The Vision:

As a welcoming destination for families fleeing economic, political, and religious strife for generations, Minnesota must continue to look out for the least fortunate amongst us when we approach the issues of housing, employment, and medical care.

The Details:

The next governor must have a holistic, community-based approach to the concerns of Minnesota’s diverse immigrant communities that promotes stability and self-sufficiency. As I have traveled the state I have meet with the leaders of many immigrant organizations and advocacy groups. The number one issue facing new Minnesotans is housing. As governor I will work to streamline Minnesota’s housing programs and, as a result of increased administrative efficiency, make the programs accessible to more families.

A second major concern for new Minnesotans, like all Minnesotans, is employment. For decades, minority advocates have extolled “the equalizing power of a steady paycheck.” In order to ensure that ALL Minnesotans have an opportunity to seek employment that pays a livable wage, the state must more prosecute employers that use race and language barriers to exploit new Minnesotans. Nobody benefits when companies use discriminatory workers’ compensation and wage fixing practices to reduce their labor inputs.