Equity and Justice

The Equity and Justice team works with communities that have been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment. We are committed to changing the narrative about equity and justice in Minnesota. This is achieved through advocating at the Minnesota Capitol for funds and policies which promote disadvantaged communities, such as capital investment funds for organizations including the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, Walker West and YWCA - St. Paul.

Along with funding, our team also works with local organizations, like Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity, to advance legislation that will result in positive outcomes for Minnesota’s most vulnerable communities. Examples of the advocacy work we’ve done include working to instate The Crown Act, Hunger Free Schools legislation, equitable housing bills and improvements in public safety.

The group’s leader Jeff Hayden has built a solid and passionate team to take on this complicated yet fulfilling area of advocacy. Jeff’s leadership, at Fredrikson Government Relations and in the greater Minneapolis community, gives the Equity and Justice team a strong voice at the Capitol for policies that help to bridge the equity gap in Minnesota.

Statewide Minimum Wage Increase

Authored and advocated for the passage of legislation that would increase the statewide minimum wage.

Restrictive Covenant Legislation

Authored legislation that would prevent discrimination in Real Estate covenants.

School Lunch for All

Passed a program that would provide guaranteed school lunch for all children, regardless of ability to pay.

Equity Appropriation

Co-chaired the Select Committee on Disparities and Opportunities, which has to date appropriated over $100 million for target investments in communities of color.

Grow Your Own Teachers of Color

Carried legislation to fund Minnesota’s Grow Your Own Teachers of Color pilot program.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

Successfully pushed for an increase of the MFIP, which has not been increased since 1986.

Equity Bonding

Obtained bonding for various community organizations, including the American Indian Center, the Native American Community Clinic, the Indigenous Peoples Task Force and the Dreamland (38th and Chicago).

African American Family Preservation Act

Authored the African American Family Preservation Act, which protects the best interests of African American children and promotes the stability and security of African American Families.

Main Contact

Show all Equity and Justice professionals