2024 Legislative Session Wrap Up: Update on MCF’s Census & Democracy Priorities

This session, the Minnesota Council on Foundations focused on policies that support a strong and inclusive democracy in Minnesota. In collaboration with others, MCF played a leading role in advocating for and advancing the following legislative accomplishments this session: 

• Expanded opportunities for Census activity HF3435/SF3875: This bill increased the time period for census enumerators to enter multiunit buildings to carry out important actions related to the census. Removing date restrictions for enumerator access has many benefits. First, this allows for operational adjustments deemed necessary by the Census Bureau, such as the adjusted timelines for census collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, allowing for broader enumerator access related to decennial census activities ensures that the Census Bureau can thoroughly prepare for and evaluate Census enumeration efforts. Removing the time constraints from enumerator access promotes a fuller and more inclusive count of Minnesotans into the future.
• Independent redistricting commission HF4593/SF3894: MCF in partnership with Common Cause MN and community leaders and organizations who engaged in the Our Maps MN campaign advocated for an independent redistricting commission through the With Us, For Us Redistricting Amendment.  This bill sought to establish redistricting processes and principles that maximize community input and participation allowing for all Minnesotans to have a role in ensuring district lines reflect their community’s needs and priorities.

While the bill did not pass this session, MCF is proud to have advocated for community-crafted bill that reflected deep community engagement and honors the wisdom, time, and experience of the community. We remain committed to working with communities in ensuring a redistricting process that works for everyone. 

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MCF with the Asian American Organizing Project, CAPI, COPAL, Minnesota Immigrant Movement, CAIR-MN Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, Voices for Racial Justice, League of Women Voters MN, Common Cause MN, Dr. Bruce Corrie, and Representative Klevorn at the press conference for the With Us For Us Redistricting Amendment

In addition to our advocacy on the above priorities, MCF also supported the passage of the following bills to ensure a more inclusive democracy. 

• Ending prison gerrymandering HF4043/SF3878: Counting incarcerated persons at their last known address in the census allows for more accurate representation in legislative districting. Counting incarcerated individuals at their home addresses helps empower their home communities and ensures the needs and interests of these communities can effectively be represented. These efforts promote a more inclusive democracy by ensuring that all residents, including those who are incarcerated, have a voice in shaping the policies and laws that affect their lives.
• Minnesota Voting Rights Act HF3527/SF3994: This bill codifies the protections of the federal Voting Rights Act into state law. The bill will provide Minnesota’s voters of color protections against racial discrimination in voting. The bill’s provisions also included prohibition against voter suppression and voter dilution. 

To understand the broader scope of what passed and what didn’t in the 2024 legislative session, read the summaries from MinnPost and Star Tribune.

For more information, please contact May Yang at myang@mcf.org.