SERVING SENIORS
FIVE WAYS I’LL INVEST IN OUR SENIORS
A collection from what I’ve heard from you
Our seniors have spent a lifetime building our communities. They deserve to age with dignity, safety, independence, and the support they’ve earned.
If I have the honor of serving as your State Senator, investing in our seniors will be one of my highest priorities.
But before I share those priorities, I want to explain why this issue is so personal to me.
People often ask me, “What are your priorities?”
The truth is, my priorities weren’t developed in a campaign—they were shaped by my life.
After losing my wife to gun violence, I opened my home as a foster parent and mentor to hundreds of young people experiencing trauma and instability. That experience led me to earn degrees in Homeland Security and Business and spend years working in public safety.
Long before that, however, I spent years serving seniors—including many right here in the Osseo area. Through my work in nursing homes and caring for older adults, I saw firsthand both the strengths and the shortcomings of the systems that are supposed to support them.
From public safety, to our youth, to our seniors, I’ve witnessed where government works—and where it falls short.
While I care deeply about many issues, two groups have always been at the heart of why I serve: our youth and our seniors.
Our seniors deserve to live their later years with security, dignity, and independence. Our young people deserve every opportunity to build a better future. When we invest in both generations, we build stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and healthier communities for generations to come.
Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of talking with seniors across our district—at their doors, in nursing homes, at community events, and in everyday conversations. While every person’s story is different, several concerns have come up again and again.
With that in mind, here are five ways I would work to invest in our seniors as your State Senator.
1. Launch a Minnesota Senior Safety Initiative
One concern I’ve heard repeatedly is the growing fear of scams, fraud, and elder abuse. With my background in Homeland Security and Public Safety, I would introduce a Minnesota Senior Safety Initiative focused on protecting older adults from crime, fraud, and abuse.
My priorities would include:
Protecting seniors from scams and financial exploitation by strengthening penalties for elder financial crimes.
Improving emergency response for vulnerable seniors.
Expanding wellness checks and community policing partnerships.
Increasing training to recognize elder abuse and neglect.
Cracking down on scams that target older adults.
Expanding fraud prevention education.
Improving coordination between law enforcement, financial institutions, and community organizations.
2. Fight for Tax Relief for Seniors
I’ve also heard from many seniors living on fixed incomes who are worried about rising property taxes and the cost of retirement.
Brooklyn Center residents pay some of the highest property taxes in Hennepin County, and Minnesota remains one of the few states that still taxes some Social Security benefits.
I will explore ways to expand property tax relief and Social Security tax relief so seniors can keep more of the income they’ve earned throughout a lifetime of work.
3. Help Seniors Age with Independence
Many seniors have told me they want one thing above all else: to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
Having spent much of my career working in nursing homes, I understand both the challenges caregivers face and the desire many seniors have to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
That’s why I will work to:
Increase funding for home accessibility improvements such as ramps, grab bars, and other safety modifications.
Strengthen oversight to ensure seniors receive quality care.
Better support family caregivers.
Expand access to home care, telehealth, specialists, and affordable prescription medications.
4. Keep Seniors Connected
Others have shared how difficult transportation and social isolation can become, especially after losing a spouse or no longer driving. Remaining independent also means remaining connected.
I will work to:
Improve transportation options for medical appointments and essential services.
Combat senior isolation by supporting community programs, especially those that create meaningful connections between generations.
5. Honor Those Who Served
I’ve also spoken with veterans and military families who want to ensure those who served receive the care and respect they’ve earned. As the father of a service member, supporting veterans is deeply personal to me.
I will work to:
Strengthen support for veterans homes and veteran services.
Expand access to mental health care.
Improve transportation to VA appointments.
Help veterans successfully transition to civilian life.
Ensure every veteran receives the respect, care, and support they have earned.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
These are just a few of the ways I hope to serve our seniors and strengthen our communities.
I’d love to hear from you.
How can I fight for you and your family at the Capitol?
Please respond to this post, send me an email, or join me at one of my upcoming town halls.
Brooklyns Town Hall
Saturday, August 1
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
West Palmer Park
Osseo Town Hall
Sunday, August 2
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sipe Park
I look forward to meeting you, hearing your ideas, and earning your vote in the August 11 primary.
