PLATFORM
SAFE AND THRIVING COMMUNITY
My platform revolves around the creation of a safe, vibrant, thriving community for us ALL.
From comprehensive public safety to fair housing, from equal rights for our LGBTQ+ community to a women's right to choose, from youth engagement to support for seniors, we all deserve a healthy, safe, and thriving community to call home.
Community and Public Safety
A safe community is a thriving community. I am committed to championing community-based public safety by prioritizing trust, transparency, and strong collaboration between law enforcement and our neighborhoods within this district. This means advocating for policies that empower communities to work alongside our law enforcement in addressing local issues through initiatives like community policing and neighborhood watch programs. I will push for the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and fairness in law enforcement practices. Moreover, I will advocate for resources for our law enforcement that include comprehensive training programs for officers that emphasize de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, understanding of our community dynamics and mental health services. Also, supporting youth engagement in public safety discussions and initiatives will be a priority, ensuring their voices shape policies that reflect their needs and concerns. By investing in community-based interventions that address root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, and by promoting inclusive and equitable practices, TOGETHER, we can foster a safer community where every resident feels respected, protected, and heard and where our law enforcement feel supported to protect and serve.
.png)
Safe, Healthy and Equitable Housing
As a homeowner in Brooklyn Park, safe, equitable, healthy, and affordable housing is a cornerstone of a thriving community. It means ensuring that every individual and family has access to housing that is secure, free from hazards, and affordable relative to their income. This includes advocating for policies that promote fair housing practices to prevent discrimination and segregation. We must invest in expanding affordable housing options through incentives for developers to build affordable housing and through subsidies for renters and homeowners struggling to meet housing costs. Additionally, I will support initiatives to improve the quality of existing housing stock, ensuring it meets health and safety standards, particularly in marginalized communities disproportionately affected by poor housing conditions. I am committed to achieving safe, equitable, healthy, and affordable housing through collaborative efforts at all levels of government, prioritizing social justice and economic fairness to create thriving communities for all.
.png)
Early Childhood Care and Education
Early childhood education is the most critical investment we can make to secure our children’s future and that of our community. When families have access to quality early childhood care and education, it sets precedence for a holistic growth and development that continues throughout their lives. In our district, families continue to struggle with finding affordable early childhood care and education that meets their needs. While we as a district have made strides in education, there is still a lot left to be done to ensure equitable access to all residents. I am committed to working with families in championing equity in early childhood care and education in our community. I am committed to supporting efforts to ensure we have teachers in the classroom who represent the unique diversity in our community.
Cultivating a Growing and Thriving Business Community
The story of District 38A is not just one of challenges, but also of many missed opportunities. The pandemic has contributed to the challenges that our business community continues to experience. Our small businesses--the pillars of our community--and their owners have suffered great loss due to the pandemic. Our district is geographically well placed and equipped with resourceful and hardworking business owners. With the right support system and resources, we can become a leading and thriving economic hub in our region. I am committed to leading the vision to make this a reality. I will work to increase partnerships that bring investments to our communities and also increase access to resources for both small and large employers.
Environmental Justice
The health of our communities is dependent upon a safe environment where we live, work, play, and learn. Our district has one of the highest pollution indices in the state. We also have high asthma rates and rank high in other respiratory illnesses. We must forge a new path to create a healthy community that we can be proud to pass on to our children and future generations. We must create an environment that meets basic needs such as clean water, food, air, and safe housing. I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote clean energy, fight pollution, and reduce hazards that compromise the health of our community.
Gun Violence
It’s time to challenge the narrative that we are powerless to prevent gun violence and that reasonable reform is impossible. Creating change through grassroots activity and influencing policy are within our power.
-
We CAN reduce gun violence while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
-
We CAN expand and strengthen background checks for those who want to purchase a firearm.
-
We CAN do more to ensure that guns don’t fall into the hands of terrorists, domestic abusers, other violent criminals, or those who have shown signs of danger toward themselves or others.
-
We CAN support candidates that believe in gun law reform.
-
We CAN ensure funding for social safety net resources for our youth.
Gun violence is a deadly public health crisis, and I am committed to doing what it takes to stop the assault on our children and communities. I stand with students, families, and fellow community organizers who are fighting to enact commonsense policies to keep our communities safe.
Reproductive Rights
I believe in protecting and advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice. Every woman should be able to access high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion. I oppose laws that create barriers to reproductive health and rights.
We must address existing inequities that inhibit meaningful access to reproductive health care services, including those based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, income, disability, geography, and other factors.
Healthcare For All
Our for-profit healthcare system is failing our families and communities, causing economic instability and making it difficult for small businesses to retain employees due to skyrocketing insurance premiums. High co-pays and deductibles force people to delay care and accrue debt. Despite private insurance companies’ management, affordable, high-quality care remains out of reach for many.
I support the single-payer Minnesota Health Plan (MHP), which prioritizes people over profits, ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all Minnesotans, including sexual and reproductive healthcare and a woman's right to CHOOSE. By eliminating middlemen and reducing administrative waste, MHP can provide universal coverage and save money. As your next representative, I will base my decisions on evidence, not corporate lobbyists, to secure a better healthcare future for our state.
Stronger Labor Unions
As a candidate, advocating for the protection and strengthening of labor unions and workers' rights is a commitment to championing the dignity and well-being of every individual in the workforce. It means standing firm against exploitation, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for career growth. I believe in empowering workers to organize, collectively bargain, and advocate for their rights without fear of reprisal.
Strengthening labor unions is not just about supporting workers; it's about fostering more just and equitable communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. I am dedicated to enacting policies that prioritize the needs of workers and their families, promoting economic stability, and building a future where every person's contribution is valued and respected. Workers Rights are Human Rights and we are STRONGER TOGETHER!
Honoring our Veterans and their Families
My campaign is rooted in a promise to be a steadfast ally to the veteran community, recognizing their sacrifices and ensuring they receive the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. I am committed to ensuring that veterans and their families’ voices are integral to policy decisions, particularly in areas like healthcare, education, and employment. I will champion veteran-friendly legislation, enhance support networks, and organize community engagement efforts that acknowledge and address the unique challenges veterans face. In recognizing the sacrifices made by our service members and their families, our gratitude must translate into concrete actions and policies that address their needs. Through dedicated advocacy and tangible actions, I aim to create a supportive environment that honors their service.