2022/23 LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS
Together, we successfully moved a bold agenda because we worked in a deep relationship with our community.
Securing 2SLGBTQIA Protections
I was proud to work on establishing a Task Force on Preventing Violence Against Latine Women, Girls, and provide grants to public schools for the creation of Gender Neutral Bathrooms. I was proud to support the Trans Refuge Bill and work to pass protections around Gender Affirming Care.
SAFETY
I introduced HF 774, investing $1,500,000 to supplement the $2 million First Witness Child Advocacy Center is raising on its own to address child abuse and provide support for families. Duluthians and communities across the state can begin their path toward healing, justice, and ending cycles of violence in a space that is designed with dignity, respect, and whole family care.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS
HF7 is a big one. This bill, sponsored by me, modifies electric utility renewable energy standard obligations, ensuring renewable energy is accessible and safe.
ECONOMICS
I introduced two bills during the 2023 session, HF 4193 and HF3783. The first would enable the University of Minnesota to fully move forward with the agreement to return the land encompassed by the Cloquet Forestry Center (approximately 3400 acres) to the Fond du Lac Band. The second would provide Tribes with a Right of First Refusal for tax-forfeited parcels within the boundary of the reservation. I also presented HF 4050, a bill to standardize minimum wage, in the Labor and Industry Finance and Policy Committee. Virtually all employees would be entitled to the state’s current minimum wage for large employers of $10.85 an hour.
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
I authored HF1, the Protect Reproductive Options Act establishing the fundamental right to reproductive health.
HOUSING
Though the legislature passed a historic $1 billion investment to spark more development of affordable homes, my co-authored legislation, the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative will allow the state to address the root barriers that continue to prevent construction of the kinds of homes that Minnesotans want, but right now can’t find. The 2023 Housing Budget was the largest in state history - including $35.5 million worth of investments in single family homes and apartments in Duluth.. The budget funded initiatives including housing infrastructure, first-generation homebuyers assistance, the “Bring It Home” rental assistance program, community housing stabilization, homelessness prevention, workforce housing development, and manufactured home lending grants.
EDUCATION
I was beyond thrilled to sponsor HF5, providing free school lunch and breakfast provided for students, and money appropriated.