Liz Lee

Kaozouapa Elizabeth "Liz" Lee is a current member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 67A. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has been serving in the legislature since her election in 2022. Lee's district encompasses parts of Saint Paul, located within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Her political career is characterized by her advocacy for various social issues, including health equity and infrastructure improvements.

Early life and career

Liz Lee was born to Hmong refugees who fled to the United States from a Thai refugee camp after being displaced from Laos. Her upbringing in public housing on the east side of Saint Paul played a significant role in shaping her perspective on social issues and community needs. During her formative years, she engaged in her local community by delivering newspapers for the Eastside Review, which provided her with early exposure to the dynamics of local journalism and community engagement.

Lee's interest in politics was further cultivated during her high school years when she served as a House aide to state representative Tim Mahoney. This experience allowed her to gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process and the workings of state government, solidifying her desire to pursue a career in public service.

After completing high school, Lee attended Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Her education at Yale equipped her with a strong foundation in political theory and public policy, which she would later apply in her professional career. Following her graduation, she worked in various capacities that included serving as a staffer for notable political figures such as U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee and Keith Ellison. These roles provided her with valuable insights into federal legislative processes and the intricacies of political advocacy.

Before entering the Minnesota legislature, Lee worked as a nonprofit consultant, where she focused on issues related to community development and social justice. This background in nonprofit work further informed her understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly those within her own Hmong community.

Legislative service

Liz Lee was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022, marking the beginning of her formal legislative career. She emerged victorious in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, defeating the one-term incumbent John Thompson, who had been expelled from the DFL House caucus in 2021 due to allegations of domestic abuse. Lee's election signified a shift in representation for District 67A, as she brought a fresh perspective and a commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents.

In her role as a legislator, Lee has taken on several leadership positions. She serves as the vice chair of the Property Tax Division of the Taxes Committee, where she plays a critical role in shaping tax policy and addressing issues related to property taxation. Additionally, she is an assistant majority leader of the House DFL caucus, a position that involves coordinating legislative strategy and fostering collaboration among party members.

Lee's committee assignments further reflect her commitment to a range of important issues. She is a member of the Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee, the Education Policy Committee, and the Taxes Committee. These roles allow her to influence legislation that impacts education, family welfare, and fiscal policy in Minnesota. Furthermore, she is an active participant in the House People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and the Minnesota Asian and Pacific (MAP) Caucus, where she advocates for the interests of diverse communities within the state.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Liz Lee has focused on several key policy areas that resonate with her constituents in District 67A. Her platform includes initiatives aimed at rent stabilization, the promotion of well-paying jobs, infrastructure development, and health equity. These issues are particularly relevant in the context of the Twin Cities, where housing affordability and economic opportunity are pressing concerns for many residents.

Lee has also been vocal about the importance of accurate representation of Asian ethnicities in government data collection. She joined a group of Minnesota legislators in urging the U.S. Census Bureau to reclassify several Asian ethnicities, including the Hmong community. Lee has emphasized the need for proper stakeholder engagement with the Asian community to ensure that their unique identities and experiences are recognized in official statistics.

In response to rising concerns about anti-Asian hate crimes, Lee has participated in public discussions and press conferences aimed at addressing this issue. She has expressed a commitment to advocating for further gun regulations as part of a broader effort to enhance public safety and protect vulnerable communities.

As a resident of Saint Paul, Lee's personal experiences and cultural background inform her legislative priorities. Identifying as Hmong, she brings a unique perspective to the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing the interests of a community that has historically faced challenges related to integration and representation in government.

In summary, Liz Lee's journey from her early life as the child of refugees to her current role as a state legislator illustrates her dedication to public service and advocacy for her community. Her legislative work reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents in District 67A, focusing on critical issues that impact the lives of individuals and families in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.