Annika Olsen (transcript)
Item
-
Title
-
Annika Olsen (transcript)
-
Description
-
This oral history interview with Annika Olsen, a political science major at Sacramento State, provides an account of her political involvement on and off campus. Olsen has been campaign manager for Smud Board, an intern at the California capitol with Assembly Member Ward, NWPC endorsement chair, and more. The interview also describes Olsen’s experience creating and passing bill AB2005, which is an expansion of low income tax credits to CSU’s, intended to address housing needs for low income CSU faculty. The bill received a vote from a Republican in the Senate, which means that a Republican supported the bill against the recommendation of the Republican caucus. Olsen emphasizes that this means her bill fared well in comparison to others which were heavily criticized. This is one of Olsen’s many accomplishments throughout her time in politics. When asked about lessons learned, she explains why she prefers legislation work over campaign work, as she feels the former is better suited to her personality. She also feels empowered by the opportunity to create tangible solutions to real life problems through legislature. Olsen hopes that lessened financial burden due to passing bill AB2005 will incentivize more people with diverse backgrounds to work within the CSU system. Approximately 9,000 staff members are eligible for homes under AB2005! We discussed the importance of diversity everywhere- in politics and in the CSU system. Olsen was vulnerable about the difficulties of time management while working in politics and being a full time student, sharing that she would often change in her car to go from campus to the capitol building. Despite the challenges she faces as a queer woman in politics, Olsen intends to continue working and going to school. She has developed a passion for making a difference, and has become especially interested in foster care issues. When asked for the simplest first steps to becoming politically active, she said that gaining a better understanding of the world around us is a good first goal. She also advocates for consistently voting down the ballot and volunteering for a campaign, regardless of party! Olsen aspires to become an attorney in the future and hopes to continue inspiring others to become politically active.
-
Interviewee
-
Annika Olsen
-
Date Created
-
October 28, 2024
-
Document Format
-
pdf
-
File size
-
162 KB
Olsen_Transcript.pdf