Issues

Jobs

Jobs were priority #1 this session. I supported a jobs-focused capital investment bill to create over 10,000 jobs throughout the state. In addition, I supported common sense tax reforms designed to support small businesses and spark investment in high-tech start-ups.

Budget

I will continue to work for a balanced approach to our budget shortfall. We need to make cuts, raise revenue, and stimulate jobs. We have made $3 billion in spending reductions and will need to do more, with a focus on doing the least harm to people’s lives. With the bonding bill and the investment in roads and bridges, we have stimulated thousands of jobs. But we also need to make reasonable increases in revenue by asking the wealthiest Minnesotans to pay their fair share.

Education

I am a strong advocate for improving Minnesota’s schools. I have worked hard to improve early childhood programs and increase accountability. Providing access to quality early childhood education is one of the most important things Minnesota can do to close the achievement gap and prepare kids to succeed in school. I fought hard to protect K-12 Education from cuts and supported legislation to repay education funding shifts.

Health Care

I continue to fight for affordable, universal and quality health care for all Minnesotans. This session I worked to bring transparency and accountability to large corporate health insurance companies that hike up insurance rates on Minnesotans while earning massive profits. I have leading supporter of the MN Health Plan in my four years in the legislature and will continue to do so.

Families

I have authored and supported legislation that helps Minnesota families. I helped expand childbirth options with the licensing of birth centers and by providing women the choice of having the support of a certified doula. I also authored a new law to give families a more natural choice in how they care for their deceased loved ones, making a sacred experience less expensive and environmentally green.

Northstar Commuter Rail

Northstar Commuter Rail

After several years of hard work, the Northstar Commuter Rail is up and running. I successfully worked with state and local officials to bring a rail station right here to Fridley. This is just the start of an interconnected web of transit that will provide for residents’ needs into the future.

Springbrook Nature Center

Visitors to Springbrook Nature Center

This wonderful, diverse habitat right in the middle of an urban area has grown in popularity and use. To protect the fragile ecological balance, a plan to enhance and protect Springbrook has been developed. Because it is a center of regional and statewide importance, I authored legislation each year to seek support for this project through the bonding bill. I will continue to seek these funds for this jewel in our midst.

The Role of Government

Government is the only entity in our society which has as its very purpose the good of ALL the citizenry. It rightfully is the place of representation of the needs of all. Through the balance of our three branches of government, we constantly fine-tune the working of this purpose. I take very seriously the responsibility of participating in this through the legislative branch. Some call for little to no government; I work for good government.