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legislative priorities
Minnesotans state-wide continues to suffer under the Trump Administration. Rising gas and grocery prices, cuts to healthcare, and the generation damage of ICE’s Operation Metro Surge will all remain through the next few years. But if the DFL are successful this fall, we have a very real chance to make change.
RESPONDING TO ICE
I carried several bills responding to the ICE occupation—including banning masks on agents and prohibiting unmarked vehicles for detention of ICE targets. These secret police tactics must end, and I will re-introduce both next year.
Equal RIghts Amendment
It’s more clear than ever in this time of eroding civil rights that inequality exists—by race and gender and immigration status. It is long past time to pass the E.R.A. in Minnesota. I am proud to author this effort, and will see it through.
Protecting Health Care access
There is not much we can do to stop the cuts to the Trump Administration’s healthcare cuts. But we can and should use every tool in our state toolkit to ensure that vulnerable Minnesotans continue to have access to their healthcare
Gun Violence Prevention
I have organized around gun legislation since I arrived in the legislature, and in 2027 will author the Safe Storage bill, a crucial effort to reduce suicides and accidental deaths.
CLIMATE and ENVIRONMENT
I passed legislation to protect our wild spaces from pesticides, now and in the future, and I will continue to support climate response action, environment equity, clean water and major tree planting efforts.
ARTS Funding
The arts and creative industries have been an essential part of my life, and so many more. In these times, it’s more important than ever to have thriving creative environments to sustain our humanity.
I promise to bring my passion for civil rights and freedom to the House every day I am privileged to serve.
what Leigh stands for
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Racism is built into the very foundation of American culture and politics; everywhere we look we see its effect.
We must embrace anti-racist values in every policy and plan we make for the future. No one can thrive, until everyone can thrive.
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Protecting access to legal, safe abortion is absolutely necessary. We need to protect the providers we have, and increase the number for the future. Minnesota will be the abortion-providing state for the upper Midwest. It’s a privilege to uphold this right that so many women and queer people depend on.
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Graduation rates have decreased, proficiency rates in math and reading are declining, and, of course, these rates are even lower for marginalized communities. We must do better for future Minnesotans.
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Our kids are suffering epidemic levels of stress and anxiety. And so are their parents. Young people are panicking over a future of economic uncertainty, climate despair, anxiety and depression. Children are growing up running active-shooter drills in schools that have them waiting for inevitable violence. These levels of stress and overwhelm are unsustainable.
leigh for mn
leigh for mn
Mother of two and a Minnesota OG with a history of community activism, artistry, communications, passion, and educational support.
“Growing up in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Finke was always interested in politics but never planned to be a political candidate herself. In November after her first bid for public office, Finke became the first transgender legislator appointed to the Minnesota House of Representatives after winning 81% of the vote in her district.”
“She’s unapologetically herself in every way: She sports colorful hair, skateboards during work breaks at the State Capitol and is not afraid to admit St. Paul is better than Minneapolis.”
— MPR News
“She never planned to be a politician. Now she’s the first transgender legislator in the state’s House of Representatives, fighting to build a better future for trans youth.”