Serving the Common Good
I want to assure you that as your Senator I will continue to work hard right here in our district on local issues such as community and constituent problems, advocacy and mediation.
For example:
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My PLEDGE to YOU: |
Education
I support a world-class public education system, with affordable higher education for all Minnesotans. When we educate our children, we prepare not only our future workers, but also our future parents, voters, and neighbors. This is our foundational responsibility as a society, and I strongly support fully investing in it. I have a particular focus on the crucial early development years, ages 0-3, which challenge us all to understand and pay attention to the invisible but vital brain development that takes place during this time and what supports or hinders it ― again, setting the stage for future success. Economy
I support meaningful economic security for all workers and wage-earning families, including livable-wage jobs, pay equity for women, and family supports to include a minimum of 12 weeks paid parental leave, paid sick days, and family leave. Poverty holds in its grip 1 out of 5 of our children: a livable-wage job is the straightest shot at the heart of poverty. Environment
I support strong environmental protections for clean water, air, and earth. All cost-benefit analyses of choices we make for development and business must take into consideration not only profits, but also the costs to the community, to our environment, and to the people of our state. These costs must be counted honestly, and we must be intelligent about environmental impacts, including the effect on climate. Transportation
I support a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system with good roads, bridges, and transit solutions that serve the differing needs of both urban and rural communities, creating a state-wide system for businesses, workers, students, and recreation. For this, we need a dedicated funding source. We also need to take into consideration the mobility and safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and those who are disabled in order to have a system that works for all, from youth to elders. |
Health Care
I support the right of all to quality, affordable health CARE ― including the doctor of your choice ― funded by all Minnesotans based on their ability to pay. Although I appreciate the gains made by the ACA, I am not interested in creating a shopping site to purchase health insurance. It is health CARE that we want. I stand, along with 58% of Americans, for affordable health care for all, and I am proud to be the Chief Author in the House of the MN Health Plan. Business
I support a thriving entrepreneurship in our business economy by maintaining an educated and skilled workforce, by state-supported health care for all, by creating a 21st-century transportation system, by an expedited expansion of rural broadband, and by ensuring an equitable tax structure which supports forward-looking investments that grow our economy and make Minnesota a great place to live and work. Elections
I support clean campaigns and fair elections ― including unimpeded ballot access and high voter turnout ― along with stronger campaign finance disclosure requirements for independent money, so the people can know who is influencing our elections and who may be “buying” candidates. We need to ensure the integrity of elections and that the power of self-government will remain with the people. You can count on me ... to take on challenging issues in both the district and at the legislature, to do the hard work it takes to get legislation passed, and to be effective at the State Capitol as your Senator! |