Issues
Affordable Healthcare For All Minnesotans
As a small business owner I know healthcare isn't just a problem for our employees and their families, but also for our economy. In the US (and especially Minnesota), we are proud that we have the best health care system in the world. The best research, constant innovation, and the most skilled doctors and nurses anywhere. But, given that, we still struggle with access to that system. It works for many, but we still leave too many people mired in insurance bureaucracy and with a lack of affordability. At the federal level there has been a long history of alterations to the laws that have clouded transparency and created a sense of wonder about the true costs.
Consumers need less complication and more fair pricing for services. Businesses need to know where they stand with consistent costs and access. This pandemic is laying this all out in bare bones and when we get through this, and we will, we need to take the opportunity to address these problems clearly and understandably. No one should have to choose between healthcare and paying the rent.
I will work with anyone in the Legislature willing to help lower costs and improve care. Health care reform is one of my highest priorities starting with lowering drug prices and expanding MinnesotaCare to small business and individuals.
Supporting Local Small Businesses
As a third generation owner of a small family business, I know the challenges Minnesotans are facing. Lack of government action on issues such as infrastructure, health-care, and big corporate handouts have made the struggles of small business owners all too-real. We need a voice who will fight for workers and entrepreneurs, not big corporations.
Now some say the solution is to cut taxes and slash regulations. As a small business owner myself, I can tell you, past tax cuts have left out too many small businesses. Trickle down tax policies hurt small businesses. We need a fair tax policy. Businesses only prosper if they're in a thriving community, and tax cuts of the past harm public projects that benefit the whole community, while giving billions to mega-corporations like Walmart and Amazon. Unregulated, untaxed markets help mega-corporations, not citizens and small businesses.
Quality Education for Every Minnesotan
Great public schools help everyone in the community. They boost the economy and improve our democracy. As a father I know that a quality education can give our children a lifelong foundation to build on. That's why we need to end the policies that have caused schools in District 196 to face multi-million dollar deficits.
Our children are our most precious resource. If we provide them the tools, their future will be bright. We need to invest in our children, our public schools, and our community. Our future depends on it.
But education isn't a one-size-fits all game. That's why I support increasing access to trade schools, internship programs, and magnet schools. These programs help give students and families choices that best fit their dreams, situations, and careers. Each of our students are unique. We need to give agency, direction and support to all our children.
Sustainable Energy and a Safe Environment
Some of Minnesota's most cherished treasures are our clean air and beautiful lakes. We as Minnesotans value our natural resources and know we need to preserve and protect them. Protecting our environment helps all Minnesotans. Cleaner air helps combat rising childhood asthma. Reducing emissions help farmers who are facing increasing field flooding. Water pollution ruins the fishing and game-hunting populations that both residents and visitors enjoy. Now is the time to invest in renewable energy, create high quality jobs and secure Minnesota’s energy independence!
We all agree that pollution, unclear air, and dangerous water, are not good for any living being. I will continue to work with people on both sides of the aisle to ensure Minnesota’s air, water, and soil will be not only protected, but improved from current conditions.
School Safety and Gun Violence
Hunting and sports shooting are a big part of Minnesota's culture, but gun violence doesn't need to be. We need to do something to address this issue.
This issue is divisive and used by partisans on both sides of the aisle for political gain. However, I believe there are solutions we can all support. We can start by enforcing the laws already on the books. But we need to do even more. We need to invest in public health research so we know what works to keep communities and gun-owners safe. We need to close the loopholes in the existing regulations that allow guns to fall into the hands of criminals. We also need to address the suicide epidemic and help those in need.
This issue doesn't need to divide us. We all want safety for our schools, communities, and gun-owners. The worst thing we can do is do nothing. In 2020 the Minnesota House passed bills that were supported by a majority of Minnesotans. I will continue to support these sensible solutions until we can get them passed by the Minnesotan Senate and signed into law.