From Elected to Effective: My Legislative Career
While I represented the Apple Valley/Burnsville area in the Minnesota House of Representatives, much of the work I did revolved around Minneapolis. As a legislator, I knew that the strength of Minneapolis defines the stability of Minnesota.
One of my main goals in office was to work towards a safe, reliable, and equitable transportation system for the metro area. As a citizen advocate on the 35W Solutions Alliance, I was chosen to serve as the Vice Chair of the Transportation and Transit Policy Subcommittee. In that role I authored a bipartisan transportation bill that invested in Minnesota’s transportation system. The bill that redefined the metropolitan transit taxing district, expanding it to Lakeville to support increased public transit. This funding continues to bring transit to Minneapolis from as far south as Farmington through the MVTA (Minnesota Valley Transit Authority). This was applauded by business and educational advocates as it allowed students and workers regular service to Minneapolis. It also provided funding for two new park-and-rides and expansion of transit hours.
I also secured funding for the creation of the Central Corridor light rail line that connects downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. When the 35W bridge collapsed, I worked closely with the Minneapolis City Council and the Mayor to secure funding and resources to rebuild the bridge in just one year. One of the proudest moments of my career was the passage of my bill that allows anyone with a disability placard four hours of parking in Minneapolis, legislation that is still in place today.
I proudly voted against all Republican attacks on abortion rights, housing rights, and education rights; including an amendment that would have taken millions of state aid dollars away from Minneapolis public schools.
I helped to pass the Next Generation Energy Act that demanded Minnesota have an 80% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and voted for an amendment that would have required new coal power plants to responsibly manage their greenhouse gas emissions before they were built.
To protect our immigrant neighbors, I voted against
Requiring the U of MN and MNSCU to deny admission or expel students who were not compliant with federal immigration law
Allowing law enforcement to ask about legal status
Implementing Voter ID laws on meant to restrict new voters
Requiring immigration status to receive benefits from Minnesota health care programs
Making English the official language of Minnesota
Requiring drivers’ examinations to be held in English
Using legal status to decide who received a $25 income tax credit during the gas tax increase
I helped to balance the state budget without raising general taxes, enacted laws to combat the effects of the housing crisis, and passed legislation to support veterans and their families. Legislation that I authored and co-authored was continually supported by a broad coalition of labor, civic, and business groups.
From my community organizing to my public service, my career has always revolved around benefiting Minnesota communities, specifically Minneapolis. I am running for Minneapolis City Council because I love our city, and because I know I have the experience to make a positive impact in Minneapolis.