• educational success for students,
• stronger infrastructure,
• healthier working conditions,
• higher wages,
• safe communities,
• protecting civil and human rights.

In her first session at the Legislature, Senator Gustafson was the chief author of legislation to provide Universal School Meals in Minnesota, providing every student with breakfast and lunch while saving the average family in District 36 over $2,000 per year. She was the chief author of legislation that provided $300 million in statewide public safety aid, and helped deliver social security tax relief for the vast majority of Minnesota seniors. In the 2024 Legislative Session, Senator Gustafson carried legislation that banned the use of binary triggers and enhanced penalties for illegal straw purchases of firearms.

During the 2025 and 2026 Legislative Sessions, Senator Gustafson led lawmakers in the creation of a new statewide Office of Inspector General in Minnesota – an independent government watchdog charged with overseeing the use of tax dollars and preventing fraud. On top of that, she was instrumental in other fraud prevention legislation, including program integrity protections in Minnesota state agencies, as well as legislation to help the Attorney General prosecute Medicaid fraud.

Senator Gustafson has also devoted much of her legislative work to helping survivors of domestic violence through initiatives with housing support and stability. She has also co-authored bills to create stronger environmental protections and bans on PFAS “forever chemicals” – helping stop the introduction of these toxic materials into our lakes, rivers, soil, and aquifers.