2023 Legislative Work

“The 2023 MN legislative session was historic and transformational.”

I worked as part of the DFL majorities in the House and Senate to move beyond the years of gridlock and pass legislation to make Minnesotans lives better, safer, and more affordable. Below are some of my highlights of the past session.

Healthcare

In 2023 I was honored to continue my service on the Health Finance and Policy Committee as Vice Chair. Many of our priorities were signed into law including:

  • Protect Reproductive Options Act which establishes our fundamental right to reproductive health care including abortion. (HF 1)

  • Paid Family and Medical Leave & Safe and Sick time so in MN you don’t have to sacrifice your health or your family’s health for your job. (HF 2 and HF 19)

  • My bill protecting the U of M medical facilities from being purchased by an out of state entity and establishing Public Interest in statute regarding healthcare mergers and acquisitions. (HF 402)

  • Mental Health Grants and the creation of 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

  • Steps toward universal access to affordable quality healthcare, pharmaceutical anti-price gouging laws (HF 17), and expanding Medicare coverage. 

“I am passionate about having a healthy planet for generations to come.”

Environment

I served for my 5th year on the Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee. In the MN House we passed environmentally important legislation which the Governor  then signed into law.

Education

This was the most historic legislative session for education in 50 years and I voted for the following bills that were signed into law.

  • Universal free breakfast and lunches for students. (HF 5)

  • Over $52 million in new revenue for Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan schools to recruit the best teachers, lower class sizes, and improve student achievement. (HF 2497)

  • Address student mental health and college/career prep with more counselors, nurses, social workers, and mental health grants. (HF 564 and HF 2497)

  • Reducing the Special Education Cross-subsidy. (HF 18)

  • Linking the General Education Formula to inflation. (HF 439)

  • The READ Act to provide teachers training in delivering evidence based literacy curriculums. (HF 629)

  • Free MN public college tuition for families earning up to $80,000. (HF 2073)

“I am honored to serve on the Commerce and Ethics committees in 2023 and 2024.”

Public Safety

I am deeply concerned about the safety of all Minnesotans and voted for the following bills that were all signed into law.

  • Universal background checks for all gun purchases. (HF 14)

  • Extreme Risk protection orders (Red Flag laws) to reduce gun violence. (HF 15)

  • $2.4 million increase in public safety aid for the Apple Valley Police Department.

“As a lifelong Minnesotan, I know the importance of investing in our communities.”

Community

As a lifelong Minnesotan, I understand the importance of investing in our infrastructure, our people, and our communities. I was proud to vote for the following legislation that has all been signed into law.

  • Strengthened your right to vote easily and securely. (HF 3)

  • Tax breaks, rebates and property tax cuts for Minnesotan families. (HF 1938)

  • Eliminating state taxes for social security and public pension earnings for seniors earning up to $100,000. (HF 1938)

  • Investments to reconstruct the MN Zoo’s plaza and plans to improve the animal hospital. (HF 669)

  • 147th Street Pedestrian Bridge to improve safety on Cedar Ave. in Apple Valley. (HF 1351)

  • New Accessible Playground at Redwood Park. (HF 1352)

  • Secure rights for LGBTQA+ Minnesotans. (HF 146)

  • Investing in record levels of road and bridge maintenance to reduce congestion and improve safety. (HF 2887)

Curious about the details of these and other bills?

You can search on the link below to read the details of bills that have passed and follow future bills of interest in the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session.