Issues and Priorities

We must fully fund schools to 2026 DESE recommended levels, not cling to 20 year old numbers that do not account for

inflation or technological advances. We must END the voucher program and return those funds to public schools. 

PUBLIC FUNDS TO PUBLIC

SCHOOLS.

I support the expansion of Medicare/Medicaid and any other programs that can stabilize our rural

healthcare facilities and hospitals. We need to support medical facilities, as well as EMT’s, Fire

personnel, and other First Responder programs. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY SHOULD BE A PRIORITY IN SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE.

In response to data Centers, I believe we should just say NO.

The AI boom is a speculative bubble that brings little to an area except spoiling natural

resources. While some jobs are created during construction, after they are built, these centers provide very few

long term local positions. Our loss of resources long term does not justify the short term gain.

As a long term employee of a small city, I know how critical it is to keep water and sewage flowing, and

how difficult it is on a small budget. Increasing regulations, while necessary in many instances, can carry

financial burdens that are insurmountable for many municipalities. DNR and USDA programs can help

with grants and low interest loans, but they must also be fully funded and staffed to be truly effective.

Our electrical grid is also aging out and overburdened, and incapable of handling our modern demands

and heavy loads. As the global climate becomes hotter and drier, those demands will increase. Infrastructure improvements have been sidelined since WWII. We must reinvest in our communities.

There is no Planet "B" or a place for us to go if we destroy our earthly home. Environmental protections of water, air, and forested lands are critical for our survival. While we bristle at more and more overt regulation from the government, preservation of our land, water, and air, are crucial for our children and grandchildren. 

I support Unions and workers’ rights to organize. So called “Right to Work” laws have no place in our

legislation. The more the legislature defends billionaire corporations and ignores workers' health, safety, and rights, the greater increase we will see in flight from our state. We need to encourage businesses that are interested in our communities and workers.