Endorsed by the AFL-CIO
This week, I received the endorsement of the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. I am proud to have earned both the endorsement of the unions and environmental groups like Friends of the Boundary Waters because it reflects my conviction that economic growth does not have to come at the detriment of the environment.
My experience as Finance & Development Director of the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute as it grew from an advocacy group to a nonprofit development corporation is evidence that we can build climate resilience and economic security at the same time. It is possible through innovative industries to create business structures that serve the public benefit and the long-term stability and security of working class families. A sustainable capitalism is possible, but only if our legislators advocate strongly enough to make that happen.
Jobs in carpentry, sheet metal work, bricklaying, painting, and all of the trades in between can be created and maintained by investing in our public schools, our healthcare system, transit infrastructure, research, and a self-reliant energy future.
I don’t believe that carbon-based energy, weapons, AI data centers, and prisons are the best we can do with our dollars. We must invest in our children and our futures because those are the only things that matter at the end of the day.
There are real solutions to the problems of affordability, sustainability and prosperity. We need a government that prioritizes those issues and can actually make change that will affect our daily lives. That's why I'm going to author legislation to bring Minnesota’s $160 billion of invested assets back home where it can support good jobs, economic growth and good living standard for workers in Minnesota. This investment into our state economy will support economic growth, innovation, and economic insulation from global forces and factors.
I’m proud to have the endorsements of the AFL-CIO and of environmental groups because a healthy, prosperous, happy future based on meaningful and dignified work is possible.
North Branch Midsummer Parade
I attended the North Branch Midsummer Parade this past weekend, and had a great time meeting people and participating in the communal joy. It is such a wonderful tradition to get together as a community and express pride and joy in our collective humanity and culture. Thanks to everyone for showing up and spending a beautiful Father's Day and Summer Solstice together!
Recommendations
This documentary is a beautiful look at the Passaic River in New Jersey, and its journey from clean stream to polluted Superfund site due to dumping of agent orange chemicals during the Vietnam War. It is fascinating to see how a river can become polluted in just one generation. I know that leaders with political will can reverse climate catastrophes in one generation.
Lecture - Debt: The First 5,000 Years
David Graeber was one of our generation’s most impressive thinkers and professors. In this lecture he discusses the history of debt and how that has led to our current economic paradigm. It makes me think about the power dynamics that inform every aspect of our lives- such as Elon Musk raising $1.75 trillion for a company that is not profitable.
FIFA World Cup
The World Cup is one of humanity’s greatest expressions of collaboration and mutual love for a game. A big bonus is this year the USA is doing very well, and we are leading our group and headed for the elimination round. It is fun to watch countries all across the globe compete for the most prestigious title of World Champions.