Ron’s Record

Because Ron’s colleagues trust his vision for a better Minnesota, Ron has served as the Senate DFL’s leader related to public safety and judiciary for years, and as a vigorous advocate for consumer protection. As chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, through his role on the Finance and Commerce & Consumer Protection Committees, and as an outspoken voice for the Senate District 46 community on the Senate Floor, he has championed the following issues:

• Drug Sentencing Reform to ensure that addicts are treated like addicts and drug dealers are given the sentences they deserve. Ron authored the bill that accomplished a landmark reform to our sentencing structure for controlled substances.

• Prison Population Reform to reduce the ballooning rate of incarceration in our expensive state prisons through passing funding for drug and mental health treatment in prisons and better services for reentry into our communities. Ron formed and chaired the Prison Population Task Force, a group of experts in the field of criminal justice and corrections, to better understand effective policies to both ensure public safety and better rehabilitate those who are incarcerated.

• Child Victim Act that changed the statute of limitations applied to civil legal claims for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Ron carried and passed this life-changing legislation that allowed survivors to seek justice and hold offenders and institutions that covered up for them accountable for their horrific actions.

• Metro Transit System Expansion as the key leader in the Senate for the Southwest Light Rail line, which will provide critical transportation for Minnesotans and will add more to the already vibrant housing and business community in the southwestern metro area. Ron secured planning funding in the early stages and fought off many attempts to shut down light rail development, enabling the build-out of the light rail system as part of a multi-modal transit system in a world-class metropolitan region.

• Police Worn Body Camera Regulations to protect individual privacy as well as provide transparency between law enforcement and the communities they protect.

• Increased penalties for serious assaults committed due to bias against a person’s race, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

• Exoneration Act provided compensation for those who are wrongfully convicted and imprisoned and later exonerated and released.

Ron’s Vision

Ron’s sustained fight to move the Senate District 46 community forward begins with his commitment to listen to residents. Ron is proud to have delivered results on the critical issues that matter most to the district. He remains dedicated to his progressive values and understands the importance of continuing to advocate for a more inclusive, safe, and affordable state for all. Ron will continue to fight for our progressive values in the Minnesota State Senate.

Building a Stronger Minnesota

Our communities and businesses rely on us to make meaningful investments in key community infrastructure. For years Ron has been an advocate for safe roads and bridges, affordable housing, accessible public transit and reliable utilities and internet services that are fundamental to society in 2022. However, there remains much work to be done in the fight for important investments for the western metro area and the state at large. As a small business owner, Ron recognizes the importance of supporting our economy while creating fair opportunities for all — no exceptions.  

Criminal Justice Reform and Public Safety

Gun violence prevention is direly needed to stop the senseless gun violence in our communities. For years Ron has relentlessly pushed forward with measures in the Senate as the lead author of an extreme risk protection orders bill, also known as a red flag law, and the expansion of criminal background checks for private purchases bill, both of which are proven ways to keep guns out of the hands of people who have shown themselves to be dangerous.

People of color and indigenous residents of Minnesota are disproportionately left behind when it comes to opportunity. Reforming the criminal justice system, heavily investing in public education, raising the minimum wage, and supporting a health care system that works for all communities, no exceptions, are a few of the important steps we can take to create a more fair and just society. 

Clean Energy Future and a Healthy Climate

In the land of 10,000 lakes and so much more, our environment needs champions who will protect our precious land by standing up against special interests and corporate greed. Climate change stands as an existential threat to our world. We must act now to pass progressive measures that will reduce emissions, grow clean energy solutions, and lessen our human footprint through changes in our everyday lives, while still supporting jobs that will place Minnesota at the forefront of the next generation of clean jobs.

Education

As a father of three children and a product of west metro public education, Ron understands the importance of fully investing in a public education system that will provide students with the resources they need to shape the next generation. Minnesota is home to many fantastic public-school systems, universities, vocational and technical schools, and community colleges. While our education system beginning with pre-K and extending through to higher education consistently leads the nation, there is still much to do to ensure communities of color are receiving the same opportunity as white students. 

Economy

The impact of COVID-19 has brightly shined a light on the importance of passing paid sick leave and family leave for all working Minnesotans. Now more than ever, our communities need legislators to support working families with policies that protect them against unexpected circumstances. 

Cities throughout Minnesota have proved that our state is ready to implement a minimum wage of $15 per hour and index for inflation. By supporting our workforce and investing in our communities, Minnesota’s businesses, families, and economy will thrive.

Healthcare

Far too often Minnesotans receive a bill they can’t afford or are priced out of a particular prescription drug. Access to healthcare is a human right that all Minnesotans deserve. Ron is committed to mitigating the costs of prescription drugs and medical services and will fight to improve access to and the quality of healthcare in Minnesota. 

In March of 2020, our nurses, doctors, and front-line workers found themselves short of the necessary tools to protect themselves and patients. While COVID-19 exposed the absence  of necessary tools and resources our healthcare and public workers require, in 2022 we must continue to make it a priority to support them, so they can take care of each other and our community members in order to make a healthy Minnesota.

Women’s Rights and LGBTQ+ Rights

Reproductive rights for women and expanding access to the wellness and health care needs of women across Minnesota are human rights. Far too often the health and wellness of women are attacked. Ron will continue to be a stalwart supporter of women’s rights.

The LGBTQ+ community in Minnesota has been at the forefront of the fight for equality and justice. I am proud to have fought in the legislature to ensure the rights of all individuals. The harmful practice of conversion therapy must be banned and we must close loopholes that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.