Minnesota’s public schools are the foundation of strong communities, but decades of underinvestment have made it harder for districts to meet today’s student needs. I’ve worked on education policy at both the state and local level, including serving on the Governor’s Education Roundtable and helping shape the Due North Education Plan. I’ve also seen firsthand as a school board member how funding gaps force difficult decisions that affect students, educators, and families. In the Senate, I will focus on practical steps that strengthen our public schools and support every learner.

As a Senator, I will work to:

• Reduce funding cross-subsidies that strain district budgets and local taxpayers
• Expand student mental health services and school-based supports
• Invest in early learning and programs that close achievement gaps
• Strengthen achievement and integration funding
• Support sustainable, long-term education funding that keeps pace with student needs
• Oppose private school voucher programs that divert resources from public schools

Strong public schools prepare students for the future and keep our communities strong.

Families are the foundation of strong neighborhoods. When parents can afford housing, health care, child care, food, and everyday necessities, children are better able to learn and communities grow stronger.

But too many families are stretched thin by rising costs and economic uncertainty. I’ve seen how our priorities can get out of balance. One of my children worked in child care, responsible for the safety and well-being of infants, earning $14.50 an hour. Another earned $17.00 an hour helping guests at the Mall of America. Both jobs mattered, but that gap shows how undervalued essential care work has become.

Public policy should make it easier for working families to build stable, secure lives and ensure essential workers are treated with the respect they deserve.

As a Senator, I will work to:

• Expand access to affordable, comprehensive health care and move Minnesota toward universal coverage
• Reduce the cost of child care and support fair wages for child care providers
• Strengthen programs that reduce food insecurity for children and families
• Support housing policies that make homeownership and stable rental options more attainable
• Promote economic policies that ensure full-time work provides livable wages and financial stability

When families have stability and opportunity, neighborhoods thrive and children are better positioned to succeed.

Communities are strongest when every person feels respected, valued, and safe being who they are.

In public service, I have worked to ensure policies reflect the dignity and worth of all people. I am especially proud of advancing Gender Inclusion policies on the school board that protect and support both students and staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported where they learn and work.

As a Senator, I will work to:

• Protect LGBTQ+ Minnesotans from discrimination and ensure equal access to housing, employment, and public services
• Strengthen accessibility, services, and support for people with disabilities
• Support policies that help seniors live with independence, security, and dignity
• Promote inclusive policies that ensure public institutions serve all members of our communities fairly

Inclusive communities are safer, stronger, and better able to support families and future generations.

Minnesota’s natural landscapes are central to our identity, our economy, and our quality of life. From state parks and local trails to treasured places like the Boundary Waters, protecting our environment means protecting the places families live, work, and explore.

I have supported practical, local solutions that reduce environmental impact and strengthen community resources. As a school board member, I championed investments in electric school buses, expanded rooftop solar across district buildings, and partnerships in community wind energy. These efforts reduce long-term costs, improve air quality for students, and support a more sustainable future.

As a Senator, I will work to:

• Protect Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, parks, and natural areas for future generations
• Support conservation efforts that preserve outdoor spaces and wildlife habitats
• Promote clean energy investments that create jobs and reduce long-term costs
• Help communities transition responsibly to sustainable infrastructure and transportation

Protecting our environment is about stewardship, public health, and ensuring Minnesota remains a great place to live for generations to come.

Free and fair elections are essential to a healthy democracy. Every eligible voter should be able to participate without unnecessary barriers.

Strong civic participation ensures that government reflects the people it serves and builds public trust in our institutions.

As a Senator, I will work to:

• Protect and expand accessible voting options, including early voting and vote-by-mail
• Support Ranked Choice Voting, which gives voters more choice and encourages broader participation
• Ensure election processes are transparent, secure, and accessible to all eligible voters
• Promote civic engagement so more Minnesotans can participate in decisions that affect their communities

Protecting voting rights strengthens democracy and ensures every voice has the opportunity to be heard.