Senate District 52 DFL Candidate Questionnaire Responses
Why do you consider yourself a Democrat?
I consider myself a Democrat because I believe, at the core, government can be a force for good. I could not agree more with Senator Wellstone when he said, we all do better when we all do better.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
Fully funding education is a top priority but that also includes expanding access to underutilized resources such Medicaid. We need to remove barriers and streamline access to those funds, so we aren’t leaving dollars on the table. Schools need more mental health resources, the school nurse ratio needs to be modernized, and there are some needed changes to the Long Term Facilities Maintenance funding. And, we have a workforce shortage from the classroom to the boiler room. In order to provide high quality education, more must be done to support the workforce across all sectors.
One hurdle to working in education or any field is the lack of childcare providers and high cost of childcare. Employers are unable to fill positions because potential employees cannot find childcare and the waitlist for an infant can be over a year in some areas.
The demographics are changing, and we need to do more to support the needs of our community from affordable to transitional housing as well as addressing the transportation needs of a suburban community. I am committed to ensuring safe and healthy communities which include clean air, water and energy as well as creating a community where ALL are welcome.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this position?
I am a wife, mother, and advocate. I’ve spent nearly two decades working in state and local government. In 2021, I was elected to serve on the school board in the third largest district in the state, ISD 196 Rosemount–Apple Valley–Eagan. I ran against three extreme conservative candidates and won. I serve on the Budget Advisory Council, Special Ed Advisory Council, Community Ed Advisory Council, and the district Wellness Committee. I also serve on the Deerwood Elementary PTO. By day, I’m the director of health and safety for an educational cooperative where I co-lead an education policy fellowship and oversee a workforce grant focused on supporting school nurses and mental health providers.
I’m a 2022/2023 alumna of the Humphrey Policy Fellow program and the work we did passed legislation that allows schools to bill Medicaid for students on IEPs receiving social work services. I am a first generation college graduate and I have an A.A. from Century College and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
I was awarded the Dakota County Public Health Achievement Award in 2021 for my work as the regional COVID coordinator for metro area schools and was recently recognized by the Minnesota School Social Workers Association.
How will you balance your responsibilities as a legislator with other obligations in your life?
I believe the saying is: If you want something done, ask a busy person. As a mother of three working fulltime and juggling school board and other volunteer opportunities, I am no stranger to a heavy workload with multiple priorities. I have four committee assignments as a school board member plus we have our board meetings, listening sessions and school visits. Once elected, I would step down from the school board and pivot my time and energy to this new role.
I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband and family. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to take on responsibilities such as Regional COVID Coordinator for metro area schools, school board, PTO and Lego League or as a legislator. I am also lucky to work for an agency that allows autonomy and flexibility in scheduling. This work really does take a village and it doesn’t happen overnight.
Minnesota has some of the worst racial disparities in the United States. What should the legislature do to improve outcomes?
It is imperative that we address the systemic and structural factors that contribute to these disparities. Actions and outcomes must be developed in collaboration with impacted communities, and they should be data driven and continuously evaluated for effectiveness. Minnesota could invest more in its ethnic councils which advise every state agency including expanding their footprint, providing more resources, and empowering them to be more effective. This would allow for systemic and ongoing improvements across the enterprise.
We should look at sentencing reform to eliminate racial disparities in sentencing. Fully funding education to ensure equitable funding for schools in underserved communities to address disparities in educational resources and opportunities would help. As would, investing in hyper local healthcare that serves communities where they are at such as school based health to mobile clinics. I have seen first hand the positive impact when you braid services such as cultural liaisons and medical services provided at the school for free or low cost. We could also invest more in community-based mental health and addiction services to reduce disparities in access to treatment and support.
What are some ways we can expand affordable housing in the south metro?
Expanding affordable housing is going to require a multi-pronged approach that combines financial incentives, regulatory changes and community engagement. Collaboration between government agencies, non profits, and the private sector are essential to achieving these goals. Local strategies may vary but we could learn from communities doing this well and scale those successes to meet our needs. This could include expanding multi-family housing, evaluating zoning regulations and streamlining the environmental survey process.
What policies can the legislature adopt to grow and retain the workforce in Minnesota?
Applying pressure at the federal level to modify requirements allowing work visas for refugees, especially recent arrivals to Minnesota that may be undocumented, could help infuse our workforce. Continuing to pursue the expansion of expungement for marijuana convictions and evaluating and removing the barriers to obtaining various licenses would help. We could invest in professional training programs in new and emerging programs such as green energy, automation and robotics. Investing more in career tech ed and apprenticeships would help as well.
Growing and retaining the workforce is strongly dependent on the quality of life we enjoy in Minnesota. Continued investments in education, healthcare, housing, outdoor recreation, the environment and programs that support our diverse communities will ensure people stay in Minnesota. Having a safe community for our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friends and family will only strengthen our workforce.
Do you support ranked choice voting? Why or why not?
I do and in fact received the FairVote Minnesota's RCV Democracy Champion Badge.
I support ranked choice voting in local, state and federal elections as it would help ensure that candidates are focused on the concerns and issues of their community and fighting for the support of constituents versus attacking opponents which is more common in state and federal elections. It would make voting more inclusive and representative and allow people to vote their conscience without the fear of splitting the vote or voting for a spoiler.
Ranked choice voting is a means to encourage positive issues-based campaigns, support a greater diversity of candidates, increase voter turnout and save tax dollars.
How do you bridge the gap in the legislature between supporters of mining and supporters of the environment?
Our growing dependence on minerals and metals to power the green revolution comes at a cost. If they aren’t mined here, they could come from other countries with poor environmental and safety protections. Bridging the gap is going to require compromise and consensus-building and it may require employing techniques used by the Civility Caucus to gain bipartisan support. Finding common ground between these two groups will likely not result in complete agreement but it could lead to more balanced and sustainable policies that take into account the interests of both the mining community and the environment.
Bridging the gap is going to require serious public input and community engagement. Buy-in is going to have to balance economic development and environmental protections. It will require a regulatory framework and environmental mitigation. We will also need to promote research and development of green mining technologies and practices. We could look at job training and support for workers transitioning away from mining related employment to careers in green industries. Regardless, open and respectful dialogue between stakeholders from both sides will be required for any movement.
What reforms would you like to see at the Metropolitan Council?
I would like to see what the Metro Governance Task Force, which was commissioned by the state Legislature, finds and recommends. This task force will study and evaluate options to reform and reconstitute governance of the Metropolitan Council. Their deadline to report back is February 1st. This study will include an analysis of the costs and benefits of direct election of members, a combination of directly elected and appointed members, a council of governments with would replace the current model, reapportioning responsibilities to state agencies and local government, adoption of a home rule charter for governance and any other regional governance approaches that are viable alternatives to the current structure. Once reviewed, it would be important to implement reforms based on those suggestions in a timely manner and not spend years talking about reform.
On a side note, the Met Council could benefit from an upgrade in its tech infrastructure. There are real barriers to using metro mobility that could be addressed with an app interface. We should also allow counties or transit authorities to partner with ridesharing companies to provide para transit. We need to do more to support para transit across the state.
I consider myself a Democrat because I believe, at the core, government can be a force for good. I could not agree more with Senator Wellstone when he said, we all do better when we all do better.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
Fully funding education is a top priority but that also includes expanding access to underutilized resources such Medicaid. We need to remove barriers and streamline access to those funds, so we aren’t leaving dollars on the table. Schools need more mental health resources, the school nurse ratio needs to be modernized, and there are some needed changes to the Long Term Facilities Maintenance funding. And, we have a workforce shortage from the classroom to the boiler room. In order to provide high quality education, more must be done to support the workforce across all sectors.
One hurdle to working in education or any field is the lack of childcare providers and high cost of childcare. Employers are unable to fill positions because potential employees cannot find childcare and the waitlist for an infant can be over a year in some areas.
The demographics are changing, and we need to do more to support the needs of our community from affordable to transitional housing as well as addressing the transportation needs of a suburban community. I am committed to ensuring safe and healthy communities which include clean air, water and energy as well as creating a community where ALL are welcome.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this position?
I am a wife, mother, and advocate. I’ve spent nearly two decades working in state and local government. In 2021, I was elected to serve on the school board in the third largest district in the state, ISD 196 Rosemount–Apple Valley–Eagan. I ran against three extreme conservative candidates and won. I serve on the Budget Advisory Council, Special Ed Advisory Council, Community Ed Advisory Council, and the district Wellness Committee. I also serve on the Deerwood Elementary PTO. By day, I’m the director of health and safety for an educational cooperative where I co-lead an education policy fellowship and oversee a workforce grant focused on supporting school nurses and mental health providers.
I’m a 2022/2023 alumna of the Humphrey Policy Fellow program and the work we did passed legislation that allows schools to bill Medicaid for students on IEPs receiving social work services. I am a first generation college graduate and I have an A.A. from Century College and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
I was awarded the Dakota County Public Health Achievement Award in 2021 for my work as the regional COVID coordinator for metro area schools and was recently recognized by the Minnesota School Social Workers Association.
How will you balance your responsibilities as a legislator with other obligations in your life?
I believe the saying is: If you want something done, ask a busy person. As a mother of three working fulltime and juggling school board and other volunteer opportunities, I am no stranger to a heavy workload with multiple priorities. I have four committee assignments as a school board member plus we have our board meetings, listening sessions and school visits. Once elected, I would step down from the school board and pivot my time and energy to this new role.
I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband and family. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to take on responsibilities such as Regional COVID Coordinator for metro area schools, school board, PTO and Lego League or as a legislator. I am also lucky to work for an agency that allows autonomy and flexibility in scheduling. This work really does take a village and it doesn’t happen overnight.
Minnesota has some of the worst racial disparities in the United States. What should the legislature do to improve outcomes?
It is imperative that we address the systemic and structural factors that contribute to these disparities. Actions and outcomes must be developed in collaboration with impacted communities, and they should be data driven and continuously evaluated for effectiveness. Minnesota could invest more in its ethnic councils which advise every state agency including expanding their footprint, providing more resources, and empowering them to be more effective. This would allow for systemic and ongoing improvements across the enterprise.
We should look at sentencing reform to eliminate racial disparities in sentencing. Fully funding education to ensure equitable funding for schools in underserved communities to address disparities in educational resources and opportunities would help. As would, investing in hyper local healthcare that serves communities where they are at such as school based health to mobile clinics. I have seen first hand the positive impact when you braid services such as cultural liaisons and medical services provided at the school for free or low cost. We could also invest more in community-based mental health and addiction services to reduce disparities in access to treatment and support.
What are some ways we can expand affordable housing in the south metro?
Expanding affordable housing is going to require a multi-pronged approach that combines financial incentives, regulatory changes and community engagement. Collaboration between government agencies, non profits, and the private sector are essential to achieving these goals. Local strategies may vary but we could learn from communities doing this well and scale those successes to meet our needs. This could include expanding multi-family housing, evaluating zoning regulations and streamlining the environmental survey process.
What policies can the legislature adopt to grow and retain the workforce in Minnesota?
Applying pressure at the federal level to modify requirements allowing work visas for refugees, especially recent arrivals to Minnesota that may be undocumented, could help infuse our workforce. Continuing to pursue the expansion of expungement for marijuana convictions and evaluating and removing the barriers to obtaining various licenses would help. We could invest in professional training programs in new and emerging programs such as green energy, automation and robotics. Investing more in career tech ed and apprenticeships would help as well.
Growing and retaining the workforce is strongly dependent on the quality of life we enjoy in Minnesota. Continued investments in education, healthcare, housing, outdoor recreation, the environment and programs that support our diverse communities will ensure people stay in Minnesota. Having a safe community for our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friends and family will only strengthen our workforce.
Do you support ranked choice voting? Why or why not?
I do and in fact received the FairVote Minnesota's RCV Democracy Champion Badge.
I support ranked choice voting in local, state and federal elections as it would help ensure that candidates are focused on the concerns and issues of their community and fighting for the support of constituents versus attacking opponents which is more common in state and federal elections. It would make voting more inclusive and representative and allow people to vote their conscience without the fear of splitting the vote or voting for a spoiler.
Ranked choice voting is a means to encourage positive issues-based campaigns, support a greater diversity of candidates, increase voter turnout and save tax dollars.
How do you bridge the gap in the legislature between supporters of mining and supporters of the environment?
Our growing dependence on minerals and metals to power the green revolution comes at a cost. If they aren’t mined here, they could come from other countries with poor environmental and safety protections. Bridging the gap is going to require compromise and consensus-building and it may require employing techniques used by the Civility Caucus to gain bipartisan support. Finding common ground between these two groups will likely not result in complete agreement but it could lead to more balanced and sustainable policies that take into account the interests of both the mining community and the environment.
Bridging the gap is going to require serious public input and community engagement. Buy-in is going to have to balance economic development and environmental protections. It will require a regulatory framework and environmental mitigation. We will also need to promote research and development of green mining technologies and practices. We could look at job training and support for workers transitioning away from mining related employment to careers in green industries. Regardless, open and respectful dialogue between stakeholders from both sides will be required for any movement.
What reforms would you like to see at the Metropolitan Council?
I would like to see what the Metro Governance Task Force, which was commissioned by the state Legislature, finds and recommends. This task force will study and evaluate options to reform and reconstitute governance of the Metropolitan Council. Their deadline to report back is February 1st. This study will include an analysis of the costs and benefits of direct election of members, a combination of directly elected and appointed members, a council of governments with would replace the current model, reapportioning responsibilities to state agencies and local government, adoption of a home rule charter for governance and any other regional governance approaches that are viable alternatives to the current structure. Once reviewed, it would be important to implement reforms based on those suggestions in a timely manner and not spend years talking about reform.
On a side note, the Met Council could benefit from an upgrade in its tech infrastructure. There are real barriers to using metro mobility that could be addressed with an app interface. We should also allow counties or transit authorities to partner with ridesharing companies to provide para transit. We need to do more to support para transit across the state.
Prepared and paid for by Senate District 52 DFL Committee, Lisa Noah, Chair, PO Box 21222, Eagan, MN 55121, Not in conjunction with any candidate or campaign committee.
Copyright 2023 Senate District 52 DFL
Copyright 2023 Senate District 52 DFL