Meet Connie
Connie’s teenage-wed parents moved to our community from rural Minnesota with little more than hope, faith, and the courage to pursue their American Dream for their family. Connie realized early in life that success is attainable with a good education, hard work, and commitment. She has carried these values with her and they are why she is so committed to creating an economy that works for everyone.
Growing up in Columbia Heights and Fridley, Connie’s family lived a simple, good life that taught Connie fairness, teamwork, and a sense of community. Connie gained a strong love and commitment to the people of her community. Connie attended Spring Lake Park Schools. She married Dan, her wonderful husband of over 30 years and their girls attended Fridley Public Schools. Connie and Dan now live in New Brighton.
Connie is working to reignite the American Dream by creating a state and economy where there is an opportunity for everyone to work hard and get ahead. She knows too many Minnesotans are struggling with healthcare, housing, and wages that are flattening or declining.
Not a career politician, Connie has worked for Ramsey County in both Parks and Recreation and Public Works. Connie’s career has been creating community partnerships. She knows working together, we can create hope and opportunity for everyone in our community. Connie will bring that same strong work ethic and coalition building to the House to work for you and your family.
Education and Work Background
- Spring Lake Park High School – Graduate
- University of Minnesota – Twin Cities – B.A. Degree in Speech Communications
- St Thomas University – MBA Certification in Government Acquisition and Contract Management
- MN State Representative 2001-2006 and 2012-present
- Connie serves on the following committees:
• Chair: Higher Education Finance and Policy Division
• Property and Local Tax Division
• Subcommittee on Elections
• Transportation Finance and Policy Division
• Ways and Means - Served as Assistant Minority Leader and Whip
- In addition, she has been appointed to the :
• Regent Candidate Advisory Council
• Governor’s Advisory Council on Connect and Automated Vehicles
• Higher Education Midwest Compact
• Legislative Audit Commission and serves as the Project Selection Chair - Employed at Ramsey County Public Works specializing in active transportation
- Fridley Historical Society Member
- Next Generation Facilitator – National Institute of Civil Discourse
- Fridley Lion Member
- New Brighton League of Women Voters
- Positively Fridley
- Women Legislative Lobby Member
- 4H Member and Parent
- Founding Member of Early Childhood Caucus
- Banfill Center for the Arts Advisor
- MN Join Together Chair – Healthy Youth Development Coalition
- MN Star of the North Public Health Board Chair
- Mayors’ Commission Against Drugs in Ramsey County
- Neighborhood Watch Captain
- Northwest Youth and Family Service Board Member
- Save Our Schools Founder and Chair
- School Social Workers Legislator of the Year Award
- School Volunteer
- St Philip’s Board of Directors, Youth and Family Chair, Youth Mentor and Sunday School Teacher
- YMCA Youth in Government Board of Directors
Community Involvement
Awards and Special Recognition
- Leadership Award – Fridley Teachers
- Outstanding Legislative Leadership Recognition – Columbia Heights School District
- CTV Hall of Fame – New Brighton’s Cable Television Access Channel 15
- Outstanding Community Service Award presented by Fridley 49er Days and Minneapolis Aquatennial
- Legislator of the Year Award – for her work on the Education Finance Committee
- Champion for Seniors Special Recognition – Minnesota Senior Federation
- Racial Equity Award – Voices for Racial Equity
- Environmental Hero – Clean Water Minnesota
- Children’s Champion Award – Children’s Defense Fund
- Paul Wellstone Advocacy Award – Mental Health Advocacy