LABOR:

Workers deserve it all — starting with unions for all.

My mom often said she felt most secure working the pizza production line at Geno’s. As a single mother of four, she made just enough to afford an apartment, a bus pass, clothes, and food for her family.

I know that struggle firsthand. I spent most of my life in low-wage work—from McDonald’s and Simon retail to cleaning patient rooms at St. Luke’s Hospital.

That’s why I’m running for re-election: because workers deserve it all.

A good job should mean you can afford a place to call home, put food on the table, pay your bills, and build a life with dignity. But too many Minnesotans are still forced to choose between rent, utilities, medical bills, and groceries. One job should be enough to lift you out of poverty—not keep you trapped in it.

Meanwhile, the top 1% of Minnesota families own nearly one-third of the state’s wealth. That’s not an economy that works for working people.

We need to continue building worker power—and that starts with unions for all.

1.Delivered COVID-19 Economic Relief.

As lead author of the COVID-19 economic relief package, I’m proud that we delivered $5M in tangible economic relief to local businesses through the Northland Foundation. Grants of up to $50,000 helped small businesses and Tribal Nations hit the hardest to recover and grow. I’m deeply grateful to our community and Tribal partners for making this possible—and proud to keep delivering for Northeast Minnesota.

Increased the state’s minimum wage.

I led the fight to change Minnesota’s Fair Labor Standards Act to raise and equalize the minimum wage for small-business workers, young workers, and immigrant workers. The legislation also increased the annual inflation adjustment cap from 2.5% to 5%, helping move Minnesota closer to equal pay for equal work.

At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, we can’t stop here. Every worker deserves a wage they can live—and thrive—on. Raising wages means stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Minnesota economy.

Defender of Worker’s Rights.

During Liish’s two terms, the Legislature passed sweeping labor protections, including some of the strongest wage theft and worker misclassification laws in the country—ensuring Minnesota workers receive the wages, benefits, and dignity they deserve.

Today, Liish is fighting to strengthen collective bargaining, make it easier to form and join a union, protect Paid Family and Medical Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time, and guarantee every worker safety, dignity, and a voice on the job. Workers deserve the power to bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions—and workplaces free from harassment and discrimination.