Senator Mary Kunesh

Mary K. Kunesh represents Senate District 39, which covers the communities of St. Anthony Village, New Brighton, Hilltop, Columbia Heights, Fridley, and a portion of Spring Lake Park. Learn more about Sen. Kunesh. Read more news from Sen. Kunesh.

Senator Mary Kunesh Hails Senate Participation in Sovereignty Day as Important Step in Collaboration Between Legislators and Tribal Nations

by Senator Mary Kunesh
March 13, 2023March 13, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Monday, members of the Minnesota Senate participated in Sovereignty Day proceedings for the first time in the Senate’s history. Members of the Minnesota House and Senate gathered in the House Chambers to meet with tribal leaders of the 11 tribes in Minnesota, state agency tribal liaisons, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council members, Tribal State Relations Training staff, flag bearers, and other honored guests.

Senator Mary Kunesh Celebrates House Passage of Her Bill to Strengthen Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act

by Senator Mary Kunesh
March 9, 2023March 9, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. — In a victory for Native tribes and families across Minnesota, on Thursday the Minnesota House approved SF 667, Senator Mary Kunesh’s bill to strengthen the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA). The bill passed 128-0.

DFL Legislators Speak Out on the Increase Teachers of Color Acts

by Senator Mary Kunesh
March 9, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Tuesday, the chief authors of the House and Senate Increase Teachers of Color Act bills spoke out on the economic, cultural, and emotional importance of providing robust support for new and current teachers of color in Minnesota schools. Senator Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton), Senator Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis), Representative Hodan Hassan (DFL-Minneapolis) and Representative Alicia Kozlowski (DFL-Duluth)presented their bills to strengthen the Teachers of Color Act in E-12 and higher education and release the following statements:

Senator Mary Kunesh Testifies on Her Bill to Amend Minnesota Constitution to Ensure Equality for All

by Senator Mary Kunesh
March 6, 2023March 6, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Friday, the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on Senator Mary Kunesh’s bill (SF 37) to provide equality under Minnesota law. The bill would propose a state constitutional amendment to Minnesota voters at the 2024 general election which, if ratified, would go into effect January 1, 2025.

Members of Senate POCI Caucus Celebrate Passage of Bill to Protect Native American Families

by The POCI Caucus
February 28, 2023February 28, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. — In a victory for Native children and families, the Senate passed legislation Monday to strengthen the Minnesota Indian Family Protection Act (MIFPA) and codify its statutes — some of which were dependent on the federal Indian Child Welfare Act — into Minnesota legal code as a standalone law. The bill, SF 667, passed 66-1.

Senator Mary Kunesh Celebrates Passage of Her Bill to Strengthen Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act

by Senator Mary Kunesh
February 27, 2023February 27, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. — In a victory for Native tribes and families across Minnesota, Senator Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) successfully passed her bill to strengthen the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) through the Minnesota Senate on Monday. The bill passed 66-1.