Fue Lee

Fue Lee is a Hmong-American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 59A. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), he has held this office since his election in 2016. Lee is notable for being the first person of color and of Asian descent to represent his district and the first Hmong-American to serve in the Minnesota state legislature. His work primarily focuses on issues related to infrastructure, public safety, environmental justice, and community engagement.

Early life and career

Fue Lee was born on August 26, 1991, in a refugee camp in Thailand, where his Hmong parents had settled after fleeing from Laos. In 1992, when he was a toddler, his family immigrated to the United States, specifically to Minnesota, where they lived in public housing. This experience of growing up in a low-income environment shaped Lee's understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Lee attended Camden High School in Minneapolis, where he completed his secondary education. He later pursued higher education at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, earning a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations. His academic background laid the foundation for his later political career.

Before entering public office, Lee gained experience in local governance and community organizing. He interned and volunteered for various political figures, including Minneapolis City Council Member Blong Yang, U.S. Representative Keith Ellison, and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. These roles provided him with valuable insights into the workings of government and the importance of civic engagement.

In addition to his internships, Lee co-founded the Asian American Organizing Project and Progressive Hmong American Organizers alongside notable figures such as former state Senator Mee Moua and DFL activist Yee Chang. These organizations focus on empowering Asian American communities and advocating for their interests in Minnesota.

Legislative service

Fue Lee was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016, succeeding a long-serving incumbent. His victory in the Democratic primary was significant, as he defeated a ten-term incumbent, Joe Mullery, despite losing the party endorsement by a narrow margin. Since taking office, Lee has been re-elected every two years, reflecting his continued support within his district.

As a legislator, Lee has taken on several leadership roles. He has served as chair of the Capital Investment Committee since 2021, where he has been involved in significant discussions regarding public works and infrastructure investment. His committee work includes sitting on the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee and the Legacy Finance Committee. From 2019 to 2020, he held the position of vice chair of the Capital Investment Committee and served as an assistant majority leader for the House DFL Caucus. Lee is also a member of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and the Minnesota Asian-Pacific (MAP) Caucus, which focus on advocating for the interests of diverse communities in the state.

Lee's legislative efforts have included a focus on infrastructure and capital investment. As chair of the Capital Investment Committee, he collaborated with Senator Tom Bakk on a substantial public works package in 2021, which aimed to address housing infrastructure and small business redevelopment in the wake of civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. He has authored legislation to fund significant infrastructure projects across Minnesota, although these proposals have faced opposition from House Republicans.

In 2022, Lee supported a comprehensive $3.5 billion investment package targeting local projects and marginalized communities. However, both the 2021 and 2022 proposals failed to pass due to the requirement for a three-fifths majority to approve bond sales. In 2023, he worked with Senator Sandy Pappas to advance infrastructure bills that prioritized racial equity and addressed climate and housing crises, proposing a substantial financial plan that included cash spending and borrowing through bonds. While the House passed a significant deal with bipartisan support, the Senate did not follow suit.

Policy focus and district

Lee's policy focus encompasses a range of issues, including public safety, environmental justice, and community engagement. He has been active in advocating for reforms in public safety and criminal justice, particularly in response to the events surrounding George Floyd's death. Lee signed a letter urging the U.S. Department of Justice to expand its investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department and co-sponsored a bill to create a commission to review the local government's response to the protests.

In environmental matters, Lee has been involved in efforts to address pollution and promote sustainability. He has advocated for stricter regulations on industries operating in environmental justice areas and has pushed for community engagement in environmental decision-making. His legislative initiatives have included efforts to transition Metro Transit to electric buses and to abolish commercial turtle harvesting in Minnesota.

Lee's commitment to ensuring that all Minnesotans are counted in the census led him to co-author legislation aimed at increasing funding for census outreach efforts. He has also supported initiatives to enhance funding for school support services in Minneapolis public schools. His political positions reflect a broader commitment to social justice and equity, as evidenced by his opposition to policies perceived as harmful to immigrant communities, such as the proposed end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

In summary, Fue Lee's career in the Minnesota House of Representatives is marked by his dedication to representing the interests of his constituents in District 59A. His background as a Hmong-American immigrant informs his legislative priorities, which focus on infrastructure, public safety, environmental justice, and community empowerment. Lee continues to serve as a prominent voice for diverse communities in Minnesota, working to address the challenges they face and advocating for policies that promote equity and inclusion.