Ginny Klevorn

Ginny Klevorn is a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 42B. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has been serving in the legislature since 2019. Klevorn's district encompasses the city of Plymouth and parts of Hennepin County, located in the western Twin Cities metropolitan area. Throughout her legislative career, she has focused on various policy issues, including government finance, ethics, and public health.

Early life and career

Born in 1959, Ginny Klevorn has a diverse background that includes international experiences. Her family has lived in both Belgium and Brazil, where she engaged in volunteer work with Catholic relief agencies, providing assistance in impoverished urban areas. This early exposure to social issues may have influenced her later career in public service and advocacy.

Klevorn pursued higher education at Saint Louis University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Following her graduation, she developed a professional career as a mediator, specializing in conflict resolution. Her skills in mediation have likely informed her approach to legislative negotiations and constituent relations.

In addition to her mediation work, Klevorn has been involved in various community and professional organizations. She served on the Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, which oversees the conduct of attorneys in the state. Klevorn was also a member of the Wayzata School District Legislative Action Committee, where she contributed to discussions on educational policies and funding. Furthermore, she has experience as a guardian ad litem in the 4th Judicial District juvenile court, advocating for the best interests of children in legal proceedings.

Legislative service

Klevorn's political career began with her election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. She initially ran for office in 2016 but was defeated by the five-term Republican incumbent Sarah Anderson. Undeterred, Klevorn mounted a successful campaign in 2018, winning a seat in a race characterized by significant outside spending. Since her election, she has been reelected every two years, demonstrating her continued support among constituents.

In the Minnesota House, Klevorn holds several important leadership positions. She chairs the State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee, where she oversees legislation related to government budgeting and fiscal policy. Additionally, Klevorn serves on several other committees, including Commerce Finance and Policy, Ethics, Higher Education Finance and Policy, and Ways and Means Committees. Her involvement in these committees reflects her commitment to addressing a wide range of issues affecting her constituents and the state.

During her tenure, Klevorn has taken on various legislative initiatives. She served as vice chair of the State Government Finance Committee from 2019 to 2020 and was vice chair of the Redistricting Committee from 2021 to 2022. One of her notable legislative efforts includes authoring a bill to establish a citizen advisory redistricting commission. This initiative aimed to create a more transparent and community-involved process for drawing legislative boundaries, moving away from reliance on the courts, which had been the practice in previous redistricting cycles.

Klevorn has also been active in addressing issues related to political transparency and ethics. In 2022, she sponsored legislation to prohibit political parties from creating exclusive clubs for lobbyists, a response to a request from the Senate Republican Campaign Fund for such a club at the state legislature. This legislation reflects her commitment to ensuring that political processes remain accessible and accountable to the public.

In addition to her work on government finance and ethics, Klevorn has focused on public health issues. She authored a bill aimed at preventing evictions from assisted-living homes during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation was designed to protect vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Furthermore, Klevorn has expressed concerns about the practices of the payday loan industry, advocating for measures to curb predatory lending.

Klevorn's engagement in healthcare policy was highlighted when Sanford Health and Fairview announced plans to merge. She raised questions about the implications of this merger and called for greater financial transparency from the involved entities, indicating her commitment to ensuring that healthcare decisions prioritize the well-being of the community.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 42B, Klevorn's policy focus encompasses a range of issues that resonate with her constituents. Her leadership roles in various committees allow her to influence legislation that affects local governance, education, healthcare, and economic development. Klevorn's background in mediation and her experience in community service inform her approach to policymaking, emphasizing collaboration and transparency.

Klevorn's district, which includes the city of Plymouth and parts of Hennepin County, is characterized by a diverse population and a mix of suburban and urban dynamics. The region faces various challenges and opportunities, including issues related to education funding, public health, and local governance. Klevorn's legislative efforts reflect her commitment to addressing these challenges while advocating for the needs of her constituents.

Throughout her legislative career, Klevorn has demonstrated a focus on creating policies that promote equity and accessibility. Her work on redistricting, healthcare, and financial transparency illustrates her dedication to ensuring that government actions are accountable to the public. As she continues to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Klevorn remains an active participant in shaping the legislative landscape of her district and the state.

Klevorn resides in Plymouth, Minnesota, with her husband, Tom, and their three children. She identifies as Catholic, which may inform her values and perspectives on various social issues. Her personal and professional experiences contribute to her role as a state legislator, allowing her to engage with her constituents and advocate for policies that reflect their needs and aspirations.