Our Lobbying Team
In 2023, 1,471 lobbyists represented 1,601 associations and individuals, spending a staggering $98,410,487 to influence Minnesota policy. In today’s climate, it takes a team of skilled lobbyists to get things done at the MN State Capitol. That’s why we continue to strengthen our team of four dedicated professionals who tirelessly advocate on your behalf.
Amid this competitive landscape, we remain unwavering in our commitment to securing $25 million in the state's two-year budget for the Youth Intervention Programs (YIP) grant. This is the value your lobbying team brings to your work—we are your voice in a crowded legislative arena. Achieving this ambitious goal demands focus, persistence, and unity, and we are here to deliver the results our young people deserve.
Meet Your Advocates
Amos A. Briggs
Being part of YIPA’s relentless advocacy at the State Capitol has been one of the most rewarding projects I have participated in as a lobbyist in MN. Whether fighting for YIP Grant funding, educating policymakers about the youth work profession, or introducing legislators to the youth-serving organizations in their communities—it is always a privilege to speak up on behalf of youth workers.
I have been part of Lockridge Grindal Nauen's (LGN) government relations team since 2014, and I am proud to represent a range of organizations, including non-profits, businesses, unions, environmental groups, and tribes. But it was actually a youth program—YMCA’s Youth in Government—that first sparked my interest in politics! Before joining LGN, I worked as a committee staffer at the state legislature and later served in the Senate Majority Leader’s office as director of communications. I earned a B.A. in political science and anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Alex T. Hassel
I am honored to advocate for young people and champion their success on behalf of YIPA at the MN Legislature. I have lobbied at the state level since 2018, primarily working on behalf of local governments. I am proud to represent organizations championing good public policy and putting resources into the hands of experts who know how to best use them, including youth services providers, parks and trails entities, and local leaders.
Before joining Lockridge Grindal Nauen, I served as an Intergovernmental Relations Representative for the League of Minnesota Cities, representing cities on employment and labor law, elections administration, taxes, adult-use cannabis, and other regulated industries. I also previously represented the City of Des Moines at the Iowa Legislature and contributed to city policy development. I completed the Iowa Certified Public Manager program and earned a B.A. in environmental policy from Drake University.
Paul Meunier
I have dedicated my life to working with and advocating for young people. Driven by personal experience with trauma as a young person, I have a commitment to supporting other young people who face similar challenges. My career includes leading a therapeutic unit in a setting IV emotional behavioral disorder (EBD) program and serving as a counselor in a mental health clinic, which deeply shaped my approach to youth work and leadership.
As a City Council member and Mayor of Ham Lake, I strengthened my dedication to public service and making a positive impact. My involvement with YIPA spans many years, from Vice President to my current role on the team as executive director. Through YIPA, I advocate for systemic change to ensure all young people receive the love and support they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Gaonu Yang
As YIPA’s grantee member advocate, I lobby and advocate for Youth Intervention at the MN State Capitol as well as work closely with our Grantee Members to ensure they have access to all the professional development resources we have to offer. My passion to advocate for young people is driven by the belief that every young person deserves a just world, access to opportunities and resources.
I believe that investing in young people isn’t just about shaping the future, it’s about recognizing their inherent worth as people and ensuring they can lead a fulfilling life according to their own vision. I place that value at the forefront of the work that I do for the benefit of young people across the state; in meetings with legislators, legislative staff, collaborators, and youth-serving organizations.