Economy:

We must have an economy that works for everyone. I will prioritize what our state economists indicate are the real ways to grow the economy: adequate investments in education, adequate investments in infrastructure such as transportation systems, and universal access to affordable health care. Focusing on these three will create long term job and economic growth, as well as a healthy workforce.

Education:

To ensure our children can compete in our global market, we must ensure all children have the opportunity to succeed to the best of their ability, no matter if they are general education, special education, or gifted students. This requires us to have adequate, equitable, and sustainable school funding, which does not rely on property taxes. Funding basic education costs through property taxes is inequitable and unstable. It pits student groups against each other and property wealthy areas against property poor areas. To ensure we have a strong economy, we must ensure we have a well-educated workforce.

Transportation:

People must have the freedom to choose where they live and work based on their talents and family, not based on their commute time. Adequate investments in transportation infrastructure - roads, bridges, and transit - are necessary to move our workforce. Our Northwest suburbs are losing out on crucial economic development because we have not invested in finishing 610, redesigning the 101/94 interchange, creating a Brochton/94 interchange, and improved transit options. Crucial transportation investments should not be used for political gamesmanship, but to improve the lives of our community members.

Health Care:

Our capitalist economy is dependent upon a healthy workforce. People must have the freedom to pursue the American dream, but they cannot do so when they lack the health care necessary to maintain good health. The Republican schemes of eliminating mandates will only make matters worse, as HMO's will increasingly deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions. We must ensure that all Minnesotan's have universal access to affordable health care coverage.

Energy/Environment:

Energy independence through clean energy, is cruicial for our economy and environment. We have unlimited opportunity to create Green jobs, reverse climate change, and protect our environment through clean energy technologies such as renewable fuels, wind, solar, and hydro energy. Nuclear energy is not clean energy. There is no truly 'safe' way to store nuclear waste. Wall street understands that it is not an economical investment.