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.

Education Committee Chairs Hail K-12 Education Package as ‘Historic’

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Early Wednesday morning, Education Finance Committee Chair Senator Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) and Education Policy Committee Chair Senator Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-Eden Prairie) ushered the K-12 education omnibus bill (HF 2497) that will provide Minnesota schools with unprecedented funding to passage in the Senate on a 35-32 vote.

Senator Mary Kunesh Ushers Early Education Funding to Passage in Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Early Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Senate passed a bill making landmark investments in early education for Minnesotans (HF 2292) 38-29. The early education omnibus budget bill provides $500 million dollars of investment in early learning scholarships, Head Start programming, and funding to encourage careers in early education. 

Senator Mary Kunesh Honors Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives at Day at the Capitol

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Friday, Indigenous leaders and community gathered alongside legislators and state leadership to mark National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Senator Mary Kunesh, Standing Rock Lakota descendant (DFL-New Brighton), joined Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a White Earth Band of Ojibwe member, and other speakers to call for action to protect Native women, girls, and two-spirit relatives, who are at heightened risk of violence and death in Minnesota.

Senator Mary Kunesh Celebrates Governor Walz’ Signature of Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Friday, Governor Tim Walz, tribal leaders, legislators, and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the enactment of legislation that strengthens the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), into law.

Chief author Senator Mary Kunesh, Standing Rock Lakota descendant (DFL-New Brighton), celebrated the law’s enactment and releases the following statement:

Senate Education Committee Chairs Speak on Passage of ‘Historic’ Investments in Minnesota Schools, Education Policy 

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Monday, Education Policy Committee Chair Senator Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-Eden Prairie) and Education Finance Committee Chair Senator Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) ushered three education bills that will provide Minnesota schools with unprecedented funding, support teachers and families, and help students become informed, capable citizens, to passage on the Senate floor.