Fighting Fascism

Donald Trump’s second presidency has been every bit as destructive as we feared. During Operation Metro Surge, masked federal agents kidnapped and killed our neighbors. Small businesses were devastated. Trump and the GOP continued their cruel attacks by cutting Medicaid and SNAP, taking healthcare and food assistance away from thousands of Minnesotans who need it the most to fund tax breaks for billionaires and ultra-wealthy corporations. And while they try to scapegoat immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities, we know the truth. Those at the top are taking from all of us in order to enrich themselves.

Fascism is here. It’s up to all of us to fight back.

We must:

• Protect our neighbors from ICE. Last session, the Senate DFL passed a package that included a ban on face masks used solely to hide agents’ identities, legal pathways to seek justice for people whose rights were violated, and economic support for small businesses affected by Operation Metro Surge. It was blocked by Republicans in the Minnesota House. Next session, I’ll fight to pass this into law.

• Defend human rights. I refuse to let Trump and the Republicans scapegoat our neighbors. Immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities are under attack simply for who we are. I’m Queer and the proud daughter of an immigrant. I’ll always stand with our communities against hate. I passed legislation to strengthen the Minnesota Human Rights Act and protect our communities from discrimination in employment, housing, and education. I will fight to restore MinnesotaCare health insurance coverage to undocumented adults and protect access to gender affirming care. It’s time to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to guarantee equal rights under Minnesota law for everyone.

• Prevent gun violence. We need to ban assault weapons, provide stronger tools to intervene in moments of crisis and improve physical safety in schools and communities. In response to the mass shooting at Annunciation school, Senate DFLers passed a comprehensive gun violence prevention package, but it was blocked by Republicans in the House. I’ll stand up to the powerful gun lobby and fight to keep our communities safe.

Affording Our Lives

I grew up in a working class family. My dad was a public school teacher and my mom owned a small cleaning business. My family had healthcare because of the benefits my dad’s union fought so hard to protect. Now, I’m a working mom. I feel the cost of everything going up - groceries, childcare, and healthcare premiums. My husband and I have combined student loan payments that cost more than our mortgage. Working families are struggling while the rich get richer. It’s not fair.

We deserve:

• A fair economy. Everyday Minnesotans and small businesses across our state are paying far more in taxes than the big tech companies, Trump and all his billionaires buddies. The system is rigged. That’s why I support closing loopholes that allow these large corporations to avoid paying taxes and creating a fifth income tier tax to ensure the wealthiest Minnesotans are paying their fair share. I’ve also introduced legislation that will keep big corporations from unfairly raising your grocery bill and undermining small businesses.

• Healthcare for all. I support Senator Marty’s single-payer proposal known as the Minnesota Health Plan which would fully cover the cost of medical, dental, prescription drugs, vision and hearing care, mental health services, chemical dependency treatment, home care services, and nursing home care. No co-pays, deductibles, or other barriers to care.

• Universal childcare. Every family deserves access to high quality care in their community. I fully support the Childcare for All campaign to make childcare free or low cost for all children from birth to age 5 in Minnesota. No family should spend more than 7% of their income on childcare. I also support universal Pre-K and increasing the Minnesota Child Tax Credit.

• Free college. As a member of the Higher Education Committee, I was so proud to pass the North Star Promise - Minnesota’s free tuition program for families with a household income below $80,000. We need to expand the North Star Promise to guarantee free tuition at any Minnesota public college, university, or Tribal College for all Minnesota residents.

• Safe and affordable housing. In order to tackle this housing shortage and soaring home prices, we need to build more housing. I support updating statewide zoning laws to allow for more homes to be built. In 2023, I created a first generation homeowners fund to help families afford their first homes. With another major investment, we can help more families achieve their dreams and build generational wealth.

  Renter deserve to stay in their homes too. That’s why I authored the strongest tenant protections this state has seen in decades and I will continue to protect renters from predatory landlords.

  I believe our unhoused neighbors are exactly that – our neighbors. We need more resources to increase shelter beds and transition folks to permanent housing.