Legislative Update from Rep. Kaohly Vang Her on September 12, 2025: Key Policy Developments and Initiatives

Community Mourns Following School Shooting, Advocates Push for Gun Law Reform

A wave of grief is sweeping through the community following a devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. Officials are expressing sorrow for the lives lost and acknowledging the enduring trauma inflicted upon students, families, teachers, and the wider neighborhood. The incident, occurring during the optimistic start of the school year, has reignited critical discussions about gun safety and preventative measures.

A Community in Grief

A recent funeral was attended for Fletcher alexander Merkel, one of the victims of this senseless act. Community members are openly questioning the prioritization of firearm access over human life,demanding action on what they deem sensible gun legislation. The overwhelming sentiment emphasizes the unacceptable nature of continued gun violence within the nation.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that America faces a uniquely pervasive problem with gun violence. Every life lost represents an irreversible tragedy,and a collective resolve is growing to prevent normalization of such events.

Calls for Legislative Action and Prevention

While progress has been made in recent years, including the implementation of criminal background checks and “red flag” laws, many believe more comprehensive steps are needed.Upcoming months will be dedicated to renewed discussions on bolstering community safety, with a keen focus on restricting access to weapons designed for mass casualties. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 500 mass shootings in the United States in 2024 alone, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The conversation extends to proactively identifying and addressing the root causes of violence, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of intervention when potential threats are recognized. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s “See it say It Send It” app provides an anonymous channel for reporting potential dangers, including threats to schools or places of worship.

available Resources for Support

Recognizing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected, several organizations are providing vital resources. These include:

Resource	Description	Contact
211 United Way	Confidential information on mental and physical health services.	Call 2-1-1 or visit findhelp.org
Mental Health minnesota	Anonymous peer support and the Minnesota Warmline.	651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511
9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	24/7 confidential emotional support.	Call or text 9-8-8, or chat online at 988lifeline.org
Everytown Survivor Network	Peer support and advocacy for gun violence survivors.	Text “SURVIVOR” to 644-33

Community Building and Engagement

Beyond addressing the immediate crisis, local initiatives are fostering community resilience.A recent “Paint the Pavement” project, aimed at creating vibrant public spaces, demonstrated the power of collective action to strengthen neighborhoods and promote connection.Furthermore, collaborative gatherings with South Indian and Tibetan communities highlight the importance of inclusivity and understanding.

A Labor Day weekend tournament, organized by John Yang and Ib Tsev Neeg – One Family, provided a positive outlet for young people while fostering family engagement. the event featured flag football, volleyball, and entrepreneurship contests, fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity.

Understanding Gun Violence Trends: According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearm-related deaths in the united States have been on the rise in recent years, reaching a peak in 2022. this increase underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent gun violence.Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not onyl legislative reforms but also investments in mental health services, community-based violence prevention programs, and responsible gun ownership education.

What steps can communities take to create a safer habitat for their residents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What specific data points will be collected during the Rent Stabilization Pilot Program to assess its impact?

Affordable Housing & Rent Stabilization Measures

Representative Vang her spearheaded a crucial vote on September 12th regarding affordable housing initiatives in the state. House Bill 789, now awaiting Senate consideration, proposes a multi-pronged approach to address the growing housing crisis. Key components include:

* Increased Funding for Housing Trust funds: A $50 million allocation to existing state housing trust funds, earmarked for the advancement of new affordable housing units and rehabilitation of existing properties. This directly addresses the need for low-income housing.

* Rent Stabilization Pilot Program: A two-year pilot program in select urban areas (Minneapolis, St. Paul,and duluth) to explore the feasibility of rent control and rent stabilization policies. The program will collect data on its impact on landlords, tenants, and the overall housing market.

* Incentives for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Tax credits and streamlined permitting processes for homeowners who build ADUs on their properties, increasing the supply of rental units. This supports housing density and offers flexible housing options.

* Addressing Homelessness: Increased funding for supportive housing and services for individuals experiencing homelessness, focusing on a “housing first” approach.

Education Funding & Public School Support

A significant portion of Rep. vang Her’s legislative focus remains on education funding. On September 12th, she announced a bipartisan agreement on a supplemental budget bill (SB 42) that provides additional resources to public schools.

* Increased Per-Pupil Funding: SB 42 increases per-pupil funding by 2.5% for the 2025-2026 school year, providing much-needed relief to school districts facing budget constraints. This supports public education and teacher retention.

* early Childhood Education Expansion: $10 million allocated to expand access to high-quality early childhood education programs, especially for low-income families. Research consistently demonstrates the long-term benefits of early learning.

* Special Education Support: Additional funding for special education services,addressing the increasing needs of students with disabilities. This ensures equitable access to education for all students.

* Mental Health Resources in Schools: SB 42 includes funding for hiring more school counselors and mental health professionals, addressing the growing mental health crisis among students.

Environmental Protection & Climate Resilience

rep. Vang Her continues to champion environmental protection and climate resilience initiatives. Recent developments include:

* Clean Energy Standard Updates: She co-authored an amendment to the state’s clean energy standard, increasing the requirement for renewable energy sources to 50% by 2035. This promotes renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions.

* Protecting Water Resources: legislation passed on September 12th (HB 612) strengthens regulations on agricultural runoff, protecting the state’s valuable water resources from pollution. this addresses concerns about water quality and public health.

* Climate Adaptation Planning: Funding allocated for local governments to develop and implement climate adaptation plans, preparing communities for the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

* electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Investment in expanding the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, encouraging the adoption of EVs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Healthcare Access & Affordability

Improving healthcare access and affordability remains a top priority. Rep. Vang Her highlighted the following:

* Prescription Drug Price Transparency: A new law (SF 23) requires pharmaceutical companies to disclose the costs of developing and manufacturing prescription drugs, increasing transparency and perhaps lowering prices. this addresses concerns about drug pricing.

* Expanding Medicaid Coverage: Efforts are underway to expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income individuals and families, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

* Telehealth Expansion: Legislation passed to permanently expand access to telehealth services, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

* Addressing Healthcare Disparities: Funding allocated for programs aimed at reducing healthcare disparities among marginalized communities.

Community Investment & Economic Development

Rep. Vang Her is committed to fostering economic development and investing in local communities.

* Small Business Grants: A new grant program provides financial assistance to small businesses impacted by the pandemic, helping them recover and grow.

* Workforce Development Programs: Increased funding for workforce development programs, providing training and job placement services for unemployed and underemployed individuals.This focuses on job training and skills development.

* Infrastructure Investments: Continued investment in infrastructure projects, such as road repairs and bridge replacements, creating jobs and improving transportation networks.This supports infrastructure development.

* Support for Local Arts & Culture: Funding allocated for local arts and culture organizations, recognizing their vital role in community development and economic vitality.