I represent Stillwater, Forest Lake, Hugo, Mahtomedi, Dellwood, Willernie, Scandia, May Township, Stillwater Township, Marine on St. Croix, Oak Park Heights, and Bayport, and part of Grant. The job is to make life here more affordable, keep the community safe, and get results — without playing political games.
Making life more affordable
I authored Senate bills to end state taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, and to repeal the metro sales tax. I have also pushed for lower tab fees, income taxes, and property taxes across the board. Families in this district should not have to cross the river to afford a house — and they should not lose their paycheck to taxes on work they already did.
Stopping fraud and waste
Minnesotans are tired of watching their tax dollars disappear, and I have demanded accountability from state agencies. I voted for legislation to stop fraud before the money goes out and to force fraudsters to pay the state back. In February 2026, I joined Senate Republicans in a plan to restore inspector general reporting, tighten eligibility checks, and allow unannounced visits. I also authored legislation to make taxpayer-funded grants more transparent.
Roads and clean water
I authored more than $35 million in road bills for this area: Myrtle Street and Washington Avenue in Stillwater, Forest Road North in Forest Lake, and Highway 61 in Forest Lake. I also authored more than $36 million in bills for Scandia wastewater treatment and for PFAS treatment at the Stillwater and Oak Park Heights water plants. These are the projects our cities need — and I am not done until they are funded.
Honoring veterans
I will always support our men and women in uniform, as well as those who so bravely served our nation. I am proud to say that funding is in place for the Forest Lake Veterans Memorial at Lakeside Park, while the 2026 bonding bill included $350,000 to expand the Stillwater Veterans Memorial. I will keep working so veterans get the care and benefits they earned.
Supporting public safety
I have backed funding to recruit, retain, and train law enforcement, because more officers on the job is how we keep violent crime out of these communities.
Students
I have advocated for literacy programs, mental health support, and school safety grants, and for fairer funding for districts like Forest Lake Area Schools.
Seniors
I chaired the Senate’s first Aging and Long-Term Care Committee and helped pass landmark protections for seniors and vulnerable adults in assisted living. I have supported a bill to protect seniors from scam artists and fraudsters.
After horrifying allegations of abuse and neglect in Minnesota’s senior living facilities came to light, I thought of my own mother — then assembled a coalition of long-term care advocates, industry representatives, and family members of elder abuse victims to pass historic reform. I was the author of the Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act, landmark legislation that gave enhanced protections and rights to Minnesotans in senior living facilities and licensed assisted living facilities for the first time. I also passed the Safe Seniors Financial Protection Acts, which afforded more protections to older and vulnerable adults to prevent financial exploitation.
- I spearheaded the effort to establish Aiple Park along the St. Croix River in Stillwater.
- I secured funding for the Manning Avenue bike bridge interchange in Washington County and the Gateway Trail from William O’Brien State Park to the Scandia Village Center.
- I passed the law naming Highway 95, from Lakeland to Oak Park Heights, the Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm Memorial Highway in memory of fallen MCF-Stillwater Officer Joseph Gomm, who was killed in the line of duty.
- I passed legislation so school districts like Forest Lake Area Schools are treated fairly on transportation costs.
- I changed the law so Stillwater’s beloved Tuk Tuk can operate on city streets.
- HousingFirst Housing Leadership Award (2026, 2018, 2017)
- NFIB Guardian of Small Business (2024, 2022, 2019, 2018)
- Clean Water Action Clean Water Ambassador (2024)
- Minnesota Housing Partnership Legislative Leader Award (2023)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Legislator of the Year (2021)
- Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association Excellence in Solar Leadership Award (2021)
- American Conservative Union Achievement Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2014)
- Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Legislator of Distinction for Economic Development (2019)
- Howling for Wolves Champion for the Wolf (2018)
- AARP Capitol Caregiver Award (2017)
- Care Providers of Minnesota Public Official Recognition Award (2017)
- Commission of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans Advocacy Award (2017)
- Isuroon Legislative Award (2017)
- LeadingAge Minnesota Public Official of the Year (2017)
- National Conference of State Legislatures Women Making A Difference Award (2017)
- Minnesota Grocers Association Hero of the Food Industry (2015)
- Women’s Victory Fund Distinguished Leader Award (2014)
- American Conservative Union Defender of Liberty (2013)