While the state doesn't run the economy, we can drive investment in the private sector through a strong commitment to infrastructure and training of the workforce. We must also level the playing field for workers whose income has increased by just a fraction over time compared to the wealthiest Americans. I support maintaining an inflation-adjusted minimum wage and fending off Republican attacks on collective bargaining and the prevailing wage. One of our fastest growing sectors in the past 15 years has been in renewable energy, battery storage, and energy efficiency that also save Minnesotans money. The incoming Trump administration is likely to pull back on federal investments so Minnesota will need to step up our efforts.

With our population growth stagnating and the baby boomers exiting the workforce, employers are not able to grow because they can't find enough workers with the right skills. To fill that gap, I support the DFL's focus on free community college, which can also include support of the trades, as well as fully funding K-12 and early childhood education. Meeting student mental health needs is critical to student safety and wellness. We need to listen to educators on the best ways to support special education in the long term since the federal government has failed to support their obligations.

Minnesota is defined by our lakes, streams, and groundwater. I support "Prove It First" that would protect the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior from risky sulfide mining methods for non-ferrous metals, as well as improved electronics recycling legislation. We must continue aggressive actions to make sure communities affected by PFAS--aka "forever chemicals" have access to safe drinking water. As a Shoreview City Council member, I helped to lead the charge to create our first Energy Action Plan which will save Shoreview energy consumers $2.3 million by 2030 while reducing carbon emissions and partnered with sustainability advocates for energy reautherization in Roseville and Shoreview's manufactured home parks.