Issues that matter

The last three years in the State Senate have been historic. As your Senator and Assistant Majority Leader, I am proud to have delivered real, transformative progress—especially during our DFL trifecta—to begin dismantling the racial disparities that exist in our state. We secured landmark victories in Community Safety, Healthcare, Housing, Education, and Climate Justice, proving that bold action is possible. These are not isolated policy areas; they are all intertwined issues of racial justice.

But today, our progress is under threat. With a federal administration that actively targets our immigrant neighbors and demeans our community, the fight is far from over. We cannot approach these challenges in isolation; they are all connected by our shared struggle for racial justice and human dignity.

  • True safety comes from justice, accountability, and community well-being. I have led the charge to reform our legal system and protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

    • Limited No-Knock Warrants: I chief-authored the law to limit the use of no-knock warrants, a critical step in saving lives and preventing tragedies that disproportionately affect communities of color.

    • Banned Deceptive Interrogations: I chief-authored legislation to ban the use of deception in police interrogations of juveniles to ensure our justice system is fair and reliable.

    • Legalized Cannabis: We legalized adult-use cannabis and expunged the records of 66,000 Minnesotans, taking a major step toward repairing the harm of the War on Drugs.

    • Restored the Vote: We ensured that Minnesotans who have served their term of incarceration have their voice in our democracy restored.

    • Supported Survivors: We secured $7.2 million in one-time and $878,000 in ongoing funding for shelters, hotlines, and legal help for crime victims.

    • Modernized Drug Laws: We repealed outdated drug laws, like the drug tax stamp, that have historically harmed communities of color.

    • Kept Families Connected: I chief-authored the law providing no-cost phone calls for incarcerated and civilly committed individuals to ensure they can stay connected with their loved ones.

  • Healthcare is a fundamental human right. I am fighting to ensure every Minnesotan—regardless of their background or zip code—can access the care they need.

    • Paid Family and Medical Leave: We established a state program so Minnesotans no longer have to choose between their paycheck and their health or the health of a family member.

    • Codified Reproductive Freedom: We passed the PRO Act, putting the right to control your own reproductive health—including abortion and fertility treatments—into state law.

    • Protected Gender-Affirming Care: We passed the Trans Refuge Act to ensure Minnesota remains a safe place for people to seek and provide gender-affirming healthcare.

    • Banned Conversion Therapy: We made Minnesota the 22nd state to ban the harmful and discredited practice of conversion therapy.

    • The Fight Ahead: I strongly opposed the cruel rollback of healthcare access for undocumented Minnesotans. Restoring healthcare for all remains one of my top priorities.

  • Every neighbor deserves a safe and stable place to call home. I am focused on protecting tenants and closing the racial gap in homeownership.

    • Strongest Tenant Protections in Decades: I chief-authored a package requiring rent transparency, timely repairs, 14-day pre-eviction notices, and eviction expungements.

    • Invested in First-Generation Homeowners: We secured $100 million for the statewide First-Generation Homeowners Fund, providing down payment assistance to address racial disparities in homeownership.

  • Education is the engine of opportunity. I am working to ensure our schools are equitable, accessible, and affordable for all students.

    • North Star Promise: We created a tuition-free college program for students with a household income below $80,000, opening doors for tens of thousands of Minnesotans.

    • Universal School Meals: We guaranteed free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students, because no child can learn on an empty stomach.

    • Banned the Box in Higher Ed: I chief-authored the law prohibiting colleges from asking about criminal history until an admission offer is made, removing a major barrier to higher education.

    • Menstrual Equity: I chief-authored the requirement to provide free menstrual products in all K-12 schools and college campuses.

    • Support for ELL Students: I secured $86.9 million for school districts across the state to support English Language Learner funds.

    • College Cost Transparency: Starting in 2028, we are requiring standardized financial aid letters so families can easily compare the true costs of college.

  • We are leading the nation in the transition to a clean energy economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.

    • 100% Clean Energy by 2040: I was proud to help pass landmark legislation requiring Minnesota utilities to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. This law makes Minnesota a national leader in combatting the climate crisis while prioritizing environmental justice and creating thousands of new, high-paying clean energy jobs.

    • Free Water at Events: We now require entertainment venues to provide free water or allow refillable bottles, promoting sustainability, reducing plastic waste, and protecting public health.

Header photo by Jaida Grey Eagle