As 2021 draws to a close, it is once again time to reflect on the events of the past year within our own lives, our families, and our community. 2021 brought with it its share of challenges and tragedies for our API communities, but has also shown the warmth and tenacity that has led us to overcome adversity and prosper.
In the face of these challenges, we came together as a community to keep each other safe and get vaccinated, to fight for recognition and justice, to build our local economies, and to develop opportunities for the future. We have also continued our tradition as a state of welcoming those escaping persecution by offering hospitality, through the new Afghan evacuee population that is just beginning to call Minnesota home as some of the newest members of our community.
We at the Council are inspired by the strength and resilience our communities have shown across the state this last year, and look forward to 2022 knowing that we will stand strong and determined to make even more improvements for our future.
Looking Ahead to 2022
The first task during January will be to prepare for the next regular session of the Minnesota state legislature, which will begin on January 31, 2022. Some of the major issues that will be taken up by the legislature will be how to manage Minnesota’s $7.7B budget surplus, crafting a bonding bill to build and maintain infrastructure across the state, and other issues ranging from public safety to paid family and medical leave.
Council staff will continue to advocate for community priorities based on the 2021-2022 Legislative Priorities Report, placing a continued emphasis on access to health care, equity and social justice, achievement gaps, immigration rights, and affordable housing. The Council will once again be providing weekly recaps of activity related to priority bills during the 2022 session in addition to other planned events and community outreach.
We are also excited to announce that plans are now underway to hold a new API Day at the Capitol event in 2022, with some adjustments based on expected restrictions. Please look forward to additional details after the New Year about how we plan to bring this important engagement effort back for 2022.
Happy Holidays
As we approach the end of 2021, we at the Council wish everyone in our communities a safe and happy holiday season, and a wonderful start to the new year. We look forward to working together in the coming year, and sharing more information on our upcoming work at the legislature and across the community in 2022 soon.
