May 2023: Congressional Update
This week was a busy one in Minnesota! From hosting a town hall, to celebrating national small business week, to delivering millions of dollars in federal funding — I am reminded every single day of the incredible honor and privilege I have to represent the 5th District in Congress. Thank you for entrusting me to be your champion and advocate in Washington.
Hosting Our In-Person Town Hall
On Tuesday, I hosted an in-person town hall at my alma mater Edison High School. We shared ways our office can assist you through casework and discussed legislative updates. In case you missed it, you can watch the livestream here.
Securing Community Project Funding
This week, I visited three community project funding recipients, including Southern Anoka Community Assistance, Perspectives Inc., and the City of St. Louis Park. My office was able to help secure $3 million in federal funding for Perspectives Inc. in St. Louis Park to help serve women and children to combat poverty, homelessness, and trauma. For the City of St. Louis Park, my office also secured $3 million for affordable housing. Lastly, I delivered a $1 million check to Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) in Columbia Heights that will help fund a new facility, including a food shelf, a warehouse for storing food, and a technology center for workforce development and employment training services.
Combatting the Climate Crisis
I continued my zero waste and sustainability tour at Target Field. The stadium is the most sustainable in the country. It was incredible to see the steps they have taken to reduce waste and make the stadium more energy efficient. During the visit, we discussed legislative efforts to combat the climate crisis, including my Zero Waste Act.
Roundtables with Small Business Owners
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. To celebrate the National Small Business week, I attended the New American owned small businesses hosted by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman at Adama Restaurant and Awash Bakery in Columbia Heights. We discussed ways to increase equitable access outcomes for BIPOC women-owned small businesses. I also hosted a roundtable this week with local BIPOC women small business owners at Wildflyer Coffee in Minneapolis. We discussed ways our office can advocate for federal legislative proposals to help small business owners thrive.
Hosting Mayor’s Luncheon
I hosted a mayor’s luncheon and invited mayors from the 14 cities located in Minnesota’s 5th District to the event. We discussed legislative updates and ways our office can best support them on a federal level.
Advancing Racial Justice and Equality
Congress must end the targeting of Black and brown bodies by our law enforcement. I introduced a resolution to condemn police violence worldwide. I also attended a listening session with the UN Antiracism Coalition (UNARC) and families impacted by police violence in Minneapolis to discuss police brutality both locally and globally. I will keep fighting for a world free from police brutality. You can read more about my proposed legislation here.
Addressing Anti-Muslim Arson of Minneapolis Mosques, Vandalism of My Office
Last week an arrest was made against an individual for arson at two Minneapolis mosques, along with vandalizing our District Office. We are witnessing an epidemic of hate against the Muslim community and other religious minorities in Minnesota and globally right now. This campaign of terror is designed to keep us fearful and divided. As Muslim-Americans and as Minnesotans, we will not be terrorized. You can read my statement here.
Conservative Plan to Default on America
I believe we must do everything in our power to avoid default and protect investments in housing, healthcare, education, climate resilience and more. The House Republican bill will slash food assistance, housing options, education investments, and jobs in our district and threatens the global economy, according to the Office of Management and Budget. I voted NO. You can watch my floor speech here.
Protecting School Meals During School Closures
I introduced a bill to allow states and school districts to continue to provide free and subsidized meals during disruptions. As a former nutrition educator and someone who has experienced hunger myself, I believe that every student deserves access to healthy and nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances. The increase in extreme weather events in Minnesota this winter makes it more important than ever that we feed our kids — even if school is closed. And as someone who believes in the power of organized labor and the right to strike, I also understand the importance of supporting workers and their families during these challenging times. You can read more here.
In service,
Ilhan Omar
