Protecting Taxpayer Dollars
Like you, I’m angry about tax dollars being stolen by fraudsters and I’m frustrated by the lack of accountability at the highest levels of government. That’s why I took action and pushed back against leadership to ensure we made changes. I chief-authored a bill creating an independent watchdog to take on fraud, and I voted to hire more investigators to find the fraudsters and hold them accountable. I rejected spending bills that lacked appropriate safeguards, and I pushed back on awarding state dollars to unvetted non-profits. I will continue to fight to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and that fraudsters are held accountable.
Cutting Costs
I heard the concerns of my constituents over rising costs, and I did something about it. I CUT SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES ensuring the vast majority of our seniors pay NO state tax on Social Security. I voted for the largest tax cut in state history, and I enacted much-needed property tax relief and vehicle tab fee reductions. I also repealed the state-mandated minimum mark-up on gas. These are common-sense priorities I was proud to support. And I will continue to deliver for hard-working Minnesotans by enacting tax cuts, reigning in spending, and supporting small businesses.
Working Together for All Minnesotans
I know that I represent everyone in my district – not just the folks who voted for me. In a swing district, that can be a difficult line to walk. But I am proud of my efforts to work across the aisle and gain bipartisan support for my bills. In fact, during the 2023 session, I was the only Senator pass a bill off the floor with every single Senator in the chamber voting yes. With hard work, I have continued to draft and pass bipartisan legislation with full Senate support. Working together on good ideas is important to me because in the end, it’s about making life better for all Minnesotans.
Ensuring Clean Water for Generations to Come
I was proud to carry Amara’s Law which imposes the strictest standards in the nation with regard to PFAS pollution. These “forever chemicals” have polluted water sources up and down my district and I know all too well the fear of living with PFAS contamination. You see, my own well is contaminated, requiring our family’s water to be filtered.
I also fought for funding to ensure ALL residents in my district have clean water. I fought for and secured over $17M in bonding relief for Hastings’ water treatment project, I helped the cities in my district qualify for millions in funding from the Emerging Contaminants fund, and with my help, I ensured Hastings was able to secure over $12M in 3M settlement funds without harming the surrounding communities in my district who are parties to the settlement and depend on those funds.
Supporting our Public Safety Partners
As a firefighter-paramedic, I work on the front lines of public safety and have seen first-hand the benefits of strong public safety partners. In the Senate I helped deliver $300M in public safety aid to every city, county, and Tribal Nation in the State. I bolstered police and fire pensions ensuring those who protect us are able to retire with dignity. And I led the fight for the biggest aid package for EMS in state history, ensuring everyone in Minnesota has access to high-quality emergency medical care, no matter their zip code.
Delivering for Veterans
My husband, Mike, retired after 31 years of service in the Navy. We are a military family and I know the sacrifice that comes with military service. I’m proud of his service to our country, and of the service of Minnesota’s 400,000 veterans. As your Senator I supported the largest investment in military affairs in state history, and expanded benefits for veterans and their families. I will continue to deliver for military service members, veterans, and their families.