All Minnesotan’s have a fundamental right to grow up and live in a safe community. But for too many families, crime has become an all too familiar concern. I will be squarely focused on keeping our towns and cities safe.

As a mother and grandmother, I know the toll that the threat of gun violence continues to have on our kids and our communities. As a former firefighter and reserve police officer, I am committed to expanding law enforcement efforts to take illegal guns off of our streets, preventing violent criminals from legally purchasing firearms, and enhancing requirements for the safe storage of firearms particularly in places where children are present.

I have seen firsthand how developing trust between law enforcement and the communities that they serve, funding smart policing strategies, and investing in evidence-based public services were essential to combating violence and reducing crime. We should fund law enforcement initiatives to prevent auto theft, investing in jobs programs for young people, and expanding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. I am committed to enacting these evidence-based programs in Minnesota and expanding innovative and proven programs that prioritize mental health services and treatment while reducing use of force.

We must also make sure that police officers have the support and resources they need to be successful. From updating 911 infrastructure to funding license plate readers to combat car theft, I will work closely with law enforcement leaders to provide our police departments the tools that officers require to serve our communities and keep us safe. I will commit to doing this as your Senator.

It is also critical that we invest in comprehensive reentry services for individuals in the criminal justice system. A conviction isn’t a life sentence, but we know that recidivism rates are too high. To meaningfully address this, we must ensure that individuals gain real skills, and we must strengthen mental health care and treatment while incarcerated so that they have real educational, housing, and employment opportunities when they reenter our communities. I want individuals returning to their communities to set positive examples of what it means to not be defined by our worst mistakes.

The residents of this district deserve a senator who will prioritize their safety and ensure access to justice for everyone.