Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is an American politician serving as the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota since 2019. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she previously served in the Minnesota Senate from 2013 to 2019.
Sullivan was born in Duluth, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She worked as a teacher and counselor before being elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012. In the Senate, she served as the chair of the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee and was a member of the Finance, Education, and Judiciary committees. She was also the chief author of the state's first paid family and medical leave law.
In 2018, Sullivan was elected Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, becoming the first woman to hold the office. As Lieutenant Governor, she serves as the President of the Minnesota Senate and is a member of the Executive Council and the State Board of Investment.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a Democratic politician and the current Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She is the first woman to hold this office.
- Lieutenant Governor
- First woman
- Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
- Minnesota Senate
- Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee
- Paid family and medical leave law
- Executive Council
- State Board of Investment
Sullivan's career has been marked by her commitment to public service. She has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Minnesotans, especially in the areas of health care and education. She is a strong advocate for women and families, and she has been a leader in the fight for paid family and medical leave. Sullivan is a role model for women and girls, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.
1. Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest executive officer in the state of Minnesota, after the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor presides over the Minnesota Senate and is a member of the Executive Council and the State Board of Investment.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is the current Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She is the first woman to hold this office. Sullivan has a long history of public service, having served in the Minnesota Senate for six years prior to her election as Lieutenant Governor. In the Senate, she served as the chair of the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee and was a member of the Finance, Education, and Judiciary committees. She was also the chief author of the state's first paid family and medical leave law.
As Lieutenant Governor, Sullivan has continued to be a strong advocate for women and families. She has also worked to improve the state's health care system and to make higher education more affordable. Sullivan is a role model for women and girls, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.
2. First woman
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is the first woman to hold the office of Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. This is a significant milestone, as it represents progress towards gender equality in politics.
- Role model
Sullivan is a role model for women and girls, showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. She is an inspiration to all who know her.
- Breaking barriers
Sullivan's election as Lieutenant Governor is a sign that barriers are being broken down for women in politics. It is a reminder that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.
- Progress towards equality
Sullivan's election is a step forward in the fight for gender equality. It is a sign that we are moving closer to a day when women are equally represented in all levels of government.
Sullivan's election as Lieutenant Governor is a historic moment for Minnesota and for the country. It is a reminder that progress is possible, and that we must all continue to work towards a more just and equitable society.
3. Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) is a political party in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is the state affiliate of the national Democratic Party. The DFL was formed in 1944 by the merger of the Democratic Party of Minnesota and the Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a member of the DFL. She was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012 and served as the chair of the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. In 2018, she was elected Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, becoming the first woman to hold the office.
The DFL is a major force in Minnesota politics. It has controlled the governorship for most of the past 50 years and currently holds majorities in both the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives.
The DFL is a progressive party that supports a strong social safety net, environmental protection, and workers' rights. It is also a strong supporter of public education and affordable healthcare.
Sullivan's election as Lieutenant Governor is a sign of the DFL's strength in Minnesota. It is also a sign of the party's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
4. Minnesota Senate
The Minnesota Senate is the upper house of the Minnesota Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is composed of 67 members, each representing a single-member district. Senators are elected to four-year terms, with half of the seats up for election every two years.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan served in the Minnesota Senate from 2013 to 2019. During her time in the Senate, she served as the chair of the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee and was a member of the Finance, Education, and Judiciary committees. She was also the chief author of the state's first paid family and medical leave law.
- Legislative Accomplishments
Sullivan was a prolific legislator, sponsoring and passing numerous bills that made a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:
- The state's first paid family and medical leave law
- Increased funding for mental health services
- Expanded access to affordable healthcare
- Protections for victims of domestic violence
- Leadership
Sullivan was a respected leader in the Minnesota Senate. She was known for her ability to build consensus and get things done. She was also a strong advocate for her constituents and for the people of Minnesota.
- Constituent Services
Sullivan was committed to providing excellent constituent services. She met regularly with constituents to hear their concerns and help them resolve issues with state agencies. She also kept constituents informed about important legislative issues.
- Electoral Success
Sullivan was a popular elected official. She won re-election to the Senate three times, each time with a significant majority of the vote. Her electoral success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her constituents.
Sullivan's service in the Minnesota Senate was marked by her commitment to public service and her passion for making a difference in the lives of Minnesotans. She is a role model for women and girls, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.
5. Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee
The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee is a standing committee of the Minnesota Senate. The committee is responsible for overseeing the state's health and human services programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and child care.
- Oversight of State Programs
The committee oversees the state's health and human services programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and child care. The committee reviews the programs' budgets, performance, and policies.
- Policy Development
The committee develops and recommends policies to improve the state's health and human services system. The committee's recommendations are often included in the state's budget.
- Budgetary Oversight
The committee oversees the budget for the state's health and human services programs. The committee reviews the budget requests from state agencies and makes recommendations to the Senate Finance Committee.
- Constituent Services
The committee provides constituent services to Minnesotans who have questions or concerns about the state's health and human services programs. The committee staff can help constituents resolve issues with state agencies and provide information about available programs and services.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan served as the chair of the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee from 2013 to 2019. During her time as chair, she led the committee in developing and passing a number of important policies, including the state's first paid family and medical leave law.
6. Paid family and medical leave law
A paid family and medical leave law is a law that allows employees to take time off from work to care for a new child, a sick family member, or their own serious health condition without losing their job or health insurance.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan was the chief author of Minnesota's first paid family and medical leave law, which was signed into law in 2013. The law allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.
The law has been a major benefit to Minnesota families. It has allowed parents to bond with their new children and to care for sick family members without having to worry about losing their jobs or health insurance. It has also helped to reduce stress and improve the health of Minnesota workers.
Sullivan's work on paid family and medical leave is an example of her commitment to working families. She is a strong advocate for policies that support families and help them to succeed.
7. Executive Council
The Executive Council is a constitutional body in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is composed of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and Attorney General.
- Role of the Executive Council
The Executive Council has a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:
- Approving state contracts
- Approving the sale of state land
- Approving the issuance of state bonds
- Granting pardons and commutations
- Lorraine Jaros Sullivan and the Executive Council
As Lieutenant Governor, Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a member of the Executive Council. She plays an important role in the Council's decision-making process, and she has been a strong advocate for policies that support families and working people.
- Importance of the Executive Council
The Executive Council is an important part of Minnesota's state government. It provides a check on the power of the Governor, and it ensures that the state's resources are used wisely.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a strong and effective leader who is committed to serving the people of Minnesota. Her work on the Executive Council is just one example of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
8. State Board of Investment
The State Board of Investment (SBI) is a constitutional body in the U.S. state of Minnesota that is responsible for managing the state's investment portfolio. The SBI is composed of seven members, including the Governor, State Auditor, and State Treasurer. The Lieutenant Governor is also a member of the SBI, and serves as its chair.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is the current Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, and therefore serves as the chair of the SBI. She is the first woman to hold this position.
The SBI is responsible for managing the state's pension funds, which provide retirement benefits to state employees and teachers. The SBI also manages the state's endowment fund, which provides funding for a variety of state programs, including education and healthcare.
The SBI is an important part of Minnesota's state government. It ensures that the state's pension funds and endowment fund are managed prudently, and that the state's financial future is secure.
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a strong and effective leader who is committed to serving the people of Minnesota. Her work on the SBI is just one example of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lorraine Jaros Sullivan
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Lorraine Jaros Sullivan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota.
Question 1: What is Lorraine Jaros Sullivan's political experience?
Answer: Sullivan has served in the Minnesota Senate from 2013 to 2019 and has been the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota since 2019. She is the first woman to hold this office.
Question 2: What are Sullivan's key accomplishments?
Answer: Sullivan has been a strong advocate for families and working people. She was the chief author of Minnesota's first paid family and medical leave law, and she has worked to expand access to affordable healthcare and education.
Question 3: What is Sullivan's role as Lieutenant Governor?
Answer: As Lieutenant Governor, Sullivan presides over the Minnesota Senate and is a member of the Executive Council and the State Board of Investment.
Question 4: What are Sullivan's priorities as Lieutenant Governor?
Answer: Sullivan's priorities include supporting families, growing the economy, and protecting the environment.
Question 5: How can I contact Sullivan's office?
Answer: You can contact Sullivan's office by phone at 651-201-3400 or by email at lieutenant.governor@state.mn.us.
Question 6: Where can I learn more about Sullivan?
Answer: You can learn more about Sullivan on her website at https://mn.gov/lieutenant-governor/.
Summary: Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a strong and effective leader who is committed to serving the people of Minnesota. She has a proven track record of accomplishment and is a passionate advocate for families, working people, and the environment.
Transition to the next article section: To learn more about Sullivan's work as Lieutenant Governor, please visit her website at https://mn.gov/lieutenant-governor/.
Tips from Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Jaros Sullivan
Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a strong advocate for families, working people, and the environment. She has a proven track record of accomplishment in the Minnesota Senate and is committed to making a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
Tip 1: Get involved in your community.
There are many ways to get involved in your community, such as volunteering, attending community meetings, and serving on local boards and commissions. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people, learn about your community, and make a difference.
Tip 2: Support your local businesses.
Local businesses are the backbone of our communities. They provide jobs, support our local economy, and give our communities their unique character. By shopping local, you can help to keep your community thriving.
Tip 3: Protect our environment.
We all have a responsibility to protect our environment for future generations. There are many things we can do to help, such as reducing our energy consumption, recycling, and conserving water. By taking action to protect our environment, we can ensure that our children and grandchildren will have a healthy planet to enjoy.
Tip 4: Be a good neighbor.
One of the best ways to make your community a better place to live is to be a good neighbor. This means being friendly and helpful to your neighbors, looking out for their safety, and respecting their property. By being a good neighbor, you can create a sense of community and make your neighborhood a more welcoming place for everyone.
Tip 5: Vote in every election.
Voting is one of the most important things you can do to make a difference in your community. By voting, you have a say in who represents you in government and how your tax dollars are spent. Voting is a right and a responsibility, and it's one of the best ways to make sure that your voice is heard.
Summary: By following these tips, you can make a difference in your community and help to create a better future for all Minnesotans.
Transition to the article's conclusion: Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a strong leader who is committed to serving the people of Minnesota. By following her tips, you can join her in making a difference in your community and across the state.
Conclusion
Lorraine Jaros Sullivan is a strong and effective leader who is committed to serving the people of Minnesota. She has a proven track record of accomplishment in the Minnesota Senate and is now making a difference as Lieutenant Governor.
Sullivan is a passionate advocate for families, working people, and the environment. She has worked to expand access to affordable healthcare and education, and she was the chief author of Minnesota's first paid family and medical leave law. As Lieutenant Governor, she is working to support families, grow the economy, and protect the environment.
Sullivan is a role model for women and girls, and she is an inspiration to all Minnesotans. She is a strong leader who is committed to making a difference in the lives of all Minnesotans.