Economy and Jobs

Foreclosures, unemployment, low-wages and empty store-fronts are critical issues that continue to harm our district and weaken our communities.  I believe that by investing soundly in our city and in our state’s infrastructure, in the small business sector, and in middle class communities, we have the opportunity to turn our economy around.

Instead of balancing the budget disproportionately by cutting programs that support the development of our infrastructure and our human capital, I will champion legislation that puts Minnesotans to work rebuilding our transportation and educational infrastructure.   Instead of shifting this financial burden onto local property tax payers and over-whelmed municipalities and nonprofits, I will fight so that Minnesota’s wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share.

Education

Addressing Minnesota’s achievement gap needs to be one of our top priorities for securing the long term health of our local and state economies, as well as the future individual success of all our children.  Focusing on standardized tests while diverting funds away from, and delaying payments to, our public school systems does not encourage or support our school districts to be successful nor competitive.

I will support education reform that reduces the achievement gap in our state and allows us to turn away from standardized testing that limits our educational breadth and approach.  I will fight any attempt to place the blame of our struggling schools on the backs of our teachers.  I will work to ensure that Minnesota can continue to produce the educated and skilled workforce our local business leaders have come to rely upon and will need to thrive in the future.

Tax Reform

The budget situation we are facing today is as much about revenue as it is expenditures.  We cannot allow the budget to be balanced on the backs of our property owners and the poor while corporations and millionaires pay less than their fair share.

I will fight for a progressive state and local tax structure that meets the needs and expectations of our communities.  I will work to end corporate tax loop holes and support legislation that encourages small business start ups and expansion.

Health Care

Rising health care costs, insurance exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and higher numbers of the under or uninsured is a significant and growing problem.  I believe that access to timely, affordable healthcare is a fundamental right of every Minnesotan.  I will advocate for and support the Minnesota Health Plan, a single-payer healthcare system.

Environment and Social Justice

Minnesota’s strong progressive values are under threat in the current political climate with attempts to roll back established environmental protections and regulations in our state laws.   I will remain committed to Minnesota’s proud legacy of protecting the land, air, and water for current and future generations.

We are also witnessing the hurtful social division created by an attempt to amend the state constitution to deny rights to a specific population within our community.   I will fight the concentrated assault on our GLBT community members and families and be a passionate advocate for equal rights for all Minnesotans.

Marriage Equality

I am a passionate supporter of marriage equality. As a lesbian, I feel this inequality every day. If elected, I will use my position as State Rep to speak loudly against the marriage amendment and in favor of equality for all Minnesota families. I will also use my 2012 reelection campaign as a vehicle to turn out voters against writing discrimination into our state constitution.