some very talented problem-solvers
@KariDziedzic
@melissahortman
@MaryKunesh9
#mnleg
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Here in Minnesota, we flipped one senate seat, ended gridlock, & delivered for Minnesotans. But running a successful campaign like ours requires grassroots support. Your donation helps us continue to fight for issues that matter most to our communities:
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Call it a lunch-box tax cut, because it would take financial pressure off tens of thousands of parents and keep more money in Minnesotans' pockets week after week.
#mnleg
#feedthekids
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At my daughter's softball game at Rice Creek Fields and saw this vivid double rainbow. The picture doesn't do it justice. So cool! 🌈
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Celebrating six years today with my husband and best friend. Looking forward to many more!
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When you doorknock around dinner time, people give you food! I live in the BEST senate district in Minnesota. No doubt about it.
#SD36
#FlipMNSenate
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Teachers - It's a busy week! For many of us, it's workshop week, Meet the Teacher prep, setting up classrooms (miss my old Centennial room!), printing the syllabus/curriculum, & a thousand other tasks to welcome our students back to class. As a parent & a colleague, thank you 🍎
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And just like that, I bought a new hat.
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All this to say, the work of my community and the volunteers who sacrificed days and nights to create a positive change for our state did not go to waste. The victories of this session belong to you. To
#SD36
, thank you. It's an honor to represent and work for you.
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Yesterday I was at my daughter's softball game and this nice woman from Vadnais Heights (Renee) found out I was running for senate & wanted me to know how important it was for our campaign to win in November. There's so much at stake, join us at
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This is my opponent. If you're frustrated that someone with these views controls the education budget, you're not alone. Irresponsible and divisive education bills end when we win.
#FlipMNSenate
#SD36
So, my State Senator is Roger Chamberlain. This year he became Chair of K-12 Education Committee.
His main goals for schools include defunding public education, diverting public dollars to private and religious schools, taking down the teacher’s union (his words), and so on.
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Got my tennis shoes on, my notes ready, and an awesome Representative I can't wait to talk about on the doors. Re-elect Matt Norris!
@MNfromMN
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Facts: Our campaign raised more $ than our opponent. 92% of donations came from Minnesotans. Less than 5% came from lobbyists. We have 500+ grassroots donors. We're working harder for our community & we're just getting started. Help us
#FlipMNSenate
here:
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Women want the freedom to choose what's best for their own bodies and medical decisions. If you think reproductive rights isn't on the ballot, you're wrong. Every election, state and national, needs your attention.
HOT MIC: While speaking to a volunteer at a fundraiser in March, Minnesota State Sen. Calvin Bahr (R-East Bethel) blamed women for their own unwanted pregnancies:
"If you're going to party, you got to pay the consequences."
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I take this job seriously, and it's an honor to serve our district. The new people I get to meet on the doors, the interesting conversations, the real-time problem solving, the adorable pets, it's all great. See you soon! 🫶
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"We love you just the way you are. You are exactly who the Creator wanted you to be" -
@jbeckerfinn
Thank you for putting this message on the record and standing up for what's right. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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What snowstorm? The Drivers Licenses For All Coalition is here, celebrating years of hard work and teamwork. This is amazing. Bring it home
@ZaynabMMohamed
!!
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I got to meet Minnesota hockey legend Lou Nanne today! He's at the Capitol advocating for our Minnesota hockey tradition to get the spotlight it deserves. 🏒
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Taylor Swift does this at every city/state on her tour. She made a substantial donation to the Rochester food bank last summer when she came to Minnesota. People who care about people are my favorite people.
Taylor Swift Thrills Edinburgh Food Bank with Generous Donation: Will 'Leave a Lasting Impact'
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My best bud and I want to remind you that today we wear purple to raise awareness about domestic, spousal, and teen dating violence. If you or someone you know needs help, it's available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
#PurpleThursday
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Now, right now, is the time to volunteer or donate to a pro-choice campaign in your state. Take your fear and turn it into work that will elect people who will protect women's reproductive rights.
#RoeVsWade
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Proud to carry this bill in the senate. Increasing straw purchase penalties and banning binary triggers is one more step we can take to help keep our communities safer.
#mnleg
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Thank you, Kelly!
#mnleg
Proud of and grateful to my colleague
@gus_heather
for her tireless work with law enforcement, advocates, constituents & colleagues to pass a bill to strengthen Minnesota’s straw purchases statute. It will help decrease gun violence and save lives.
#GunViolencePrevention
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What it looked like from the Senate chamber this morning. 🏳️🌈⚕️🏳️⚧️
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Do you live in Eagan, Mendota, or Mendota Heights? Get to know my friend Cynthia. She's running in a House special election and is ready and qualified to lead. Early voting has started, election day Nov. 16th!
#mnleg
As early voting starts today, I wanted to reintroduce myself and our campaign.
I grew up in foster care in the South Metro and saw firsthand how these systems can inadvertently place barriers in the way of Minnesotans, as well as lift us up in times of need. 🧵
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Puppies at the
@mncapitol
! Thank you to the
@Animal_HumaneMN
for letting us snuggle with these cuties. Available for adoption next week!
#mnleg
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If we want more women involved in politics, we need to examine the barriers in place and do the work to remove them. Love and respect to
@ErinMayeQuade
and
@alysemayequade
.
It took me a moment 2 understand that
@ErinMayeQuade
had 2 leave convention 2 have a baby -is it possible some people were more interested in power/process than actual peoples lives?Dear Erin+Alyse, sending all the love as you welcome your baby and damn it we just gotta do better
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IT PASSED! The hard work and dedication of the Drivers Licenses For All Coalition,
@SenatorChampion
and
@ZaynabMMohamed
is impressive. The pure happiness in the Capitol tonight is something to see.
#mnleg
A Democratic majority 💙 brings joy to the
#Minnesota
State Capitol!
#DriversLicensesForAll
#MNLEG
#SenateMajority
#Democrats
#SiSePuede
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