Former Member, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, Minnesota State Senate

Former Member, E-12 Budget Division, Minnesota State Senate

Former Member, E-12 Policy Committee, Minnesota State Senate

Former Member, Education Committee, Minnesota State Senate

Member, Governors Special Education Advisory Committee

Former Member, Health, Human Services and Housing Committee, Minnesota State Senate

Former Member, Subcommittee on Elections, Minnesota State Senate

Member, Health Advisory Task Force, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Minnesota, 2004

Member, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy

Member, Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy

Member, Family Care and Aging

Member, Human Services Reform Finance and Policy

Member, Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission

Member, Legislative Task Force on Child Protection

— Awards:

• 2016
• Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Legislator of the year
• Family Voices of Minnesota Legislator of the year
• Champlin Minnesota Father Hennepin Parade Grand Marshal
• Recognition on Authoring Legislation to Improve the environment for those with age related hearing loss on behalf of the Commission for Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans
• 2015
• Outstanding Legislator for 2015 Minnesota School Boards Association
• Certificate of appreciation for supporting establishment of Oromo Chamber of Commerce
• The Arc- Legislator of the Year Award
• Community Service Award by Isuroon
• Parent Member on Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Letter of Appreciation for outstanding leadership- Opportunity Partners
• 2014
• Legislative Conservationist Award
• MnDACA-MOHR Distinguished Service Award
• Outstanding support of the 5% Campaign
• Fair Trade Leadership Award- Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition
• Legislative Session All Star Legislator by Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
• Letter of Appreciation for outstanding leadership- Opportunity Partners
• Chiropractic Legislative Champion by Minnesota Chiropractic Association
• Award for outstanding leadership and support to advancing the lives of people with Disabilities- Achieve Services
• 2013
• MOHR Legislative Leadership Award, organization for habilitation and rehabilitation
• AARM Cares Leadership Award
• Volunteer of the Year- Midway Chamber of Commerce
• Legislative Session All Star Advocate by Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
• Letter of Appreciation for outstanding leadership- Opportunity Partners
• MCEA Shoot the Rapids award for passing Clean Water Accountability Act
• Member of Minnesota State Legislative Squadron, Civil Air Patrol
• Clean Water Action- Award of Distinction
• Nami- Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Leadership and Support in Improving the Children?s Mental Health System
• 2012
• Resolution of Commendation Anoka-Hennepin School District No 11
• 2007
• Governors Certificate of Recognition to Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention
• 2003
• Governor Appointment to Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention
• 2001
• Parent Member of FICC (Commission Appointed by United States Secretary of Education Rodney Paige to advise and assist Federal Cabinet members)
• National Partnership for Reinventing Government for IOWA Access Network Teams- Al Gore
• Iowa dept of education state special education advisory panel
• Certificate of Appreciation from MDH for dedication and commitment to maternal and child health in MN and to the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force

Favorite Book:

Thanks a Million

Favorite Movie:

Short Change Hero

Favorite Musician:

The Fiscal Notes

Favorite TV Shows:

Oromo TV