We are in a cost of living crisis, and we need bold action to reverse it. Our government has the ability and responsibility to invest deeply in the lifelong success of Minnesotans including economic and job security for working families, policies that ensure our cherished elders age with dignity in their homes, and continued investment in social programs. 

The costs of childcare are rising and it’s becoming more difficult to balance work and caring for our loved ones. I’m proud to co-author legislation that will lift some of this burden off our working families such as: 

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

A nation-leading Child Tax Credit and $146 million for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Great Start Affordability Scholarships to ensure families in Minnesota pay no more than 7% of their annual income on childcare

Increased work protections for lactating and/or nursing parents

First Generation Homebuyers Assistance 

As Minnesota’s population ages, we need to ensure our elders are able to retire comfortably, afford their healthcare, and live with dignity in the community they call home. I’m proud to have worked with community partners to invest in our seniors to pass necessary legislation like: 

Over $10 million for the senior nutrition program

$400 million invested into elderly waiver rate increases and consumer-directed community supports

$300 million for nursing homes 

$46 million to align the disability and elderly homemaker rate and over $122 million for elderly waiver increases and consumer-directed community supports parity 

I first ran for office after learning that more than one-third of students at Greenleaf Elementary were food insecure. As your State Senator, I’ve authored and passed legislation that increases access to nutritious meals for Minnesotans including: 

$5 million infused into Minnesota food shelves

$1 million for the Healthy Eating, Here at Home “Market Bucks” program

$4 million in bonding dollars for an Every Meal statewide food distribution hub

Universal school meals 

As a working mother with a young toddler and aging parents, I understand intimately the struggles our community is facing when it comes to affordability and economic security. We deserve a champion at the State Senate who will fight for the policies working families need to thrive. This includes increasing our minimum wage, regulating hyperscale data centers to prohibit electricity and water rate increases, investing in community care, and ensuring our families are fed.