A Small Step Towards Accountability | Weekly Recap April 19–23, 2021
Dear friend,
This week’s verdict was only a small step on the path towards justice and accountability. While the conviction was a necessary condition of justice, it is not sufficient. For centuries, Black people have faced violence at the hands of the state in our country. For centuries, systemic inequalities in the form of housing, income, education, and criminal justice have plagued our country — holding us back from our creed of liberty and justice for all. Let this be a turning point, where we finally create a society that reflects the belief that all men and women are created equal.
Our work is far from over. As your Congresswoman, I won’t back down my efforts to dismantle the systems of oppression that exist all around us and fight for a more just world for ALL members of our community.
Fighting for the Green New Deal
Last year, we experienced some of the worst climate catastrophes from raging wildfires on the West Coast, an increase in hurricanes, heatwaves in Australia, and flooding around the world. This week, I am proudly cosponsored the Green New Deal because we need to be bold in our efforts to combat this crisis. You can read more here.
Passing the No Ban Act
This week, the House passed the No Ban Act. This legislation will ensure no future president has the power to ban anyone based on their religious affiliation. As the only member of Congress to come from one of the previously banned countries, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to lead this effort in the House. You can read more here.
Creating More Affordable Housing Options
Today, Rep. Maloney and I introduced the Affordable Housing Prevention Act. This legislation will establish a $200 million grant program run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that would support nonprofits to preserve affordable housing options by developing cooperatives for low-income individuals. You can read more here.
Advocating for the Public Housing Fire Act
For far too long, public housing needs have been neglected. Rep. Watson Coleman, Rep. Rutherford and I are encouraging public housing authorities to equip older units with sprinkler systems to improve safety of residents and our local communities. You can read my statement here.
MN05 Announcements
Coffee and Kulan: Faith, Climate, and Racial Justice
This Sunday at 2pm CT, I’ll be hosting another “Coffee and Kulan” discussion on Faith, Climate Change and Racial Justice with several community leaders live on Facebook.com/RepIlhan. You can see more of the event details here.
Join Our Virtual Town Hall
Join me on April 29th at 5pm CT for a virtual town hall via Zoom. You can register and ask your questions here by Monday, April 26th. Can’t wait to talk with you!
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Has COVID-19 made it hard for you to pay rent? If you have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and need assistance to pay rent or utility bills, you can apply for financial assistance on RentHelpMN. You can learn more here.
Tax Deadline Extended
The federal income tax filing and payment due date has been extended from April 15 to May 17, 2021. You can read more here. If you have any questions, please call my District Office at (612) 333–1272.
Vaccine Connector
President Biden just announced every American is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Minnesota Department of Health launched the “Vaccine Connector” for yourself, your neighbors, and your family to be alerted when vaccines are available. You can check it out here.
In service,
Ilhan Omar
Member of Congress
