Education

“Equal public education across the state.”

Great schools are part of what makes our area such an attractive place to live and raise a family. Our schools work because of the small size and the involvement of parents and community members.

Students here deserve the same access to quality education as kids across the state. Unfortunately, changes in school funding are threatening that notion. Minnesota has been shifting back to paying for schools through property taxes instead of state funding. This creates an unequal playing field between property rich school districts, like wealthy suburbs, and our rural communities.

We’re not looking for a free lunch, but it doesn’t seem right that people on fixed incomes here should pay a greater share of their income in property taxes than elsewhere in the state.

I believe we need to return to fair state funding for our schools, not unfair property taxes.

Early Childhood Education

What do a North-Central Minnesota judge, a Federal Reserve banker and the top Twin Cities business executives have in common? They all agree that investing in high quality preschool education is the most effective use of taxpayer dollars.

Research shows that every $1 spent on quality early childhood education yields a $4 to $7 return on taxpayer investment. Studies show that at-risk kids who got quality pre-school education performed better in school and were less likely to be involved in crime.

I believe we need to re-commit to early childhood education, a proven solid investment of tax dollars.

Higher Ed

A well-educated work force is one of the best ways to attract jobs to Northern Minnesota.

We need to put college back in reach for Minnesota families. Tuition at our community colleges and universities is no longer affordable. In 1996, the average tuition at community colleges like Northwest Technical College was $1,900; in 2006, the same tuition was $3,994. This makes Minnesota the third most expensive state in the nation to attend community college. That’s no way to ensure a well-trained work force.

I believe we need to make college affordable again for all students.