Single mothers are already more likely to be low-income, facing higher rates of food and housing insecurity. Even three months of work disruption could put them in a precarious position, at risk of losing their housing and not having enough to feed their children.

"By 16, I was sleeping in my own truck. When I turned 18, I bounced between my car, my grandfather’s house, and unstable rentals."

"We have the resources to address it. What we lack is political will. Still, I believe in perseverance. I’ve seen legislation pass by a single vote. I’ve seen young people fight back against unfair housing practices and win. I’ve seen what happens when people refuse to give up. So, as long as I’m here, that’s exactly what I intend to do."

This deep dive into gun violence prevention legislation explores a national effort to build bipartisan agreement, and two recent debates at the Minnesota capitol about reducing access to assault weapons and creating a central state office focused on gun violence prevention. “In 2024, deaths from gun violence around the rest of the country fell by 5 percent, but here in Minnesota, they rose by 6 percent,” said Maggiy Emery.