Housing Issues Hit Home for New Minnesota Lawmaker
Minnesota state Rep. Esther Agbaje is a lawyer completing her first year as lawmaker. She was interviewed outside the state Capitol in St. Paul.
See link for all details: https://www.voanews.com/a/housing-issues-hit-home-for-new-minnesota-lawmaker/6313497.html
Tenants, landlords concerned about RentHelpMN as phase out looms
RentHelpMN allows Minnesotans who may have lost their jobs or have COVID-19 pandemic-related money concerns to apply for aid. The state has received $672 million from the federal government for the program. But renters worry about money delays.
See link for all details: https://kstp.com/minnesota-news/renthelpmn-ending/6242534/
Esther Agbaje Wins DFL Primary in Minnesota House District 59B!
I am honored to receive the support and trust of my neighbors as their Minnesota DFL candidate for House District 59B this November. I am committed to representing this district with empathy, honor and pride as we fight for inclusivity, justice and bold progress.
This was a vigorous and positive campaign. Representative Raymond Dehn has served this District with dignity. He advanced critical priorities in criminal justice reform, and his openness in transparently sharing his life story is a lesson for us all in humility, grace, and compassion. I look forward to working with our entire community, as we now shift our focus to the most important general election of our lifetimes.
In addition to achieving a victory in November, our campaign will be dedicated to helping flip the Minnesota State Senate so that we can break through the obstruction that is holding us back from addressing the needs of our working families. Our team also looks forward to supporting Senator Tina Smith and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in their respective reelection campaigns and working closely with leadership throughout the State Senate District to turn out the vote and solidify Minnesota for the Biden/Harris campaign.
I would not be in this position without the dedication of my volunteers, the hundreds of supporters who donated to this campaign, and the support from Women Winning, Teamsters Local 120, Black Women Rising, Outfront MN, the Sierra Club, and others who stepped up to usher in a new generation of leadership for Minneapolis.
- Posted 8/13/2020
This was a vigorous and positive campaign. Representative Raymond Dehn has served this District with dignity. He advanced critical priorities in criminal justice reform, and his openness in transparently sharing his life story is a lesson for us all in humility, grace, and compassion. I look forward to working with our entire community, as we now shift our focus to the most important general election of our lifetimes.
In addition to achieving a victory in November, our campaign will be dedicated to helping flip the Minnesota State Senate so that we can break through the obstruction that is holding us back from addressing the needs of our working families. Our team also looks forward to supporting Senator Tina Smith and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in their respective reelection campaigns and working closely with leadership throughout the State Senate District to turn out the vote and solidify Minnesota for the Biden/Harris campaign.
I would not be in this position without the dedication of my volunteers, the hundreds of supporters who donated to this campaign, and the support from Women Winning, Teamsters Local 120, Black Women Rising, Outfront MN, the Sierra Club, and others who stepped up to usher in a new generation of leadership for Minneapolis.
- Posted 8/13/2020
Esther's interview on KMOJ
Listen to Esther's Aug. 7 interview on KMOJ with Zannie K to hear about her policies and vision for the District!
Statement on the Murder of George Floyd
George Floyd should be alive. That is the world as it should be.
All of the officers responsible should be in jail and charged. Now. The case has recently been transferred to AG Keith Ellison and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights is opening an investigation into MPD's practices.
Our community, sick and tired of continued police violence, injustice, and the rinse and repeat of these instances, is demanding justice and accountability. The whole world is watching.
When will you stop killing us?
And yet we keep seeing the same police force turn on the community that was hurting. Instead of letting people grieve and express their hurt and frustration police have sprayed tear gas and shot rubber bullets into the crowd. This is unacceptable. Like you, I am heartbroken and exhausted.
I want to live in a world where we can live our lives without fear when we go for a run, drive, play music, or even just be in our own homes. Black lives matter. The color of our skin does not diminish that fact.
To get to that more just society, we must divest away from systems of violence, racism, and white supremacy. I know that our communities can be kept safe without resorting to lethal force and guns. Instead we must use our resources to invest in social services, public education, living wage jobs, and other anti-poverty measures. We can support those struggling with mental health issues and addiction rather than harming them. We can rebuild a world where we’re all looking out for each other. And even in potentially threatening confrontations, we can have a system of protection that focuses on de-escalation and rather than relying on violence. This is what will lead to better public safety and community wellness.
I've thought about the many reasons I’m motivated to represent our district as a State Representative. I know that this district needs bold leaders who are unafraid to address important issues like housing, securing living wage jobs, stopping police violence, and equitable resources for public schools.
Please know I and my team are here to provide resources and assistance. If you're looking for ways to help out let us know and we can get you plugged into action steps. There are some ways to get involved posted on our Facebook page.
Posted June 2, 2020
All of the officers responsible should be in jail and charged. Now. The case has recently been transferred to AG Keith Ellison and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights is opening an investigation into MPD's practices.
Our community, sick and tired of continued police violence, injustice, and the rinse and repeat of these instances, is demanding justice and accountability. The whole world is watching.
When will you stop killing us?
And yet we keep seeing the same police force turn on the community that was hurting. Instead of letting people grieve and express their hurt and frustration police have sprayed tear gas and shot rubber bullets into the crowd. This is unacceptable. Like you, I am heartbroken and exhausted.
I want to live in a world where we can live our lives without fear when we go for a run, drive, play music, or even just be in our own homes. Black lives matter. The color of our skin does not diminish that fact.
To get to that more just society, we must divest away from systems of violence, racism, and white supremacy. I know that our communities can be kept safe without resorting to lethal force and guns. Instead we must use our resources to invest in social services, public education, living wage jobs, and other anti-poverty measures. We can support those struggling with mental health issues and addiction rather than harming them. We can rebuild a world where we’re all looking out for each other. And even in potentially threatening confrontations, we can have a system of protection that focuses on de-escalation and rather than relying on violence. This is what will lead to better public safety and community wellness.
I've thought about the many reasons I’m motivated to represent our district as a State Representative. I know that this district needs bold leaders who are unafraid to address important issues like housing, securing living wage jobs, stopping police violence, and equitable resources for public schools.
Please know I and my team are here to provide resources and assistance. If you're looking for ways to help out let us know and we can get you plugged into action steps. There are some ways to get involved posted on our Facebook page.
Posted June 2, 2020
Esther Agbaje Wins DFL Endorsement
The DFL endorsement is an incredible honor, but make no mistake we are just getting started.
Minneapolis is ready for more urgent, bold action that reflects our needs and values. The dual challenges presented by both COVID and climate change will define the next generation. I’m ready to help lead Minnesota’s most diverse district in the state with a passionate commitment to inclusivity and justice. I’m grateful for the support of the delegates, the DFL district and state leadership, the DFL Senior Caucus and especially my campaign team. I also want to give a huge thanks to the amazing team of inspirational female leaders at Women Winning. Tonight is a great reward for the hard work our entire team put into listening and understanding the needs of our neighbors and friends from the Northside to Bryn Mawr, from North Loop to Downtown. We can’t wait to pick up from here tomorrow as we work hard to provide a safe and secure vote for our district in the August 11th primary and general election in November. I’m eager to get started and I know the team is too.
Minneapolis is ready for more urgent, bold action that reflects our needs and values. The dual challenges presented by both COVID and climate change will define the next generation. I’m ready to help lead Minnesota’s most diverse district in the state with a passionate commitment to inclusivity and justice. I’m grateful for the support of the delegates, the DFL district and state leadership, the DFL Senior Caucus and especially my campaign team. I also want to give a huge thanks to the amazing team of inspirational female leaders at Women Winning. Tonight is a great reward for the hard work our entire team put into listening and understanding the needs of our neighbors and friends from the Northside to Bryn Mawr, from North Loop to Downtown. We can’t wait to pick up from here tomorrow as we work hard to provide a safe and secure vote for our district in the August 11th primary and general election in November. I’m eager to get started and I know the team is too.
Minnesota DFL Party Moves Conventions to Online Ballot
Minnesota DFL Party Executive Committee made the decision to move local convention activities away from in-person meetings and tele-conventions, and instead conduct party business via an online balloting system. This decision was made to ensure all DFL Party events are in compliance with advice from public health officials to cease small group gatherings. No decision has yet been made regarding the Minnesota DFL state convention.
See link for all details: https://www.dfl.org/media/minnesota-dfl-party-cancels-local-conventions/
Esther Agbaje Announces Her Candidacy for MN House District 59B
Minneapolis, Minnesota - Esther Agbaje [ag-BADGE-ay] and Team Esther are delighted to announce her candidacy to serve as State Representative for District 59B.
An advocate for safe and affordable housing, public transportation, and environmental justice, Esther is a civil litigation and medical malpractice attorney in downtown Minneapolis.
As our representative in the State House, Esther will ask the tough questions and pursue inclusive solutions: How do we protect our vulnerable and make sure that every person in our shared community can live a full life in Minnesota?
Our district has witnessed tremendous growth, one negative consequence of which, however, is rising rents and housing costs. As a renter and legal volunteer with Volunteer Lawyers Network’s Housing Court Project, Esther knows the impact of rising rents on our community. To build healthy and sustainable communities, the state must be a better partner to cities and counties in promoting inclusive growth that does not displace people and families. Many aspects of life outcomes are determined by a person’s access to safe, clean, and affordable housing. Esther will work to secure housing for everyone in our district and across the state by promoting local developers who can invest into the community, securing stability in rent increases, and protecting homeowners by expanding eligibility to programs meant to keep people in their homes.
Esther is an advocate for climate justice through TakeAction Minnesota. She participates in faith communities’ efforts to care for the earth through St. Mark’s Cathedral and MN Interfaith Power and Light. Esther is also a consistent transit rider, and she understands the successes and failings of our current transit system within the district and will work to improve it.
Born in Saint Paul and raised in Brainerd and Faribault, Esther learned from a young age the value of community, education, and public service. Esther has a B.A. in Political Science from the George Washington University and an M.P.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. She previously served as a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. State Department while based in Washington, DC. She then earned her J.D. at Harvard Law School before making her way home to Minnesota and is currently an Associate with Ciresi Conlin LLP.
Together with the residents of 59B, Esther wants to build an inclusive and just society in our District where no one is left behind. Learn more about Esther and join the team by visiting www.estheragbaje.com.
An advocate for safe and affordable housing, public transportation, and environmental justice, Esther is a civil litigation and medical malpractice attorney in downtown Minneapolis.
As our representative in the State House, Esther will ask the tough questions and pursue inclusive solutions: How do we protect our vulnerable and make sure that every person in our shared community can live a full life in Minnesota?
Our district has witnessed tremendous growth, one negative consequence of which, however, is rising rents and housing costs. As a renter and legal volunteer with Volunteer Lawyers Network’s Housing Court Project, Esther knows the impact of rising rents on our community. To build healthy and sustainable communities, the state must be a better partner to cities and counties in promoting inclusive growth that does not displace people and families. Many aspects of life outcomes are determined by a person’s access to safe, clean, and affordable housing. Esther will work to secure housing for everyone in our district and across the state by promoting local developers who can invest into the community, securing stability in rent increases, and protecting homeowners by expanding eligibility to programs meant to keep people in their homes.
Esther is an advocate for climate justice through TakeAction Minnesota. She participates in faith communities’ efforts to care for the earth through St. Mark’s Cathedral and MN Interfaith Power and Light. Esther is also a consistent transit rider, and she understands the successes and failings of our current transit system within the district and will work to improve it.
Born in Saint Paul and raised in Brainerd and Faribault, Esther learned from a young age the value of community, education, and public service. Esther has a B.A. in Political Science from the George Washington University and an M.P.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. She previously served as a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. State Department while based in Washington, DC. She then earned her J.D. at Harvard Law School before making her way home to Minnesota and is currently an Associate with Ciresi Conlin LLP.
Together with the residents of 59B, Esther wants to build an inclusive and just society in our District where no one is left behind. Learn more about Esther and join the team by visiting www.estheragbaje.com.
For Immediate Release
Release: October 22, 2019.
Release: October 22, 2019.