Healthcare is a basic human right and access to high-quality, affordable, comprehensive health care shouldn’t depend on your race, gender, ability, income, or what zip code you live in.
My adoptive dad is a proud Navy veteran. During his two tours in Vietnam he sacrificed for all of us, and he was exposed to tactical herbicides which led to serious cardiovascular and vein illnesses. I sat with my dad as he fought to receive the care and coverage he desperately needed. Just as my adoptive father is a powerful advocate and healer for fellow veterans, and I’ve spent my entire adult life fighting to advance the health and well-being with, and for, our community.
Here’s what I’ll fight for as your state legislator:
Support the MN Health Plan to ensure every Minnesotan has full health care access. This must include affordable entry into the healthcare system, availability of needed services, and providers we can communicate with and trust.
Support for nurses, aides, and other healthcare professionals who are on the frontlines working to provide care and healing for our community, and ensure their right to join a union to bargain for patient care and decent pay and safe working conditions.
Higher reimbursement rates for home care and residential staff so that quality care can be provided in whatever setting works best for individuals and their families.
Protecting women’s rights to make their own healthcare decisions and reproductive justice for women of color, trans folks, and women living in low-wealth and rural communities, because no one should be denied access to the reproductive care they need because of their circumstances.
We’ve lost too many lives to gun violence and related suicides. It is essential that we lift the ban on researching gun violence as a public health issue. This includes banning assault weapons, restricting magazine capacities, and requiring universal background checks.
