Stop AAPI Hate | Weekly Update March 15–19, 2021
Dear friend,
I know the past few days have been incredibly challenging for our AAPI community. Unfortunately, these attacks aren’t new. We’ve seen an uptick in anti-Asian incidents in the past year — mostly against women. It’s important for all of us to remember that an attack on one community is an attack on all of us. Together, we must denounce all forms of white supremacy and bigotry wherever we find it.
This week, the House passed the Violence Against Women Act — legislation to make much needed investments in domestic violence prevention. One in three women still experience domestic violence, and the coronavirus crisis has forced many women to quarantine in unsafe domestic situations. The bill included three of my amendments to better track the economic consequences of violence against women.
Putting Power Back in the Hands of Workers
Last week, the House passed the PRO Act, legislation that modernizes and updates loopholes in labor laws to put power back in the hands of workers. As a former union member, I can attest to the power that workers wield when they exercise their right to organize. You can watch my speech here.
Urging Executive Action on ICE Detention Centers
We must truly sever the financial incentives causing the expansion of an unnecessary and abuse-ridden system of mass incarceration. I led a letter with my colleagues to end ICE contracts with state, county, and local prisons. You can read my statement here.
Fighting for a Livable Planet for All
Last week, I hosted my second Green New Deal Task Force meeting. In order to have a livable planet for future generations, we need to take bold action to have a planet where all people can thrive. I’m glad to partner with Minnesota stakeholders to organize around the Green New Deal and other critical environmental issues.
MN05 Announcements
Virtual Town Hall
Join me on March 31st at 5:30pm CT for a virtual hall on Facebook.com/RepIlhan. I look forward to catching you up on my work in Congress and answering your questions/concerns! You can see the event details here.
5th District Art Competition
Calling all artists! Submit your art to our annual Congressional Art Competition for Minnesota’s 5th District by Friday, April 23rd at 5pm CT. This year’s competition is open to students in 9th-12th grade or attending schools with 7th-12th graders. Winners of the competition will have their art displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. For more details and our theme, you can email MN05Art@mail.house.gov or call my District Office at (612) 333–1272.
USDA Farmers to Families
The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation will be holding an event to provide food to families in need on March 20th at 10am. You can find more information 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.
In service,
Ilhan Omar
Member of Congress
