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Laura Paynter is a highly experienced legislative analyst currently working for the Minnesota Senate since October 2021. Previously, Laura served as a graduate research assistant at the University of Minnesota, where contributions included policy analysis and strategy for improving relationships between the university and tribal nations, earning recognition for exemplary work. Prior roles include senior policy advisor at the Greater Wellington Regional Council, where Laura integrated indigenous Māori values into policy frameworks, and positions at the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, focusing on heritage policy and historic preservation. Laura's educational background includes a Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, a Master of Arts in History from the University of California, Riverside, and a Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation from Southeast Missouri State University.