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Articles by Sandy Pappas
Senator Sandy Pappas Applauds Passage of Gun Violence Prevention Legislation
Bill Includes Senator Pappas’s $500,000 for Nonpartisan Violence Prevention Research ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Monday, May 4, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive package of legislation to keep Minnesota children and families safe from gun violence and invest in proactive interventions to end the epidemic gun violence.
Senator Sandy Pappas Passes Bill to Repeal State Cesar Chavez Holiday
Repeal Follows Investigation of Chavez’s Sexual Abuse of Adults and Minors ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Thursday, March 26, Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) led the Senate in a unanimous vote, (67-0), to pass a bill that repeals Minnesota’s Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. The legislation to end the holiday comes after a New York Times investigation that revealed Chavez had sexually assaulted and abused multiple children as well as his colleague in the United Farmworkers Union, Dolores Huerta.
Senator Pappas Statement on Governor Walz’ 2026 Bonding Proposal
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Jan. 15, Governor Tim Walz released his recommendations for a $907 million 2026 bonding bill. Senate Capital Investment Committee Chair Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) releases the following statement: “Governor Walz has been a steadfast ally in the Capital Investment Committee’s work to maintain state assets and provide Minnesotans with clean water and dignified housing.
Senator Sandy Pappas Announces Retirement After 42 Years in State Legislature
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), a former Senate President and longstanding member, ranking member and chair of the Capital Investment Committee, announced today that she will retire at the end of the 2026 session, marking 42 years in the Legislature. “The Legislature has been so much a part of my life that leaving is like saying farewell to my family,” said Senator Pappas.
Senator Sandy Pappas Condemns US DOJ Lawsuit Attacking Minnesota Dream Act
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Wednesday, June 25, the US Department of Justice filed a suit against Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and the Minnesota’s Office of Higher Education over the Minnesota Dream Act, a 2013 law that makes allows undocumented Minnesota students who attend a Minnesota high school for at least three years and graduate or earn their GED in Minnesota, eligible for in-state tuition rates.
Senator Sandy Pappas Celebrates Passage of 2025 Bonding Bill
Victory for Labor, Clean Water and Higher Education ST. PAUL, Minn. — Senate Capital Investment Chair Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) applauded the Senate passage of a comprehensive, bipartisan $700 million bonding bill (HF 18) on a vote of 57-10.
Senator Sandy Pappas Advances $1.3 Billion Bonding Bill
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Thursday, May 8, Senate Capital Investment Committee chair Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) advanced legislation that meets the Senate DFL’s $1.35 billion target for the 2025 bonding bill. Senator Pappas releases the following statement: “After many years without consistent bonding bills, Minnesotans need lawmakers to stop playing politics with their infrastructure needs,” said Senator Pappas.
Senator Pappas Announces Resolution on Ecocide, Environmental Destruction
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Monday, April 28, Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) announced a Senate Resolution to criminalize acts of environmental destruction, known as ecocide, in Minnesota and to proclaim April as Ecocide Awareness and Prevention Month in Minnesota. Ecocide is an unlawful or wanton act committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.
Senator Pappas Ushers Bipartisan Restorative Justice Bill to Senate Passage
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Friday, April 25, Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) ushered a bill to bipartisan passage on the Senate floor that will improve Minnesota’s restorative justice processes, in a vote of 64-0. SF 2200 makes information obtained from a restorative justice practice inadmissible in court, similar to how courts treat information from therapists, mediators and religious leaders.
Senator Sandy Pappas Statement on Charges Against Justin Eichorn
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Wednesday, March 19, Senator Justin Eichorn was charged in federal court for soliciting a minor for sex. Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) releases the following statement: “I’ve spent decades fighting sex trafficking, especially when it impacts young girls. So much of this horrific crime is driven by demand. Having a fellow Senator accused of joining the ‘johns’ who prey upon underage girls is totally abhorrent. He has no place in the Senate, and he should resign.” ###
Senator Sandy Pappas Applauds Federal Mobility Infrastructure Grants
Grants will Fund ReConnect Rondo, Robert Street Renewal ST. PAUL, Minn. –On Friday, Jan. 10, Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum announced several federal grants that will benefit Minnesotans across the Twin Cities metro, including two in Minnesota District 65. Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) applauded the grants, which will improve sustainable and interconnected transportation in St. Paul and beyond. “An investment in our transportation infrastructure is an investment in our community.
Senator Sandy Pappas Urges Minnesotans to Provide Feedback on Drinking Water Action Plan
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Oct. 7, the Minnesota Department of Health released a draft action plan to ensure safe drinking water across the state and invites feedback from Minnesotans on the plan.
Senator Sandy Pappas Applauds Passage of Copper Wire Theft Prevention Legislation
Statute Will Curb Thefts Darkening Minnesota Cities ST. PAUL, Minn. — On May 19, legislation to curb the theft of copper wire, which has gutted thousands of streetlights and left streets dangerously dark across Minnesota, passed the Senate in an omnibus commerce bill (HF 4757), 34-32. Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), chief author of the original bill, touted the bill’s passage as a definitive step toward reducing copper wire theft and the vandalism of public property.
Sen. Sandy Pappas Celebrates 10 Years of the Women’s Economic Security Act
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On May 13, Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) joined advocates and officials to celebrate a decade since the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) was signed into law, protecting and promoting opportunities for women in the workplace. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, and gender justice advocates gathered for a morning of panels, discussion and community building in the Minnesota Senate Building.
Legislators, Mayors, Law Enforcement Tout ‘Comprehensive’ Legislation on Copper Wire Theft
Bill Will Legitimize Market, Reduce Demand for Stolen Material ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Monday, State Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) and Representative Athena Hollins (DFL-St. Paul) joined Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, West Saint Paul Mayor Dave Napier, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry, and other city and state stakeholders to speak on the legislative piece of a comprehensive solution to copper wire theft that has darkened city streets and parks in dozens of cities and towns across Minnesota.
Senator Sandy Pappas Ushers Midwifery Bill to Bipartisan Passage in Senate
Legislation Will Ease Midwives’ Access to Necessary Medications ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Feb. 29, Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) ushered a bill to passage on the Senate floor which clarifies state statute around licensed midwives’ ability to obtain medications they use within the scope of their practice (SF 3546). The bill passed unanimously, 65-0. “This legislation will remove a roadblock for licensed traditional midwives as they provide essential care to their patients,” said Senator Pappas.
Kennedy, Pappas: Israel, Palestine – and Minnesota
We were scheduled to attend a meeting in Malta from Oct. 15-18 of Forward Global Women, a nonprofit organization established in 2011 to support and enhance women’s peace and security in the Middle East and North Africa region. Twenty-seven women planned to be there for four days of inspiring talks from women academics, activists and political leaders from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, the U.S. – and Israel and Palestine. And then on Saturday, Oct.
Senate St. Paul Delegation Applauds St. Paul City Council Vote on Safe Gun Storage
ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Wednesday, the St. Paul City Council unanimously approved an ordinance requiring secure storage of firearms, in a gun safe or with a trigger lock. Mayor Melvin Carter has indicated he’ll sign the ordinance, authored by Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, in the coming days.
Is Minnesota really going to pass up the double opportunity for a strong bonding bill?
Throughout my 37 years in the Legislature, the second year of every session has been dedicated to passing a bonding bill to invest in Minnesota’s infrastructure. Bonding bills provide financing to pave new roads, improve our ports, construct water systems and update existing infrastructure — and the construction of these projects creates thousands of good-paying union jobs along the way.
We are lawmakers from 5 states that finally put an end to child marriage. It's past time for the other 45 US states to follow our lead. Original
Bipartisan legislators who ended child marriage in five states call on their colleagues in the other US states to follow their lead. Child marriage creates a legal trap for minors, who often cannot file for divorce. Don't cave to loopholes or compromises; there is no reason for marriage before age 18. State Representative Kim Williams has served in the Delaware General Assembly since 2012. Senator Sandy Pappas has served in the Minnesota Senate since 1990. This is an opinion column.
Things to Do in Nicaragua with Kids
When families think about a vacation in Central America, spots like Costa Rica and Belize have a knack for jumping to the top of the possibility list. Nicaragua, not so much. History has handed it a cryptic reputation, leading many to rule it out — often without really understanding why. Sunset at Big Corn Island, Nicaragua What to See and Do in Nicaragua with Kids Why Nicaragua?
Best Things to Do in Philadelphia with Kids
Tucked along the Delaware River, Philadelphia boasts well-preserved history, thriving arts and culture, and a newly booming food scene. Nearly equidistant between New York and Washington, D.C., the City of Brotherly Love is an easy visit from nearby Eastern seaboard states, but also doable as a long weekend trip for visitors from the West Coast (like us!). Philadelphia is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and it’s very much the birthplace of the U.S. as a nation.
Terre Blanche Resort Review for Families
The luxurious Terre Blanche resort in Provence is perfectly placed for access to the best of southern France. Not only does this make it an easy choice as a home base for exploring the region, but the property also offers a wealth of activities to please young and old alike. It is difficult to find an equal accommodations experience in the area, and a stay here will have you itching to return over and over again.
Best Utah Road Trip Itinerary with Kids
Utah is truly an outdoor mecca all year round. In summer, hiking, camping, rafting and biking reign, and it’s peak season for the state’s “Mighty 5” National Parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Capitol Reef). To see the highlights of Utah via road trip, you’ll need more than a week. Even then, plan on spending quality time in the car. There’s just no best direct route! Park City’s historic Main Street.
Sandy Pappas: Decades later, women continue to strike for peace
“End the Arms Race — Not the Human Race” was the clarion call of Women Strike for Peace (WSP), whose 1961 march against nuclear weapon testing and later for total nuclear disarmament marks its 57th anniversary this month. The persistent efforts of these bold women, many of whom were mothers concerned about their children’s safety, led to the 1963 Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and down the road to the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
Aussie-Style Luxury with Wildlife All Around at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is only two and half hours’ drive from Sydney, Australia, yet seems a world away. Situated between two national parks in the majestic Blue Mountains region, the resort occupies just 1 percent of the 7,000 unspoiled acres around it, lending an awe-inspiring feeling of seclusion. From the moment we arrived, we didn’t want our stay to end — it’s a truly special place. Two-bedroom villa with private pool and stunning views.
Intimate Luxury in a Former Broadway Theater at The Chatwal Hotel in New York
The Chatwal New York is a luxury boutique hotel conveniently located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, around the corner from Times Square. If you are planning to go to a Broadway show during a New York City trip, there is not a more ideal location — in fact, the hotel itself was a Broadway theater club in a former life.
Southern Ocean Lodge: Ends-of-the-Earth Seclusion on Australia’s Kangaroo Island
The remote location is what sets Southern Ocean Lodge apart: It is perched above Hanson Bay on the southwest coast of Kangaroo Island, the last outpost between Australia and Antarctica. The island itself is referred to as the Galapagos of Australia, home to a host of endemic wildlife — koalas, wallabies, sea lions and, of course, kangaroos.
Casual Luxury in Cabo San Lucas at Hacienda Encantada Resort
Hacienda Encantada Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is a great option for an easy family beach vacation. It’s conveniently located 25 minutes from the international airport in a secluded position with spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez, yet only 10 minutes from the bustling downtown and Cabo Marina. The resort embraces the desert-meet-ocean setting and offers both all-suite rooms and residences. At Hacienda Encantada, the service is warm and welcoming.
An Incredible Kenya Safari Adventure: Hot Air Ballooning Over the Maasai Mara
As I was planning our recent safari with Rothschild Safaris, I realized our travel dates would fall over my daughter’s 14th birthday. I thought, what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a once-in-a-lifetime experience like a hot air balloon ride over Kenya’s Maasai Mara game reserve?
Costa Rica with Kids: Our Favorite Family-Friendly Adventures
At Ciao Bambino, we are constantly vetting new travel partners, properties and destinations. But we also like to revisit our tried-and-true favorites to see what’s new and share the latest recommendations for both our readers and our agency clients. I just returned from a weeklong trip to Costa Rica with a new CB! travel partner, and I’m happy to report that our top Costa Rica itinerary with kids is still a winner.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey to Lizard Island Resort on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Lizard Island Resort, Australia’s northernmost beach resort, is truly secluded from the rest of the world. The property is literally on the reef; no long boat rides are needed to enjoy one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. For my family, Lizard Island Resort was the highlight of our entire amazing Australia trip.
WaterColor Inn & Resort Review | Family Beach Vacations
WaterColor Inn & Resort, set right on the sugar-white sands of the Florida Panhandle, is truly a special find for families. The resort is located in the town of WaterColor, one of 16 wonderful beachside neighborhoods along Scenic Highway 30-A, each with its own personality. Parents and kids alike will love the relaxed vibe and friendly service at WaterColor; even better, it offers older children a chance for some independence, as they can explore on their own in this safe community.
Africa for Kids: Best Kenya Safari Camps for Families
When we asked Rothschild Safaris to design our family safari itinerary in Kenya, we requested to stay in a mix of high-end and midrange tented camps that would offer unique and varied experiences along the way. Longtime travel designer Kimi Cristopolous rose to the challenge admirably, giving our family an opportunity to see amazing wildlife and connect with new cultures while making the logistics easy and stress-free.
Skiing Park City with Kids
We just returned from a fabulous long weekend in Park City, Utah, to check out the “new” Park City Mountain Resort.
For Women's Equality Day, still more work is needed
“I never doubted that equal rights was the right direction. Most reforms, most problems are complicated. But to me there is nothing complicated about ordinary equality.” So said prominent women’s suffrage advocate Alice Paul. The first step toward “ordinary equality” for women was the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Almost 50 years later, in 1971, Congress designated Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day to commemorate its passage.
52 Tips for Traveling in France with Kids
The first thing families usually ask us when considering a trip to France is, “Is France child-friendly?” It is! Not in the “please run through our restaurant screaming” way that you find in Italy, but child-friendly in that there are many rewarding, exciting things to do with children all over France. Tips for Traveling to France with Kids How to Craft a France Itinerary > We’ve spent years putting together helpful tips and guiding families on keeping itineraries focused to maximize fun.
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