Free Menstrual Products in Schools / Respecting Natural Hair Styles

In the same way that schools provide toilet paper and soap to students at no charge, efforts are underway around the country to make menstrual hygiene products available to students for free as well. Senator Steve Cwodzinski, DFL-Eden Prairie, a former teacher, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about his proposals to provide complimentary period products in schools and to ensure that high school graduates receive instruction in personal finance and civics.

The Minnesota Human Rights Act was enacted in 1967 to protect the civil rights of Minnesotans and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and disability in employment, housing and education. Senator Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, joins Shannon to talk about the CROWN Act, a bill that would add hair texture and style within the category of race.

Also in the program are highlights from the week: Senate debates on bills to extend the reinsurance program for an additional five years and to authorize the Legislative Auditor to investigate the Southwest Light Rail transit project; committee testimony and discussion on a bill to nullify and prohibit rent control and bipartisan calls for sanctions against Russia.