My name is Nelson Inz, and I’m running to be the next State Representative for House District 61B. With Jeff Hayden’s recent election to the State Senate, there will be a special election to fill his seat in the House. I want to introduce myself and tell you about my campaign for that seat.
I’m running for office because I believe we need more people fighting for progressive values at the legislature. We need Representatives who aren’t afraid to stand up for progressive principles. Even more importantly, Saint Paul needs to hear more from ordinary Minnesotans who support progressive change. Not only will I fight for progressive values, I will do everything in my power to make sure Minnesotans’ voices are heard.
I got involved in politics because of a State Senator who helped me make my own voice heard. In 2004, former Senator Ellen Anderson sponsored a bill to raise the minimum wage, even though Republicans controlled the House. I wrote her a letter about the bill, and to my surprise, she wrote back. But she didn’t just write back — she encouraged me to get involved. Before I knew it, I was volunteering, testifying at the legislature, and recruiting new volunteers. After a lot of hard work, the minimum wage bill passed the next year!
That’s the kind of Representative I want to be. I want to be a champion for progressive values, and I want to get more people involved in fighting for progressive change. You can learn more about the issues that are important to me after the break, or visit my website at NelsonInz.com.
Here are a few of my top priorities as a Representative:
1. Raise the minimum wage. Senator Anderson’s minimum-wage bill was the last time the minimum wage was raised. Minnesota’s minimum wage is now lower than the Federal minimum wage. Minnesotans can’t live on $6.15 an hour.
2. Enact universal, single-payer health care. Every Minnesotan has the right to be healthy. I’m a proud supporter of the Minnesota Health Plan, which would provide coverage for every Minnesotan, save the state money, and simplify benefits for Minnesota businesses.
3. Replace No Child Left Behind. The Governor has applied for a waiver to opt out of No Child Left Behind. As a teacher, I want to play a role in crafting more sensible standards for our teachers and schools.
4. Legalize equal marriage. Marriage is a basic civil right that everyone deserves. As soon as we defeat the anti-marriage amendment, we should immediately legalize equal marriage.
We need to make sure Minnesota works for all Minnesotans, not just the wealthy and powerful. Every Minnesotan has the right to a living wage. Every Minnesotan should have access to affordable health care. Every Minnesotan has the right to a good education. And every Minnesotan has the right to marry the partner of their choice.
These are the progressive values I promise to fight for. To learn more about me, get involved in the campaign, or make a contribution, please visit my website at NelsonInz.com.