Sen. Kunesh

Minnesota Senators Condemn Senator Ron Latz’s Remarks on Palestinian Children

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Yesterday, our colleague, Senator Ron Latz, held a press conference and used dehumanizing, inflammatory language and rhetoric in his remarks about Palestinians. He recited a litany of hateful, prejudicial and demonstrably false claims, describing Gaza as “poisonous,” and asserting that “Palestinian youth dream of the opportunity to achieve glory and even martyrdom by killing as many Jews as possible.” Through his language, Senator Latz assigned nefarious motives to Palestinian children, describing them all as aspiring murderers. His remarks were irresponsible and dangerous. 

Senator Mary Kunesh Elected Chair of National Caucus of Native American State Legislators

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Nov. 10, Senator Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) was elected by her peers to serve as chair of the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators during a NCNASL business meeting held in Denver, Colorado.

The NCNASL consists of 89 members from 21 states. As chair, Senator Kunesh will act as an advisory body for the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Congress of American Indians on issues that affect Native populations.

Senator Mary Kunesh Touts Wins for Minnesota Farmers during President Biden’s Northfield Farm Visit

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Senator Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) joined President Joe Biden during his visit to a family farm near Northfield on Nov. 1. Along with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and other federal officials, they spoke with farmers and local leaders to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in Minnesota.

Senator Mary Kunesh Urges Ceasefire, Humanitarian Aid in Israel-Palestine Conflict

The past week of watching and listening to the horror of what has occurred in Israel and Palestine has left another hole in my heart and a knot in my stomach. As a Minnesota State Senator, I join my federal legislators in sending an imperative message to President Biden to act immediately, using all the means at his disposal to bring about a diplomatic solution to the present crisis. This means an immediate ceasefire along with the unconditional restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical care to the entire Gaza Strip. It also means the unconditional release of all hostages.

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.