DEBATE NIGHT 2024 IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN MINNESOTA, LINDA AND DAVID HOMMES AND DAVID QUALM.

PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE AND KAXE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT DEBATE NIGHT 2024, A LOOK AT OUR AREA LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES.

YOUR MODERATOR TONIGHT IS BETHANY WESLEY AND DISTRICT 5A DEBATE.

>> MODERATOR: GOOD EVENING EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO OUR SECOND NIGHT OF DEBATE NIGHT 2024 AT THE LAKELAND PBS STUDIO IN BEMIDJI.

I'M BETHANY WESLEY, YOUR MODERATOR TONIGHT.

WE CONTINUE WITH THE SECOND NIGHT OF AN EXCITING WEEK OF DEBATES COVERING TOPICS AND ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITIES.

WE CONTINUE AN EXCITING WEEK OF DEBATES.

IN OUR FIRST OF TWO DEBATES THIS EVENING WE WILL HEAR FROM TWO CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 5A.

CANDIDATES ARE BRIAN M. HOBSON FROM THE DEMOCRATIC FARMER LABOR PARTY AND KRISTA KNUDSEN FROM THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

DENNIS WEIMANN IS THE NEWS DIRECTOR AT LAKELAND PBS.

CHELSEY PERKINS IS THE NEWS DIRECTOR AT KAXE, PUBLIC RADIO AND ROBIN FISH IS THE STAFF REPORTER AT PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES FOR OPENING COMMENTS.

THE PANEL WILL THEN BEGIN ASKING QUESTIONS.

SOME WILL BE THEIR OWN QUESTIONS.

OTHERS MAY COME FROM THE PUBLIC.

CANDIDATES WILL ROTATE THE ORDER THEY SPEAK, BEGINNING WITH OPENING COMMENTS AND FINISHING WITH CLOSING COMMENTS.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL THEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A ONE-MINUTE REBUTTAL.

CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF USING ONE MINUTE OF BONUS TIME TO ADD ON TO ONE OF THEIR ANSWERS TONIGHT.

THIS CAN BE USED IN THE ANSWER TO THE INITIAL QUESTION OR DURING THE REBUTTAL, BUT IT CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE.

QUESTIONS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL WE REACH THE 50-MINUTE PARK OF WHICH WE WILL MOVE TO CLOSING COMMENTS.

CANDIDATES WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES TO CLOSING COMMENTS.

LET'S GO AHEAD AND GET STARTED.

OPENING COMMENTS FOR THRIE MINUTES.

FIRST IS BRIAN.

>> I'M BRIAN HOBSON.

I'M A LIFELONG MINNESOTA AN AND OVER A 20-YEAR TEACHER.

I GREW UP IN A SMALL TOWN MINNESOTA OF PINE CITY MINNESOTA ON THE FAR EASTERN PART OF THE STATE.

I HAD TWO OLDER BROTHERS GROWING UP, A DAD WHO SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS AND A MOM WHO WORKED IN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

SO I LEARNED RESPONSIBILITY VERY YOUNG.

THAT RESPONSIBILITY LED ME TO RUN FOR THIS OFFICE.

I VALUE THE FREEDOMS THAT I HAVE, AND I KNOW THAT I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO WORK TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY HAS THOSE SAME FREEDOMS.

I VALUE THE FULFILLING CAREER THAT I HAVE HAD AS A TEACHER, AND I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE FULFILLING CAREERS OF THEIR OWN AND THAT THOSE CAREERS ARE SUSTAINING FOR THEM AND ALLOW THEM TO LIVE AND PROSPER IN OUR RURAL MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES.

I ALSO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY -- OR RATHER I APPRECIATE AND VALUE THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH I LIVE, THE CLEAN WATER AND THE AIR THAT I HAVE HERE IN RURAL MINNESOTA, AND I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF MY NEIGHBORS HAVE THAT SAME OPPORTUNITY TO BREATHE CLEAN AIR, HAVE FRESHWATER AND ENJOY LIFE HERE IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

THAT'S WHY I'M RUNNING FOR MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 5A.

>> Moderator: THANKS, BRIAN, KRISTA, YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.

>> THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS TO OUR HOST BETHANY AND PANELS, DENNIS, CHELSEY AND ROBIN, AND THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

I'M KRISTA KNUDSEN.

I'M THE STATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR MINNESOTA HOUSE DISTRICT 5A.

AND IT'S TRULY BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE AS THE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.

AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO SERVE ON EDUCATION FINANCE AND EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEES.

EARLIER I WAS ALSO APPOINTED TO THE GOVERNOR'S LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON CHILD PROTECTION.

AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, I HAVE CHIEF AUTHORED SEVERAL PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT ARE AIMED AS ISSUES WE ARE DISCUSSING TODAY.

THIS LEGISLATION INCLUSION LEGISLATION THAT WOULD IMPOSE CRIMINAL PENALTIES ON BAD ACTORS THAT ENDANGER CHILDREN OR VULNERABLE ADULTS WITH EXPOSURE TO FENTANYL, LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE BEFORE THE ADOPTION OF RULES THAT ARE CREATED BY OUR BUREAUCRACIES, LEGISLATION THAT WOULD INCREASE THE PROPERTY TAX EXCLUSION FOR OUR DISABLED VETERANS AND THE CIVIL ACT WHICH WOULD PROVIDE OUR COUNTIES WITH THE ABILITY TO FOLLOW FEDERAL LAW AND FEDERAL CONSTITUTION WHEN STATE LAW CONFLICTS.

PRIOR TO SERVING THE MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, I SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE LAKESHORE CITY COUNCIL FOR 8 YEARS AND MAYOR FOR TWO YEARS.

WHEN IT COMES TO GOVERNMENT, I BELIEVE THAT LESS IS MORE AND LOCAL CONTROL IS BEST.

MY HUSBAND KEVIN AND I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 17 YEARS.

WE IN 2011 WE OPENED OUR RESTAURANT COWBOYS IN LAKESHORE.

WE ARE ALSO THE PROUD PARENTS OF FOUR BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN.

OUR TWINS GRAYSON AND GRIFFIN, EMMA AND FINLEY.

THEY ARE THE REASON I SERVE.

IN 2022, AFTER THE DUST STARTED TO SETTLE FROM THE DEVASTATION THAT WAS CAUSED BY HOW OUR STATE HANDLED COVID, I KNEW I HAD TO DO MORE TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM THEIR FUTURE AND THEIR FUTURE FROM OUR OVERREACHING GOVERNMENT.

PROTECTING MY CHILDREN, YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR GRANDCHILDREN IS MY MOTIVATION IN THIS RENOVATION BUT THAT IS THE WAY THAT WE NEED TO CARRY ON.

THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION WILL COME FROM ROBIN.

>> Robin: IN 2022, MINNESOTA'S RURAL AMBULANCE DISTRICT REPORTED AN OPERATING DEFICIT OF $122 MILLION STATEWIDE.

THE 2024 LEGISLATURE RESPONDED WITH $24 MILLION IN DIRECT AID.

HOW MUCH MORE, IF ANY, WOULD YOU SUPPORT DOING IN THE COMING SESSION?

>> Moderator: BRYAN, YOU ARE FIRST.

>> THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE DIRECT AID.

THAT'S THE FIRST THING I WOULD SAY ABOUT THAT.

ALSO I THINK THINKING MORE LOCALLY AND THINKING MORE IN A RURAL CONTEXT WHERE HAVING A FULL AMBULANCE RIG IS NOT THE BEST USE ACROSS DISTRICT 5A.

MAYBE IT MEANS WE HAVE SMALLER FIRST RESPONDERS IN SUVS THAT ARE LESS EXPENSIVE AND QUICKER TO THEY INCREASED TAXES AND FEES BY $10 BILLION, AND THEY GREW THIS IS A REALLY BIG PROBLEM, AND THERE'S A LOT WE NEED TO DO TO HELP OUR ECONOMY GROW.

>> BRIAN, ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERNS FROM A LOT OF FOLKS THAT I'M TALKING TO IS THE COST OF HOUSING AND THAT IS, I THINK, A DIFFICULT YET SOLVABLE PROBLEM.

ONE OF THE THINGS I THINK THAT IS TO HAPPEN IS WE DO NEED TO INVEST MORE IN WORKFORCE HOUSING WHICH IS HAPPENING IN SOME PLACES.

PARK RAPIDS HAS NEWER WORKFORCE HOUSING.

AND WORKFORCE HOUSING IS FOR FOLKS WHO WORK.

IT IS NOT LOW INCOME HOUSING.

IT IS NOT SUBSIDIZED HOUSING BUT HOUSING FOR THOSE WHO WORK.

AND THEY HAVE TO HAVE PLACES TO LIVE.

WHEN I TALK TO THE HOSPITAL DIRECTOR IN PARK RAPIDS, HE SAID THE MAIN REASON THAT THE HOSPITAL CAN EXPAND SERVICES IN PARK RAPIDS IS BECAUSE ONE THEY DON'T HAVE EMPLOYEES TO DO IT AND THEY CAN'T GET THEM TO MOVE HERE BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE HOUSING TO SUSTAIN EMPLOYEES THAT THE HOSPITAL WOULD LIKE TO HIRE TO GROW THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTHCARE IN OUR COMMUNITY OF PARK RAPIDS AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.

I AGREE WITH KRISTA.

THERE ARE TOO MANY REGULATIONS ON HOME-BASED CHILD CARE.

ONE OF MY FIRST PRIORITIES WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE SOME LEGISLATION TO DECREASE THE AMOUNT OF REGULATIONS ON IN-HOME CHILD CARE AND DECREASE THE AMOUNTS OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE REGULATIONS.

THAT WOULD BE ONE OF THE VERY FIRST THINGS I WOULD DO.

I DON'T WANT UNSAFE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS.

HOWEVER, WE NEED MORE CHILD CAREAND THERE ARE WAYS TO DECREE THE AMOUNT OF REGULATIONS OR CERTAINLY THE AMOUNT OF AGENCIES THAT THOSE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS NEED TO REPORT TO IN ORDER TO MAKE THAT WORK AND BE MORE EFFICIENT IN SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES IN DISTRICT 5A.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> I DO.

BRIAN BROUGHT UP CHILD CARE REGULATIONS.

THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM IN OUR STATE.

CURRENTLY THERE'S A PROPOSAL, 92 PAGES OF NEW REGULATIONS THAT ARE BEING CONSIDERED TO PUT ON OUR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND THINGS AS RIDICULOUS IF A BUG IS CAUGHT OR SQUASHED OR FOUND IN A CHILD CARE SETTING, THE PROVIDER HAS TO WRITE UP AN ENTIRE REPORT ON THE INCIDENT AND ALSO DEVELOP A MITIGATION PLAN TO HELP ENSURE THAT THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN ANYMORE.

WE LIVE IN GREATER MINNESOTA.

WE HAVE FLIES.

WE HAVE SPIDERS.

THAT HAPPENS FROM TIME TO TIME.

I WILL STOP THERE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

BRIAN, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> JUST A QUICK ONE.

I HEARD ABOUT THE 92 PAGES OF REGULATIONS PROPOSED FOR IN-HOME CHILD CARE, AND THAT IS A PROBLEM.

I THINK THROUGH COOPERATION, ESPECIALLY CROSS-PARTY COOPERATION, ONE CAN EVEN FIND WAYS WE COULD CUT THAT DOWN TO A PAGE AND A HALF OF REGULATIONS, AND I THINK WE COULD GET IT DOWN TO WHERE ANY IN-HOME CHILD CARE PROVIDER NEEDS TO REPORT TO ONE AGENCY AT THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE READY TO GO.

I THINK THAT CAN BE DONE, AND I THINK BY WORKING ACROSS PARTY LINES AND COOPERATION WITH ANYONE WITH GOOD IDEAS THAT WE CAN MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

>> Moderator: OKAY.

THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION WILL COME FROM CHELSEY.

>> TODAY THE NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL WAS RAISED TO 5 AS WILDFIRES ARE RAGING TO THE WEST AND HURRICANES ARE OCCURRING ON THE EAST COAST.

THERE'S A FIRE IN THE BOUNDARY WATERS THAT RESOURCES MAY BE THIN.

I WONDER WHAT STEPS THEY SHOULD TAKE FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN N MINNESOTA.

>> THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN DO.

AS FAR AS RESILIENCY GOES, WE LIVE IN SORT OF A CLIMATE SWEET SPOT HERE.

WE HAVE AMAZING SURFACE WATER AVAILABLE TO US.

OUR GROUNDWATER SUPPLY IS NOT INEXHAUSTIBLE, BUT IT SEEMS THAT WAY TO US.

WE HAVE FOREST LAND THAT CAN ABSORB A LOT OF DIFFERENCES IN CLIMATE.

AND SO FOR ME, THAT IS WHAT I PRIORITIZE PROTECTING.

AS FAR AS RESILIENCY AS HUMANS GO, WE HAVE A LOT OF THINGS WE CAN DO.

ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS TO DO IS CONTINUE THE TRANSPORTATION SIGNATURES THAT MINNESOTA HAS BEEN A LEADER ON TO RENEWABLES AND CARBON FREE ENERGY PRODUCTION.

I ALSO THINK THAT IN ADDITION TO THAT WE NEED TO START TO THINK NOT JUST LARGE SCALE ON THE MEGAWATTS WHEN I CALL MINNESOTA POWER AND SAY I WANT TO INSTALL SOME SOLAR, BUT I WANT TO DO IT ON A LARGER SCALE, THEY SAY WE WON'T DO IT ANYMORE THAN A MEGAWATT AS A COMPANY, AND THINK WE NEED TO THINK SMALLER SCALE.

WE CAN GO DOWN TO INDIVIDUAL INSTALLATIONS BUT COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDENS ARE A POWERFUL WAY FOR INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE ACTION ON THE CLIMATE.

IT WILL NOT SOLVE THE ENTIRE PROBLEM.

THAT IS A WORLDWIDE PROBLEM.

BUT ON A SMALLER SCALE WE CAN MAKE CHANGE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA.

>> THANK YOU.

AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION, CHELSEY.

IN 2023, WE SAW ONE OF THE MOST EXPANSIVE ENERGY BILLS THAT WE HAVE EVER SEEN IN OUR STATE.

ZERO CARBON ENERGY BY 2040.

WE ARE NOT THERE YET.

WE DON'T HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THIS.

WE DON'T HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.

TO BE 100% RELIANT ON SOLAR AND WIND IS A LONG WAY OFF IN MINNESOTA IF EVER.

RIGHT NOW OUR PRIORITIES SHOULD BE ABOVE ALL APPROACH.

WE NEED TO INCLUDE ALL OF THESE OPTIONS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, ESPECIALLY FOR US IN GREATER MINNESOTA, IS ENERGY THAT IS RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE AND AFFORDABLE.

IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS -- WE CALLED IT LOVINGLY THE 2040 BLACKOUT BILL.

IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS IT WILL COST OUR STATE AND OUR TAXPAYERS BILLIONS AND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS RIGHT NOW, WE CAN'T AFFORD THIS.

NOT TO MENTION THAT NORTH DAKOTA IS ALREADY SUING US OVER THIS, BECAUSE WE GET A LOT OF OUR ELECTRICITY FROM THEM.

THERE'S A LOT OF WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THIS AREA, BUT WE ARE NOT READY FOR CARBON FREE ENERGY BY 2040.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I HEARD A LOT FROM OUR ENERGY SECTOR IN THE LAST TWO YEARS IS THAT WE NEED TO START HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT LISTING THE MORATORIUM WE HAVE ON NUCLEAR ENERGY.

WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO IN MINNESOTA, BUT THIS 2040 BLACKOUT BILL, THAT'S NOT OUR SOLUTION.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

BRIAN, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> I WOULD LIKE TO START.

THAT'S VERY DIFFERENT THAN MS. KNUDSEN.

I WOULD LIKE TO GET STARTED.

I UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S GOING TO TAKE TIME.

I UNDERSTAND THAT THE TECHNOLOGY IS STILL DEVELOPING, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE THOSE WHO ARE NERVOUS ABOUT IT, AND I GET THAT, AND I COMPLETELY, COMPLETELY RELATE.

I WANT TO GET STARTED.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA.

>> ALL I CAN SAY TO THAT IS AT WHAT COST.

WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN VERY CLOSE TO BLACK-OUTS A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE WINTER, IN THE LAST COUPLE WINTERS.

AT WHAT COST?

>> Moderator: OUR NEXT QUESTION THEN WILL COME FROM ROBIN.

>> Robin: PIZZA IS OFF THE SCHOOL LUNCH MENU, AND MANY SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE STARTING THIS FALL, DUE TO GOVERNMENT NUTRITION STANDARDS, DO YOU THINK THESE STANDARDS GOOD TOO FAR OR NOT FAR ENOUGH.

>> KIDS ENJOY PIZZA DAY.

HOWEVER, THAT DOES BRING US TO FREE LUNCHES FOR ALL KIDS.

IN 2023, IT WAS THE PRIORITY OF THE MAJORITY PARTY TO PASS UNIVERSAL LUNCHES FOR EVERYBODY, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES BREAKFAST.

THIS WAS A SOLUTION IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM AS OUR CHILDREN WERE ALREADY BEING FED IN OUR SCHOOLS.

NOW THEY HAVE CREATED ANOTHER SOCIALIZED SYSTEM THAT WILL COST TAXPAYERS A HALF BILLION DOLLARS EVERY TWO YEARS.

OUR CHILDREN'S GRANT PARENTS, MANY OF THEM WHO ARE ON FIXED INCOMES THAT ARE STILL BEING TAXED ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME ARE GOING TO BE HELPING TO PAY FOR THIS.

I GET IT.

TIMES ARE HARD RIGHT NOW UNDER THE BIDEN HARRIS AND WALZ ADMINISTRATION AND THAT'S WHY I OFFERED AN AMENDMENT ON THE HOUSE FLOOR TO INCREASE THE THRESHOLD FOR QUALIFYING FOR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES FROM BRIAN.

>> SCHOOL LUNCHES ARE GREAT.

KIDS LIKE THEM AND THE STAFF WHO MAKES THE SCHOOL LUNCHES WORKS REALLY HARD TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A VARIETY OF HEALTHY OPTIONS, AND PIZZA IS ONE OF THOSE OPTIONS, REGARDLESS OF HOW HEALTHY IT IS.

IT IS VERY MUCH ENJOYED BY STUDENTS, AND THERE'S THE SALAD BAR RIGHT THERE TO ACCOMPANY IT.

I THINK THAT THE FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM HAS MADE A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE TO A LOT OF FAMILIES IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

I SEE IT EVERY DAY.

I SEE SO MANY STUDENTS WHO ARE SO MUCH MORE READY TO LEARN BECAUSE THEY HAVE HAD BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.

THEIR FOLKS DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT.

THEY DON'T HAVE TO WONDER.

THEY DON'T HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT IF THEY TURN THE PAPERWORK IN.

THEY DON'T HAVE TO HAVE ANY PROCESS TO GO THROUGH.

THEY JUST KNOW THEIR KIDS WILL GET BREAKFAST AND LUNCH, AND I THINK THAT'S A GREAT THING.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> YES.

THANK YOU.

WE ALL WANT OUR CHILDREN TO BE FED.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE PROVIDING OUR KIDS WITH NUTRITION.

BUT THAT IS MAYBE ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM.

THE PORTIONS IN OUR SCHOOL LUNCHES, AS I'M SURE BRIAN KNOWS ARE VERY SMALL.

I HAVE A 13-YEAR-OLD SON.

SO WE ARE STILL PAYING FOR FOOD FOR THAT LITTLE BOY TO EVEN FILL FULL AT THE END OF THE DAY.

WE ALSO CAN DEBATE THE QUALITY OF FOOD THAT WE'RE GETTING.

THAT'S ALL SET BY FEDERAL FOOD STANDARDS.

BUT I THINK THAT WE COULD DO BETTER.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

BRIAN.

>> I'M THERE EVERY DAY.

THERE ARE VERY FEW STUDENTS WHO GO HUNGRY, AND IF THEY DO, THEY JUST DON'T LIKE THE OPTION THAT DAY.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION THEN WILL COME FROM DENNIS.

>> Dennis: WE HAVE ASKED OUR VIEWERS TO SEND US QUESTIONS FOR DEBATES THIS YEAR.

WE HAVE GOOD RESPONSES FROM THE VIEWERS AND GOOD QUESTIONS.

ONE WAS ON FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES, WHICH I WAS GOING TO ASK, BUT YOU COVERED THAT ONE.

WE WILL PIVOT OVER TO ANOTHER ONE.

HOW WILL YOU AS REPRESENTATIVES KEEP THE WILL OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS ABOVE THE WILL OF YOUR PARTY WHEN REPRESENTING US IN ST. PAUL.

>> Moderator: BRIAN, YOU GET THAT ONE FIRST.

>> I AM A PERSON WHO REALLY APPRECIATES IDEAS.

I DON'T CARE WHERE THEY CAME FROM.

I LIKE DISCUSSING IDEAS.

I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO LISTEN TO WHOEVER COMES TO ME WITH A GOOD IDEA.

MY STUDENTS BRING ME GOOD IDEAS.

MY COLLEAGUES, AMAZING IDEAS.

MY NEIGHBORS BRING GOOD IDEAS.

I LISTEN, AND I WANT TO LISTEN TO EVERYBODY'S IDEAS.

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY COME FROM A REPUBLICAN, A DEMOCRAT, A RURAL MINNESOTA AN OR FOLKS WHO LIVE IN THE TWIN CITIES.

IF THEY ARE GOOD IDEAS AND WILL HELP FOLKS IN 5A, THAT IS WHAT I'M GOING TO WORK ON.

WHEN I ATTENDED THE CHILD CARE MEETING NOT TOO LONG AGO, ABOUT A MONTH AGO, I HEARD FROM PEOPLE WHO PROBABLY DON'T AGREE WITH ME ON SOME POLITICS, BUT I LICENSED AND THEY HAD SOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS.

THAT'S WHAT I'M TRYING TO BRING FORWARD.

I WILL LISTEN TO WHOEVER HAS THOSE IDEAS.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA.

>> THANK YOU.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

AS A REPRESENTATIVE, MY JOB IS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF MY DISTRICT.

FULL STOP.

THAT'S MY JOB.

THAT'S WHY I'M IN ST. PAUL.

MOST OF THE TIME THAT ALIGNS ALIGNSWITH MY PARTY.

HOWEVER, THAT IS THE DECISION I RUN IT THROUGH.

I REACH OUT A LOT TO GET PEOPLE'S VIEWS, THOUGHTS, ON THINGS HAPPENING OR THINGS THAT ARE BEING PROPOSED.

I GET HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SHARING THEIR CONCERNS, SHARING THEIR IDEAS AND SHARING LEGISLATION THAT'S BEING DEBATED.

THAT IS SO IMPORTANT.

THAT COMMUNICATION IS SO VERY, VERY IMPORTANT.

MOST OF THE TIME WHEN I GET THOSE E-MAILS, ESPECIALLY WITH CONSTITUENT ISSUES, I WILL JUST CALL PEOPLE BACK.

I WANT THEM TO KNOW THAT I AM HERE.

I AM ACCESSIBLE.

YOU CAN CALL ME, E-MAIL ME, WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO.

BUT I'M HERE TO SERVE YOU.

IN THIS POSITION, I HAVE 43,000 BOSSES.

IT'S MY JOB TO SERVE YOU.

DISPLOD BRIAN, REBUTTAL.

>> I'M OKAY.

>> Moderator: WE WILL MOVE TO THE NEXT QUESTION WHICH WILL COME FROM CHELSEY.

>> Chelsey: MINNESOTANS WILL BE ASK A QUESTION THIS YEAR TO EXTEND THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND WHICH TAKES PROCEEDS FROM THE MINNESOTA STATE LOTTERY SYSTEM THAT PROTECT, PRESERVE THE STATE'S NATURAL RESOURCES.

DO YOU OR DO YOU NOT SUPPORT THE EXTENSION OF THIS FUND, AND PLEASE EXPLAIN.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT QUESTION.

I ACTUALLY HAVE THAT EXACT BALLOT QUESTION RIGHT HERE.

IT SAID SHALL THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION BE AMENDED TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND THE WATER QUALITY OF LAKES, RIVERS AND STREAMS, CONSERVE WILDLIFE, HABITAT, NATURAL AREAS, AND IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND EXTENDING THE TRANSFER OF PROCEEDS FROM STATE OPERATED LOTTERY TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND AND DEDICATE THE PROCEEDS FOR THESE PURPOSES.

THAT SOUNDS AWESOME.

THAT SOUNDS GREAT.

IT'S WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING WITH THIS MONEY.

IF IT WAS JUST THAT, OF COURSE I WOULD BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THAT.

BUT WITH SO MUCH OF THE LEGISLATION WE HAVE SEEN THE LAST COUPLE YEARS, THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS.

I ACTUALLY HAD A PHONE CALL FROM A CONSTITUENT ABOUT THIS TODAY THAT WAS ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION.

I APPRECIATE THAT SO MUCH.

THERE'S SOME MAJOR CHANGES THAT ARE HAPPENING THIS TIME.

THIS HAS BEEN RENEWED.

IT STARTED IN 1988.

IT WAS RENEWED ONE TIME.

NOW IT'S GOING FOR THE SECOND RENEWAL.

SOME OF THE CHANGES IN THIS PROGRAM MOVING FORWARD, THEY ARE CREATING NEW COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS WITH THIS MONEY.

THESE GRANT PROGRAMS HAVE TO EXPAND THE NUMBER AND DIVERSITY OF RECIPIENTS WHO BENEFIT FROM THIS FUND, ESPECIALLY IN COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION.

IN DFL TERMS, THAT USUALLY MEANS THERE'S GOING TO BE DEI ATTACHED TO BOTH GRANTS.

ANOTHER THING THAT I THINK IS SO IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY FOR GREATER MINNESOTA IN OUR MUNICIPALITIES, IS THAT THESE FUNDS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO BE USED FOR WASTEWATER, FOR BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE, FOR REPAIRING INFRASTRUCTURE.

THIS IS SUCH A HUGE NEED FOR OUR SMALLER COMMUNITIES.

THIS WILL FORCE MORE COMMUNITIES TO HAVE TO ASK FOR BONDING, BORROWING MONEY IN ORDER TO DO THESE PROJECTS.

>> Moderator: YOU HAVE ANOTHER MINUTE.

BRIAN.

>> THANK YOU, REPRESENTATIVE KNUDSEN FOR READING THE BALLOT LANGUAGE.

IT WAS VERY HELPFUL FOR ALL OF US, I'M SURE.

I'M AN ADVOCATE FOR OUR RURAL ENVIRONMENT.

I THINK WE NEED TO PRIORITIZE THAT.

AS REPRESENTATIVE KNUDSEN SAID, OUR LOCAL -- OR OUR RURAL LAKES, STREAMS, OUR GROUNDWATER IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST VITAL AND IMPORTANT RESOURCES WE HAVE HERE IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

IN TERMS OF USAGE BECAUSE WE ALL USE WATER AND IN TERMS OF TOURISM BECAUSE IT'S A SOURCE OF REVENUE IN MINNESOTA WITH MANY OF THE SMALL BUSINESSES.

WITHOUT OUR CLEAN WATER AND LAKES, THAT COULD BECOME A PROBLEM.

AS TO THE CHANGES MADE THAT REPRESENTATIVE KNUDSEN MENTIONED, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN MINNESOTA AND IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AND IN THE TWIN CITIES, TOO, THAT HAVE BEEN DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BY INDUSTRY HERE IN MINNESOTA.

SOMETIMES WE NEED TO ACCEPT THAT THAT IS THE CASE, AND WE NEED TO REPAIR THAT DAMAGE.

I WISH THAT WAS DONE AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL BY THOSE WHO ARE MAINLY DOING THAT OR MAKING THAT PROBLEM OR CREATING THAT PROBLEM, BUT SOMETIMES BECAUSE WE HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT THAT IS THE CASE.

AS TO SMALL TOWNS AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT, THAT IS A HUGE ISSUE.

IT ABSOLUTELY IS.

THIS IS KEEPING TINY TOWNS LIKE NEVIS LIKE HACKENSACK, AND AKELEY AND SEVERAL OTHERS FROM BEING ABLE TO EXPAND THEIR HOUSING OPTIONS BECAUSE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT IS NOT READY TO ACCEPT MORE HOUSING.

THAT IS AN ISSUE THAT WE DO NEED TO SOLVE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> SURE.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ONE MORE THING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GRANTS.

A LOT OF THESE UNDOUBTEDLY GO TO NONPROFITS.

THERE ARE SOME REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IMPACT OF THESE FUNDS TO BE MEASURABLE.

HOWEVER, IT'S SO VAGUE THAT WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH NONPROFITS IN THE LAST, AT LEAST TWO YEARS THAT I KNOW OF, WITH MORE AND MORE JUST BEING UNCOVERED EVERY DAY THAT I THINK THAT WE NEED TO HAVE MORE SAFEGUARDS AROUND THIS MONEY.

WE DEFINITELY WANT IT TO GO WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

BRIAN.

>> REPRESENTATIVE KNUDSEN OFTEN REFERS TO THE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY AS SOMEHOW CREATING SOME OF THE PROBLEMS AROUND THE FEED YOUR -- I STRUGGLE TO REMEMBER THE EXACT NAME.

FEEDING YOUR FUTURE.

THANK YOU.

THAT IS A NONPROFIT THAT WAS -- THAT HAD A LOT OF FRAUD INVOLVED WITH MEALS DURING THE PANDEMIC, AND NOW THERE'S -- I DON'T KNOW -- SOMETHING LIKE 30 PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH FELONIES AND BEEN CONVICTED OR PLED GUILTY.

THAT IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT IS BEING HANDLED BY THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, WHICH IS THE PROPER PLACE FOR FRAUD TO BE HANDLED.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION WILL COME FROM ROBIN.

>> Robin: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AROUND GREATER MINNESOTA HAVE BEEN PUTTING A LOT OF TIME INTO CANNABIS ORDINANCES AND LOOKING AT LOCAL WAYS TO IMPLEMENT NEW STATE LAWS REGARDING LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL CANNABIS AND REGULATING CANNABIS BUSINESSES.

WHAT ASPECTS OF THE STATE LEGISLATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE STATE RECONSIDER?

>> Moderator: BRIAN, YOU GET THIS ONE FIRST.

>> THIS IS AN AREA IN WHICH I AM NOT AN EXPERT AND HAVE VERY LITTLE EXPERIENCE.

I DON'T HAVE A LOT TO SAY ABOUT IT.

WHAT I WOULD SAY IS THAT I THINK THE LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS WAS A LONG TIME COMING.

I THINK TO CRIMINALIZE SOMETHING THAT IS SO COMMON AND ALSO SO OVER POLICED IN THE PAST IS IMPORTANT.

THAT'S ALL I GUESS I WILL SAY ABOUT THIS ONE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

BRIAN.

KRISTA.

>> THANK YOU.

YES, THIS WAS DEFINITELY A VERY DEBATED TOPIC MY FIRST YEAR IN THE LEGISLATURE.

LEGALIZING CANNABIS, THERE WERE SO MANY THINGS THAT WENT WRONG WITH THE WAY THAT THIS WAS IMPLEMENTED.

THEY LITERALLY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE.

THEY LEGALIZED IT AND STILL DON'T HAVE A HEAD FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO CONTROL THIS.

WE HAVEN'T CORRECTED THE BLACK MARKET, BECAUSE WE HAVE ONLY BOLSTERED THAT, AND NOW IT'S LEGAL TO SMOKE IT, BUT THERE'S NO PLACE TO BUY IT.

THERE WERE MANY THINGS THAT WE SHOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENT.

AS A MOM OF FOUR, I ALWAYS RUN THIS THROUGH THE FILTER OF WHAT WILL THIS DO TO OUR CHILDREN.

I DON'T THINK THAT WE NEED TO PUT THE GOVERNMENT STAMP OF APPROVAL ON ONE MORE ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE.

OUR KIDS ARE STRUGGLING A LOT RIGHT NOW WITH MENTAL HEALTH, WITH OTHER ADDICTIONS, WITH OTHER ISSUES.

TO ADD ONE MORE TO THE MIX, ONE MORE TEMPTATION FOR THEM, I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO DO THAT.

I AGREE THAT THE LEGALIZATION OR THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF CANNABIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.

WHEN THIS BILL WAS PASSED, THERE WERE ONLY 34 PEOPLE THAT WERE INCARCERATED IN STATE PRISONS WITH MARIJUANA CHARGES.

THOSE PEOPLE WERE NOT SOLELY THERE DUE TO MARIJUANA CHARGES.

THEY HAD OTHER ISSUES, WHICH IS WHY THEY WERE THERE.

I THINK THAT WE WERE ALREADY WORKING OUR WAY IN THAT DIRECTION, IN THAT DECRIMINALIZATION DIRECTION.

I'M NOT SURE THAT WE NEEDED TO GO FULL BLOWN LIKE WE DID, BUT HERE WE ARE, AND NOW WE HAVE A LOT OF -- OUR CITIES AND COUNTIES, WE HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS THAT ARE YET TO BE ANSWERED TO IMPLEMENT THIS SAFELY.

I WILL LEAVE IT THERE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

BRIAN, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> I'M GOOD.

>> Moderator: WE WILL MOVE ONTO THE NEXT QUESTION FROM DENNIS.

>> Dennis: MINNESOTA HAS LEGALIZED CANNABIS, BUT THE STATE HAS NOT LEGALIZED SPORTS BETTING.

IN MAY 2018 THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULED THAT STATES MAY PASS LAWS ALLOWING SPORTS BETTING.

SINCE THEN 38 STATES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HAVE LEGALIZED SPORTS BETTING.

WHAT'S YOUR STANCE ON LEGALIZING SPORTS BETTING IN MINNESOTA?

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT QUESTION.

THIS WAS A BIG TOPIC AROUND THE CAPITOL.

THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS -- AND THIS YEAR I WAS TOLD MULTIPLE TIMES IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT ULTIMATELY, IT DID NOT.

I LOOK AT THIS GAMBLING AS A MEANS OF FUN AND A PAST TIME AND IT'S FINE IN MY OPINION.

IT'S NOT A PROBLEM.

HOWEVER, IN EVERY STATE WHERE WE HAVE LEGALIZED SPORTS BETTING, THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN ADDICTIONS.

THERE'S BEEN AN INCREASE IN GAMBLING ADDICTION.

CURRENTLY WE ARE NOT EVEN ABLE TO TREAT ALL THE ADDICTION THAT WE HAVE, ESPECIALLY IN GREATER MINNESOTA RIGHT NOW.

SO ADDING THIS TO THAT, I'M NOT SURE IF WE ARE READY FOR THAT.

WE DEFINITELY HAVE TO HAVE MORE CONVERSATIONS SURROUNDING THAT.

ANOTHER THING THAT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE, THE BEGINNING OF 2025, A LOT OF OUR SMALLER NONPROFITS ARE LEGIONS, VFWS, LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAMS, SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS ARE GOING TO BE LOSING A BIG STREAM OF REVENUE FROM GETTING RID OF E PULL TABS.

THAT WAS DONE BECAUSE THE TRIBES HAD REQUESTED THAT.

THEY THOUGHT THAT THE E TABS WERE TOO SIMILAR TO SLOT MACHINES AT THEIR CASINOS, AND THEY DIDN'T WANT THAT COMPETITION.

SO THE LEGISLATURE PASSED THAT LAST YEAR.

NOW WITH THE SPORTS BETTING BILL AS IT WAS, ALL LICENSING WILL GO TO THE TRIBES.

I THINK WE HAVE TO HAVE MORE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THAT AS WELL.

I DON'T THINK THAT THIS BILL IS READY FOR PRIME TIME.

I THINK WE NEED TO HAVE SOME MORE SERIOUS DEBATE ABOUT THAT.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU, KRISTA.

BRIAN.

>> THIS IS A POINT OF WHICH I AGREE WITH, MS. KNUDSEN.

I DON'T LOVE THE IDEA OF HAVING SPORTS BETTING BEING LEGAL IN MINNESOTA.

THAT BEING SAID, REPRESENTATIVE KNUDSEN ALSO MENTIONED THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND I THINK THAT IS THE AREA THAT WE REALLY NEED TO FOCUS ON.

THE SPORTS BETTING IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT UNTIL WE HAVE THE ADDICTION TREATMENT, UNTIL WE HAVE THE ADDICTION RESPONSE AND THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS IN PLACE, I DON'T THINK WE CAN REALLY ADD, LIKE MS. KNUDSEN SAID, ANOTHER ADDICTIVE, POTENTIALLY TRAGICALLY ADDICTIVE PRACTICE HERE IN MINNESOTA.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> NO.

THANK YOU.

>> Moderator: WE WILL MOVE ONTO THE NEXT QUESTION FROM CHELSEY >> Chelsey: LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS ARE STRUGGLING.

WE SEE SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION FILLING THE GANS FOR MANY FOLKS WHEN IT COMES TO ISSUES HAPPENING IN THE STATE CAPITOL DOWN TO CITY HALL.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT STATE LEGISLATORS HAVE TO MITIGATE AND PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION AMONG THEIR CONSTITUENTS?

>> Moderator: BRIAN, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU.

>> I LIVE A LIFE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

THAT IS MY CORE VALUE, RESPONSIBILITY.

I MENTIONED IT SEVERAL TIMES IN MY OPENING WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE COME ACROSS.

I MAY NOT LOOK IT, BUT I AM JUST A LITTLE NERVOUS.

RESPONSIBILITY IS WHAT I DO.

I TEACH IT TO MY STUDENTS EVERY DAY.

I TELL THEM RESPONSIBILITY IS WHAT WE DO WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING, WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING US.

IF WE ARE RESPONSIBLE HUMANS, WE DO THE RIGHT THEY THINK.

MISINFORMATION, ESPECIALLY ON PURPOSE -- LIKE, EVERYBODY HAS IGNORANCE IN THEIR LIFE.

I DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING.

OF SOME THINGS, I AM IGNORANT, BUT TO SPREAD DISINFORMATION ON PURPOSE TO ME IS JUST NOT A RESPONSIBLE THING.

I LIVE A LIFE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

AS FAR AS LOCAL NEWS GOES, I LOVE READING THE PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE TWICE A WEEK BECAUSE I KNOW THAT WHAT I SEE THERE IS THE LOCAL NEWS, AND I TRUST THAT SOURCE.

I HAVE SEVERAL TRUSTED NEWS SOURCES THAT I GO TO ON A DAILY BASIS TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM AWARE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MY COMMUNITY, IN MY STATE AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND INDEED ACROSS THE WORLD.

I GUESS WHAT I WOULD SAY IS MY MAIN STRATEGY FOR COMBATING MISINFORMATION IS TO BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN AND MODEL THAT FOR EVERYBODY THAT I'M AROUND, INCLUDING MY STUDENTS, MY FRIENDS AND MY COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

THANK YOU.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

KRISTA.

>> THANK YOU, CHELSEY, FOR THE QUESTION.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP IN THE LEGISLATURE IN THE LAST COUPLE YEARS.

I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EVERYBODY HAS THEIR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO SAY WHATEVER THEY WANT TO SAY.

ONE OF MY BIGGEST CONCERNS WITH HAVING A MISINFORMATION CZAR OR SOMEBODY THAT'S OUT THERE PATROLLING INFORMATION, WHO IS INTERPRETING WHAT INFORMATION IS ACTUALLY MISINFORMATION?

I THINK THAT THAT'S A SLIPPERY SLOPE, AND I DON'T THINK THAT WE SHOULD GO THERE.

THE ISSUE THAT WAS AT THE LEGISLATURE THIS LAST YEAR WAS DEEP FAKES, WHICH IS AI GENERATED INDIVIDUAL YACHTS OR S DEPICTING SOMEONE ACTING IN A WAY THAT WE REALLY DIDN'T.

THAT, I THINK, IS SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT.

UNFORTUNATELY THE MAJORITY PARTY TIED A DEEP FAKE RELATED PORNOGRAPHY BILL WHERE PEOPLE ARE TAKING PEOPLE'S FACES AND DISSEMINATING IT AND USING IT FOR VERY, VERY DANGEROUS PURPOSES AND CREATING VICTIMS FROM THAT, AND THEY TIED IT WITH ANOTHER DEEP FAKE BILL THAT WAS RELATED TO POLITICS, ELECTIONS.

I DID VOTE IN FAVOR OF PUTTING CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCES TO THAT.

HOWEVER, NOW WE DO HAVE REPUBLICAN MEMBER OF THE HOUSE THAT HAS FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST THAT BILL IN AN ATTEMPT TO HOPEFULLY GET -- SAVE THE PART THAT PROTECTS WOMEN AND CHILDREN AND SOMETIMES MEN IN THAT PORNOGRAPHY SCENARIO AND GET RID OF THE OTHER PART OF THAT BILL.

KIND OF A COMPLEX SITUATION, AND JUST A QUICK SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.

BUT OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT GIVES US THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

I DON'T THINK THAT IT'S FAIR TO PUT A CZAR OF WHO DETERMINES WHAT TRUE INFORMS INFORMATION IS.

>> Moderator: BRIAN, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL.

>> WHERE I WOULD DIFFER FROM KNUDSEN SIGNIFICANTLY, EVERYBODY HAS A FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT, ABSOLUTELY.

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ASSOCIATING A CZAR FOR NIFS MISINFORMATION, WHICH IS NOT A THING, TO JUST FLAT OUT LIES.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY WHAT YOU WANT.

YOU DON'T HAVE A RIGHT FOR EVERYONE IN THE WORLD TO HEAR IT AND BELIEVE YOU.

FLAT OUT LIES ARE DIFFERENT THAN -- YOU HAVE A FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO LIE, ABSOLUTELY.

BUT NOT EVERYONE HAS TO HEAR IT, AND YOU DON'T GET TO BE FREE FROM THE CONSEQUENCES FOR LYING.

>> Moderator: KRISTA.

>> CORRECT.

WE ALREADY HAVE LAWS IN PLACE TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM SLANDER, HATE SPEECH AND ALL OF THOSE OTHER THINGS.

IF THIS WERE TO BE REGULATED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THEN THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE SOMEBODY THAT'S IN CHARGE OF MAKING THOSE DECISIONS ON WHAT IS MISINFORMATION AND WHAT ISN'T MISINFORMATION.

MAYBE THEIR TITLE WOULDN'T BE CZAR BUT THERE WOULD BE A GOVERNMENT APPOINTED BOARD.

I THINK IT'S A DANGEROUS SLOPE, AND I DO NOT THINK WE SHOULD GO THERE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

WE ARE GOING TO MOVE BEYOND THE QUESTION PORTION NOW, AND WE WILL FOCUS ON CLOSING COMMENTS.

KRISTA, YOU WILL GO FIRST WITH CLOSING COMMENTS.

YOU EACH HAVE TWO MINUTES.

>> THANK YOU AGAIN TO LAKELAND PUBLIC NEWS FOR HOSTING THIS.

THANK YOU TO BETHANY FOR BEING OUR HOST.

THANK YOU TO OUR PANELIST AND THANK YOU TO YOU, MR. HOBSON AND THANK YOU TO YOU, THE PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 5A.

IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE AS YOUR REPRESENT ANY OF IN ST. PAUL FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.

WE HAVE HEARD TWO DIFFERENT VIEWS ON HOW TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES PLAGUING OUR STATES.

WE ARE DEFINITELY AT A CROSSROADS.

IN THE LAST TWO YEARS THE DEMOCRAT TRIFECTA INCREASED TAXES AND FEES BY $10 BILLION, AND THEY GREW GOVERNMENT BY 40%.

THIS IS UNSUSTAINABLE.

THE PEOPLE OF OUR STATE ARE STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET EVERY SINGLE DAY.

WE NEED TO RETURN BALANCE TO MINNESOTA GOVERNMENT AND BRING COMMON SENSE BACK TO OUR STATE.

SOCIALIZING MORE IS NOT THE SOLUTION.

I BELIEVE IN EMPOWERING PARENTS, STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES BY LIMITING THE REACH OF GOVERNMENT CONTROL.

WHEN IT COMES TO GOVERNMENT, I BELIEVE THAT LESS IS MORE AND LOCAL CONTROL IS BEST.

WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR JOB CREATORS AND OUR AG PRODUCERS TO STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMY.

WE NEED TO FREE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND OUR SCHOOLS FROM UNNECESSARY BURDENSOME REGULATIONS AND MANDATES.

AND ALWAYS, WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AS THEY PUT THEIR LIVES IN HARM'S WAY EVERY DAY TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES.

VOTING SEASON IS UPON US.

EARLY VOTING STARTED ON SEPTEMBER 20th.

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY VOTED, PLEASE MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE.

IN 2022, THE CONTROL OF THE MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WAS DETERMINED BY LESS THAN 1600 VOTES.

EVERY VOTE MATTERS.

IF REELECTED ON NOVEMBER 5th, I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE FIGHT FOR THE GREAT PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 5A, AND I HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.

THANK YOU.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

BRIAN, CLOSING COMMENTS.

>> AGAIN, I'M BRIAN HOBSON.

I ALMOST SAID I'M MR. HOBSON.

BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I'M KNOWN BY EVERY DAY ALMOST EVERY DAY.

AS I TELL MY THIRD GRADERS, SO OFTEN I'M SURE THEY ARE HIRED OF HEARING IT, I SAY PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO WAIT -- TO WASTE, RATHER.

THAT MEANS WE HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

THAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY.

I AM PAYING ATTENTION TO THINGS THAT HOPEFULLY WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR FOLKS IN RURAL MINNESOTA AND HOUSE DISTRICT 5A.

AND IT MEANS I'M PAYING ATTENTION TO HOUSING, MAKING SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH, MAKING SURE IT'S AFFORDABLE AND AVAILABLE.

I'M PAYING ATTENTION TO RURAL HEALTHCARE, MAKING SURE IT'S AFFORDABLE AND AVAILABLE IN OUR SMALLER COMMUNITIES.

I'M PAYING ATTENTION TO OUR ENVIRONMENT, MAKING SURE WE PASS ON AN ENVIRONMENT TO OUR NEXT GENERATIONS THAT WE COULD ENJOY OURSELVES FOR THEM.

I AM PAYING ATTENTION TO LOWERING COSTS FOR FOLKS HERE IN RURAL MINNESOTA.

THOSE ARE ALL REALLY BIG JOBS.

THEY ARE NOT JOBS I CAN DO ALONE.

THEY ARE NOT JOBS THAT I HAVE ALL THE IDEAS TO FIX.

THEY ARE JOBS THAT REQUIRE A WHOLE BUNCH OF PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE COMPROMISING, FINDING COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS AS REPRESENTATIVE KNUDSEN MENTIONED EARLIER, COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS THAT WE CAN ALL AGREE ON.

YES, I GET IT, WE LIVE IN A TWO-PARTY SYSTEM.

SOMETIMES THAT'S REALLY HARD TO DEAL WITH, BUT IF WE WORK TOGETHER, INCLUDING FOLKS IN RURAL MINNESOTA, AND FOLKS FROM THE TWIN CITIES, INCLUDING FOLKS FROM THE REPUBLICAN SIDE OF THE AISLE AND THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE OF THE AISLE, WE CAN COME UP WITH REAL SOLUTIONS FOR FOLKS ALL ACROSS MINNESOTA.

THAT IS WHY I'M RUNNING FOR MINNESOTA HOUSE DISTRICT 5A TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS IMPORTANT, BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO WASTE.

I WANT TO THANK LAKELAND PUBLIC TELEVISION, PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE, DISPATCH AND MODERATOR THIS EVENING, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING ME AND FOR THE AMAZING QUESTIONS FROM YOU AND THE PEOPLE OF HOUSE DISTRICT 5A.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU BOTH FOR PARTICIPATING IN TONIGHT'S DEBATE.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTIONS.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

IF YOU MISSED ANY PORTION OF TONIGHT'S DEBATE OR WOULD LIKE TO WATCH IT AGAIN, IT WILL BE LABEL ON THE LAKELAND PBS WEBSITE AND PBS APP PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE IS THE AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER THAT COVERS HEARTLAND LEGOS AREA AND YOU CAN HEAR THE UP NORTH REPORT NEWSCAST ON 91.7 KAXE.

OTHER CHANNELS, INCLUDING A PODCAST APP.

YOU THINK FIND LOCAL NEWS AND ELECTION COVERAGE AT KAXE.ORG AND FOLLOW KAXE, KBXE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.

STAY TUNED A LITTLE BIT LONGER.

COMING UP QUICKLY AT 8:00 P.M. WE WILL HAVE THE HOUSE DISTRICT 7A DEBATE WITH REPRESENTATIVE SPENCER IGO AND CANDIDATE ARON SCHNASER.

THANK YOU ALL FOR WATCHING.

STAY TUNED.