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

LAKELAND PBS, THE BEMIDJI PIONEER, BRAINERD DISPATCH, PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE AND KAXE AND KBXE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT DEBATE NIGHT 2024.

LOOK AT OUR AREA OF LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES.

MODERATOR IS BETHANY WESLEY AND NOW MINNESOTA HOUSE DISTRICT 7A DEBATE.

>> Moderator: GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO THE SECOND NIGHT OF DEBATE NIGHT 2024 AT THE LAKELAND PBS STUDIO IN BEMIDJI.

I'M BETHANY WESLEY, MODERATOR FOR TONIGHT'S DEBATE.

WE ARE CONTINUING AN EXCITING WEEK OF DEBATES BY THE SECOND WEEK OF LEGISLATIVE DEBATES.

WE ARE COVERING TOPICS AND ISSUES IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITIES.

THERE ARE TWO CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 7A THAT WE WILL HEAR FROM TONIGHT.

CANDIDATES ARE REPRESENTATIVE SPENCER IGO FROM THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND ARON SCHNASER FROM THE DEMOCRATIC FARMER LABOR PARTY.

THAT WOULDN'T BE MUCH OF A DEBATE.

WE HAVE THREE PANELISTS ASKING QUESTIONS OF THE CANDIDATES.

DENNIS WEIMANN IS NEWS DIRECTOR OF LAKELAND PBS.

CHELSEY PERKINS IS DIRECTOR OF KAXE AND KBXE PUBLIC AREA, AND ROBIN FISH IS THE STAFF REPORTER FOR PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES.

THE PANEL WILL ASK OPENING QUESTIONS.

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

EACH WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL 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 DURING THE INITIAL ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OR DURING THE REBUTTAL.

QUESTIONS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL WE REACH THE R50 MINUTE MARK AT WHICH TIME WE WILL MOVE TO CLOSING COMMENTS.

CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES FOR CLOSING COMMENTS.

WE ARE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND GET STARTED WITH OPENING COMMENTS.

YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.

SPENCER, YOU WILL GO FIRST.

>> FANTASTIC.

THANK YOU TO THE LAKELAND CREW AND HAVING US THIS EVENING.

MY NAME IS SPENCER.

I'M RUNNING FOR REELECTION FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 7A.

IT'S AN ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE TO SERVE AS THE PEOPLE'S REPRESENTATIVE IN ST. PAUL SINCE 2020.

THIS IS THE END OF THE SECOND TERM.

IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LEADERSHIP IN THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS AND CHAIR OF THE IIIB BOARD.

IT'S BEEN AN ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE SERVING ON THAT BOARD.

SINCE BEING ELECTED TO SERVE IN ST. PAUL, THE ISSUES I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON ARE THE ISSUES THAT ARE HERE.

WHEN I GO DOOR TO DOOR AND HEAR FROM THE NEIGHBORS.

THOSE ISSUES ARE RISING COSTS, ENERGY PRICES, ISSUES ARE ENVIRONMENT, WORKING ON MAKING SURE WE HAVE PERMITTING REFORM, HOUSING, CHILD CARE.

THESE ARE ISSUES OF OUR DISTRICT IN-HOUSE DISTRICT 7A AND THOSE ARE THE THINGS I WENT TO WORK WORKING ON.

I DEVELOPED MYSELF BEING A LEADER IN ENERGY ISSUES.

SOME OF THOSE ISSUES I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IS BRINGING AN END TO THE NUCLEAR ENERGY MORATORIUM TO WE CAN DIVERSIFY ENERGY GRID AND HAVE AN ENERGY GRID SO WE DON'T HAVE RISKS OF BROWN-OUTS AND BLACK-OUTS AND KEEP ENERGY AFFORDABLE.

I WORK ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

A HUGE ISSUE FOR US HERE IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA AND THE IRON RANGES BECAUSE WE NEED TO HAVE A PERMITTING SYSTEM.

WHEN THE PROMISE LIKE THE HUBER WOODS PROJECT CAME TO ITASCA COUNTY ISN'T PUSHED AWAY BECAUSE OF PERMITTING AND LABOR REGARDS.

I AM DOING A LOT OF WORK ON BRIDGING THE POLITICAL DIVIDE.

ONE OF THE PROJECTS I'M PROUD OF GETTING DONE THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS WAS RECEIVING MONEY AND WORKING IN ENGINEERING TO FINISH THE TWO LANE IN ITASCA COUNTY.

IT DIDN'T COME FROM ANYTHING ELSE THAN BUILDING POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP.

THE CHAIR OF TRANSPORTATION ASKED ME ON THE DAY THE BILLS IS PASSED, SPENCER IS THIS BILL AN IMPORTANT ISSUE TO THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA?

IT REALLY IS.

CAN WE GET IT IN?

IT REALLY IS.

WHAT FOR?

IS THERE ANY BEGGING OR LEADING?

DO WE NEED TO MAKE A DEAL?

NO YOU ARE WORKING WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE CHAMBER AND SHOWING COMPROMISE.

IT'S A MODEL THAT WORKS, AND IT'S SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO.

AND WE LIVE IN THE ERA OF PARTNERSHIPS.

IT'S ESPECIALLY PREVALENT IN DISTRICT 7A WHERE WE HAVE AFTER OF MINNESOTA'S IRON RANGE.

AND WE HAVE COMMUNITIES OF HIBBING VERSUS GRAND RAPIDS, AND WE ARE PROVING THAT BY WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN GET THINGS DONE.

IF WE DON'T WORK TOGETHER, WE ARE GOING TO FAIL ALONE.

I'M ASKING ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR VOTE, TO CONTINUE BEING YOUR REPRESENTATIVE SO WE CAN WORK TO MAKE COMMUNITIES STRONGER, LIFT EVERYBODY UP AND REALLY WE WILL MAKE LIVES BETTER FOR ALL.

THANK YOU.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

ARON, OPENING COMMENTS, YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

THANK YOU TO LAKELAND, MODERATOR AND OUR PANELISTS.

HELLO, EVERYONE.

MY NAME IS ARON SCHNASER.

I'M THE DFL ENDORSED CANDIDATE FOR MINNESOTA HOUSE DISTRICT 7A.

AND I LIVE IN THE RURAL PART OF THE DISTRICT.

I'M A SCIENCE TEACHER AT GREENWAY HIGH SCHOOL.

I HAVE BEEN TEACHING OVER 13 YEARS, AND I'M AT MY TENTH YEAR AT GREENWAY.

I CHOSE IT BECAUSE A MEMBER OF THE MEMBER OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY I FEEL UNDERREPRESENTED.

MY GOAL AS A LEGISLATOR IS TO BRING A VOICE TO THOSE WHO FEEL THEY DON'T HAVE ONE.

TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, MY BACKGROUND IN SCIENCE WILL HELP ME MAKE EFFECTIVE DECISIONS BASED ON EVIDENCE AND DATA WHILE AVOIDING FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION.

I SUPPORT MINING.

I WANT TO USE THAT TO PROCESS IT RIGHT HERE INSTEAD OF SHIPPING IT ELSEWHERE.

WE CAN THEN USE THAT ORR TO BUILD IT FOR GREEN ECONOMY.

IT WILL BRING MORE BETTER PAYING UNION JOBS WHICH ARE VITAL FOR A HEALTHY ECONOMY.

WE NEED TO FULLY FUND OUR SCHOOLS SO THEY ARE LESS RELIANT ON PROPERTY TAXES THAT HURT WORKING PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES THE MOST.

THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION A STUDENT RECEIVES SHOULD NOT DEPEND ON ZIP CODE.

WE NEED MORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID SO THEY CAN PROVIDE THE SERVICES WE NEED LIKE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, HEALTHCARE AND GOOD ROADS.

FINALLY WE NEED TO PROTECT EVERYONE FROM BIGOTRY AND DISCRIMINATION REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL PARTY AND ESPECIALLY IN MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES.

GENDER AFFIRMING CARE, MAKE SURE IT'S PROTECTED.

THESE MEASURES WILL HELP US BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES AND WILL ALLOW MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A THRIVING ECONOMY.

THANK YOU.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

FIRST QUESTION WILL COME FROM ROBIN, AND ARON, YOU WILL ANSWER FIRST.

>> Robin: THIS PAST YEAR THE STATE LEGISLATURE DEALT WITH AN $18 BILLION BUDGET SURPLUS.

IF THE STATE RECEIVES ANOTHER TAX SURPLUS, WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE MONEY?

>> ADD AN EDUCATOR, I AM ALL FOR FUNDING OUR SCHOOLS AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE FULLY FUNDED.

THAT WOULD BE ONE OF MY BIGGEST PRIORITIES THAT WILL REDUCE THE BURDEN OF PROPERTY TAXES ON FAMILIES.

PEOPLE ARE LITERALLY GETTING TAXED OUT OF THEIR HOMES BECAUSE OUR SCHOOLS ARE TOO RELIANT ON PROPERTY TAXES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

OUR NOT BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE SERVICES WE NEED EITHER AND USE THAT MONEY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID AS WELL.

SO THEY CAN PROVIDE SERVICES LIKE MAKING SURE WE HAVE GOOD ROADS AND PROPERTY TAX THAT WAY, TOO.

WE NEED RELIEF FOR OUR PEOPLE.

SO COSTS ARE LOWERED.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER.

>> GREAT QUESTION.

THANK YOU FOR IT.

THE $18 MILLION SURPLUS WE SAW MOVE THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE ALONG WITH THE $10 BILLION IN INCREASED SPENDING WAS SOMETHING I DIDN'T THINK WE WOULD SEE IN MINNESOTA.

THAT MONEY WENT OUT THE DOOR, WENT TO FUND GREAT THINGS.

UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF IT HIT THE MARK.

WHEN WE ARE LOOKING AT THE LEGISLATURE NEXT YEAR, I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING IT CLOSELY TO SEE WHERE WE ARE GOING TO LAND.

WE ARE GOING TO PROBABLY BE IN A STRUCTURAL DEFICIT.

IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST I HAD WHEN MOVING THROUGH THE SURPLUS.

WE SHOULD HAVE FOUND BETTER WAYS TO RETURN IT TO THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA AND THE LITTLE BIT THAT WAS RETURNED WASN'T DONE APPROPRIATELY BY THE PARTY BECAUSE EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT GOT A CHECK BACK HAD TO PAY TAXES WHEN THEY PAID TOO MUCH IN TAXES.

MY OPPONENT MENTIONED EDUCATION, WE NEED TO FULLY FUND IT.

THE BILL WE HAD MOVED FORWARD AND CAME WITH 58 UNFUNDED MANDATES IN IT.

THESE ARE THINGS WE CAN'T BE DOING IF WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT.

IF THERE IS A SURPLUS, THE THING WE NEED TO FOCUS ON FIRST IS CUTTING TAXES AND PUTTING MORE MONEY IN PEOPLE'S POCKET.

WHEN THEY HAVE MORE MONEY, IT LIFTS EVERYBODY UP.

EVERYBODY PROSPERS.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE DIVERT FUNDING IN THE PROPER WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF CORE TENANTS OF GOVERNMENT AND IT'S NOT WITH BURDENSOME MANDATES AND REGULATIONS ESPECIALLY WHEN UNFUNDED.

WE NEED TO RETURN THE FAITH AND TRUST OF GOVERNMENT INTO MINNESOTANS BECAUSE NOW THEY SEEM TO HAVE LOST IT.

$18 BILLION IN SURPLUS THAT WAS SPENT AND 10 BILLION IN RAISED TAXES, THAT'S NOT THE KIND OF GOVERNMENT THEY WANT TO BELIEVE IN.

WE HAVE TO RETURN THE FAITH IN GOVERNMENT BY RETURNING MONEY TO THE PEOPLE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

ARON, DO YOU HAVE A REBUTTAL?

>> YEAH.

MY OPPONENT MENTIONED EDUCATION, UNFUNDED MANDATES.

AS A TEACHER, I FEEL LIKE I HAVE A LOT OF SAY AND EXPERIENCE WHERE THAT MONEY SHOULD BE GOING IN EDUCATION.

THAT IS ALSO ONE OF THE REASONS WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR ME TO RUN, TO MAKE SURE THAT FUNDING GOES TO THE MOST EFFECTIVE PLACES SO IT SERVES OUR SCHOOLS THE BEST.

ON TAXES, I WANT TAX BREAKS THAT BENEFIT EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE WEALTHY.

MY OPPONENT FAVORED A SOCIAL SECURITY TAX.

IF YOU ARE A SENIOR YOU ARE ONLY TAXED IF YOU MAKE ABOVE A CERTAIN MARGIN ON THAT SOCIAL SECURITY TAX.

WITH OUR MEDIAN INCOME AND OUR DISTRICT BEING FAR LESS THAN STATE AND LOCAL AVERAGES -- OR STATE AND NATIONAL AVERAGES, THAT'S NOT GOING TO BENEFIT EVERYONE.

YES, I WANT TO GIVE PEOPLE TAX BREAKS, BUT IT SHOULD BENEFIT EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE WEALTHY.

>> Moderator: SPENCER, REBUTTAL?

>> I WILL SAY WE NEED TO FULLY FUND EDUCATION.

BUT THE WAY TO DO IT PROPERLY IS NOT JUST WITH BURDENSOME MANDATES.

I WAS A COSPONSOR WITH A PLAN THAT CAME WITH ZERO UNFUNDED MANDATES.

THAT MONEY WOULD HAVE WENT DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOLS.

IN WORKING WITH SUPERINTENDENTS ACROSS THE DISTRICT, IF WE WOULD HAVE SEEN THE PROPOSAL PASS INSTEAD OF THE ONE THAT BECAME LAW, OUR SCHOOLS WOULDN'T BE FACED WITH BUDGET CRUNCHES THAT WE HAVE NOW.

WE CAN DO THIS THE RIGHT WAY.

WE CAN KEEP IT IN MIND AND MAKE SURE WE DO THINGS CORRECTLY.

>> THANK YOU.

>> OUR NEXT QUESTION THEN WILL COME FROM DENNIS.

>> Dennis: WELCOME TO YOU BOTH.

MINING CAN BE A CONTENTIOUS ISSUE IN MINNESOTA WITH A STRUGGLE TO FIND A BALANCE BETWEEN ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS.

WHAT CRITERIA WOULD YOU USE IN TAKING A SIDE IN A DISPUTE OVER A PROPOSED MINING PROJECT.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IN-HOUSE DISTRICT 7A.

INSIDE OUR DISTRICT RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE TWO ACTIVE TACONITE MINES WITH A PROPOSED COPPER NICKEL MINE.

THESE ARE HUGE ISSUES NOT TO JUST DISTRICT 7A OR THE IRON RANGE OR THE STATE OF MINNESOTA BUT THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY AND OUR WORLD.

WE HAVE THE BEST WORKFORCE, BEST LABOR WORKFORCE IN THE NATION THAT'S GOING TO MINE AND HARNESS THESE INDIVIDUALS.

I HAVE BEEN A PROPONENT OF WORKING WITH THE MEN AND LABOR ON THIS ISSUE.

ONE OF THE BUSY INTRODUCED ON THE FIRST DAY AS THE LEGISLATURE I SIGNED IN IS MAKE MINNESOTA A MINING FRIENDLY STATE.

I USED THAT BILL, THE RESOLUTION TO EDUCATE THE COLLEGE, JUST HOW IMPORTANT THIS REALLY IS.

THE IRON THAT WE HAVE IN OUR HILLS IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA IS WHAT WON WORLD WARS AND BUILT CITY SKYLINES AND MADE OUR COUNTRY WHAT IT IS.

NOW WE ARE FACED WITH FINDING MINERALS, LIKE COPPER, NICKEL AND MORE THAT'S GOING TO BE THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SAVE LIVES AND MAKE LIVES BETTER FOR PEOPLE.

WHEN I HAVE THIS CONVERSATION WITH PEOPLE, WE HAVE THE BEST WORKFORCE PROVEN TO DO THIS.

WE HAVE THE BEST ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS TO DO THIS.

WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT REALLY WANT TO DO IT.

IRON RANGERS AND THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA HAVE STEPPED UP TO THE CHALLENGE AND READY TO STEP UP TO THE NEXT CHALLENGE AND CONTINUE TO MOVE THE MINING PROJECTS FORWARD, BECAUSE IF WE DON'T MOVE IT FORWARD HERE, NOT ONLY IS OUR STATE BUT THE COUNTRY BECOMES ON THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICAN OF THE CONGO, OF RUSSIA, PLACES THAT DON'T HAVE LABOR REGULATIONS.

WE ARE SEEING PEOPLE OPPRESSED IN THE ENVIRONMENT DESTROYED.

FOR WHAT?

SO WE CAN LOSE RIGHT HERE AT HOME AND NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT WE HAVE UNDER OUR FEET.

WHEN IT COMES TO MINING, WE NEED TO ADVOCATE MINNESOTA IS THE BEST TO DO IT.

WE CAN PUT THE MEN AND WOMEN OF LABOR TO WORK AND PUT OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER AND MINNESOTA CAN BE THE HUB OF TOMORROW.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

ARON.

>> I WAS DOOR KNOCKING THE OTHER DAY.

I WAS TALKING TO SOMEONE WHO WAS SURPRISED THAT I WAS PUTTING MY NAME AS A DFL AND ENVIRONMENTALIST, AND YES, YOU CAN BE ALL THREE.

I SUPPORT MINING.

IT CAN PROTECT WATER RESOURCES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S A PLAN IN PLACE FOR PROTECTING WATER AND EXPANDING THESE MINES AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES.

WE NEED TO TEST FREQUENTLY TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE AREN'T ANY POLLUTANTS LEAKING OUT OF OUR MINES.

IF THERE ARE, HOLD THOSE RESPONSIBLE ACCOUNTABLE FOR CLEANING IT UP, THE MINING COMPANIES.

I SUPPORT MINING BECAUSE IT BRINGS GOOD UNION PAYING JOBS TO OUR DISTRICT THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT THAT'S GOING TO KEEP WEALTH IN OUR COMMUNITIES THAT'S GOING TO -- THAT WEALTH CAN BE USED IN OTHER AREAS OF OUR ECONOMY, TOO.

MY OPPONENT MENTIONED OUR IRON RESOURCES.

THOSE RESOURCES CAN BE USED FOR BUILDING IRON BATTERIES RIGHT HERE ON THE RANGE.

I FULLY SUPPORT MINING.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SUSPENDS ARE REBUTTAL.

>> I WILL SAY QUICKLY.

I THINK THIS IS AN ISSUE NOT ONLY IF YOU ARE A REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT IN-HOUSE DISTRICT 7A, WE SUPPORT MINING, AND WE ALWAYS WILL.

>> Moderator: ARON, REBUTTAL?

>> NO, I'M GOOD.

>> Moderator: NEXT QUESTION THEN WILL COME FROM CHELSEY.

>> Chelsey: RURAL AMBULANCE SERVICES RECEIVED $24 MILLION IN ONE-TIME EMERGENCY AID IN THE RECENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

IT'S WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS ONLY A BAND-AID AND THAT SYSTEMIC CHANGE IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT RURAL EMS.

WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU PROPOSE TO SUPPORT RURAL EMS FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE?

>> Moderator: THIS GOES TO YOU FIRST ARON.

>> WE NEED TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES BECAUSE THEY ARE IN DIRE NEED OF IT.

NOT ONLY THAT, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE OUR LOCAL HOSPITALS HAVE THE FUNDING THEY NEED TO PROVIDE SERVICES AS WELL, BECAUSE THEIR LACK OF FUNDING, THEY CAN'T ALWAYS PROVIDE SERVICES.

I MEAN, I THINK THE BIGFORK HOSPITAL NO LONGER PROVIDES CHILDBIRTHING SERVICES.

PEOPLE HAVE HAD BABIES ON 38 ON THE WAY TO GRAND RAPIDS HOSPITAL.

IT'S NOT JUST THE AMBULANCE SERVICES.

IT'S MAKING SURE OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HOSPITALS CAN PROVIDE THE SERVICES THEY NEED AND THAT ALSO REDUCES THE BURDEN ON AMBULANCES TO TRAVEL FAR DISTANCES FOR THOSE SERVICES AND CAN BRING PATIENTS TO THE HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

THIS REALLY IS A CRITICAL ISSUE.

WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT THE ISSUES GOES ON WITH NASHWAUK I WAS ON THE PHONE TRYING TO FIND SOLUTIONS.

THE SHORT TERM WE WERE ABLE TO GET A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY APPROPRIATED TO HELP.

IT WAS A BAND-AID.

WE WERE ADVOCATING FOR WAY MORE THAN WE GOT.

THAT WAS ACTUALLY A BIPARTISAN ISSUE, MOSTLY THE RANGE DELEGATION WORKING TOGETHER TO GET AS MUCH FUNDING.

THE EMS PROBLEM ISN'T SEEN IN THE METRO.

IT'S ONLY SEEN IN UPSTATE MINNESOTA BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES WE HAVE.

WE LOOK AT SERVICE AREAS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES, THEY ARE GIGANTIC, AND THEY ARE LARGER THAN SOME OF THE COUNTIES REPRESENTED IN THE METRO AREA.

ONE OF THE APPROACHES IS FIRST WE NEED TO BRING ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS TO THE TABLE.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT HOW IS A SERVICE AREA IN ITASCA COUNTY DIFFERENT.

ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS WE NEED TO WORK ON IS FIND A WAY TO ADVOCATE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS WE LOSE MONEY IN EMS IS DUE TO MEDICAID, MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENTS.

THEY HAVEN'T BEEN TOUCHED IN DECADES.

WHEN WE DO A PICK OI UP AND THEY PAY, WE ARE NOT SEEING AMBULANCE SERVICES RECEIVE ENOUGH FUNDING TO MAKE UP FOR WHAT THEY JUST DID.

WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING SURE THEY ARE FULLY FUNDED, IT'S GOING TO BE A COMBINATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LOOKING INTO THIS.

THERE'S BEEN TALK OF SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICTS, AND THAT'S ALWAYS A TOUGH THING TO TALK ABOUT, ESPECIALLY AT A TIME WHEN WE TALK ABOUT COUNTIES UP HERE SEEING THE HIGHEST PROPERTY TAX INCREASES IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S THE OPTION.

BUT I KNOW WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT WAYS RIGHT NOW TO FIND A SOLUTION.

WE CAN'T KEEP KICKING THE CAN.

IF YOU TALK TO SOMEBODY IN PUBLIC SAFETY, THIS ISSUE IS A LONG TIME COMING, AND IT FINALLY CAME OUT NOW.

AND IN CLOSING WITH THE SURPLUS WE HAD, WE SHOULD HAVE FULLY FUNDED THEM ANDICS IFED AND FIO GIVE SOME TIME WE WILL WE WORK ON ANOTHER ISSUE.

>> I DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE SPENT THE $18 MILLION SURPLUS DIFFERENT IF I WERE IN OFFICE, BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE SURE COMMUNITIES GET IT.

THEN THEY CAN REDUCE OVER TAX BURDENS AS WELL.

AND THE AMBULANCE SERVICE IS A GREAT EXAMPLE THAT GO ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE LIKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE IN GENERAL.

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

>> Robin: THIS PAST APRIL CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST A MEMBER OF THE SLOWLY DIVIDED STATE SENATE CREATED SOMETHING OF A POLITICAL CRISIS.

IN THE CONTEXT OF THE HOUSE, HOW WOULD YOU PRIORITIZE PARTY INTERESTS VERSUS ACCOUNTABILITY?

>> AS I SAID IN MY OPENING COMMENTS, AND THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

WE NEED TO RETURN FAITH IN GOVERNMENT.

WHAT WE SAW IN APRIL THAT HAPPENED IN THE SENATE, PEOPLE ARE SO DISHEARTENED IN STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

WHEN YOU SEE THINGS LIKE THAT.

AND NO CHARGE UNTIL THE DAY AFTER THE SESSION GAVELED OUT AND WENT SINE DIE.

I KNOW IF FACED WITH CERTAIN THINGS, I WOULD STAND ON ACCOUNTABILITY IN TRANSPARENCY BECAUSE WITHOUT FAITH AND TRUST IN GOVERNMENT, THIS THAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS ESTABLISHED 50 YEARS AGO DOESN'T EXIST.

IT'S OUR JOB AS LEGISLATORS, AND I TAKE IT VERY SERIOUSLY AS THE PEOPLE'S REPRESENTATIVE THAT WE NEED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE, WE NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT AND DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY OF EACH OTHER.

THAT'S WHY I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WATCHING THIS AT HOME, THIS IS WHY WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO BE IN TOUCH WITH LEGISLATORS.

THAT'S WHAT I HAVE BEEN STRONG ABOUT SINCE ELECTED.

I HAVE WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS IN ST. PAUL.

THAT'S HOW WE KEEP ACCOUNTABLE.

YOU KEEP THE LEGISLATURE A PART OF THE PEOPLE SO THERE ISN'T THIS SEPARATION.

WHAT WE HAD IN APRIL THAT CAUSED A BUNCH OF ISSUES DOWN IN ST. PAUL AND EVEN MORE POLITICS AND NOT SOLUTIONS DOESN'T HAPPEN ANYMORE.

I GUESS THAT'S A ROUND ABOUT WAY OF SAYING WE CAN'T ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE.

WE NEED TO STAND UP FOR MINNESOTANS AND BE ACCOUNTABLE TO OURSELVES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY TO OUR GOVERNMENT.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

ARON.

>> I FULLY AGREE THAT WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY OF GOVERNMENT AND OUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

AT THE SAME TIME OUR CONSTITUTION SAYS YOU ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ALL THE FACTS AND ALL THE EVIDENCE BEFORE MAKING JUDGMENTS.

IN TERMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTED OFFICIALS, PHOTOS OF WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE, SO IT'S UP TO US OR THE ELECTED OFFICIALS TO MAKE THEIR CASE AND DEFEND THEMSELVES AND EXPLAIN WHY THEY DESERVE TO BE STAYING IN OFFICE AND CONTINUE SERVING THEIR ROLE.

AND THAT GOES FOR BOTH PARTIES.

UNFORTUNATELY THERE ARE MEMBERS OF BOTH PARTIES WHERE THAT IS THE CASE WHERE THERE HAS BEEN SOME ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND THEY SHOULD BE CALLED OUT ON, AND WE SHOULD AVOID JUDGING THEM PREMATURELY WITHOUT FULLY HAVING THE EVIDENCE FIRST.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER, REBUTTAL.

>> I AGREE WITH MY OPPONENT.

OBVIOUSLY UNDER OUR CONSTITUTION AND THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT IS DESIGNED, YOU ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

BUT WHEN YOU TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE AND RUN FOR ELECTED OFFICE AND SAY TO YOUR PEOPLE I'M GOING TO BE A PERSON OF MORALS AND VALUES AND REPRESENT YOU, WHEN YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A SITUATION LIKE THAT WHERE WE ARE TALKING FELONY CRIMES, OUT OF RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE THE YOU REPRESENT YOU SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM THOSE VOTES.

EVEN IN THE SENATE RULES, LIKE WE HAVE IN THE HOUSE RULES, WE HAVE RULES TO UPHOLD OURSELVES YOU NEED TO BE UPHELD FOR THE MORALS AND RESPECT OF THE CHAMBER.

IN PARTICIPATING OF THAT STUFF, YOU ACTUALLY TARNISH OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF WHICH YOU SIT.

WHEN YOU TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE AND SAY I WANT TO BE AN ELECTED VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE YOU PUT YOURSELF A NEW SET OF RULES AND BE BEHOLDEN OF THEM SO WE CAN KEEP THE FAITH IN TRUSTING GOVERNMENT.

>> Moderator: OKAY.

ARON, REBUTTAL.

>> I WILL SAY THAT THE CHAMBER BODIES, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT FAITH ON ALL LEVELS IS PUT IN THAT SYSTEM WHERE WE DO HOLD ONE ANOTHER ACCOUNTABLE, AND THAT GOES FOR BOTH PARTIES, AND WE CAN'T JUST PICK ON ONE PARTY WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING WRONG.

REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENS IN OUR OWN PARTIES AS WELL.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION WILL COME FROM DENNIS.

>> Dennis: WE HAVE BEEN ASKING VIEWERS TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS TO US.

WE HAVE GOT QUITE A FEW.

I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO ONE OF THOSE RIGHT NOW.

THIS QUESTION READS LAST SESSION IN MINNESOTA A BILL WAS INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO REDUCE THE COST OF CHILD CARE FOR FAMILIES SIGNIFICANTLY.

THE GREAT START AFFORDABILITY SCHOLARSHIP BILL WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO UP TO 85% OF FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ACCORDING TO THIS QUESTION.

FAMILIES WOULD APPLY THE STATE SEND FUNDING TO THAT FAMILY DIRECTLY TO A CHILD CARE PROVIDER AND FAMILIES WOULD SEE A REDUCTION OF THEIR CHILD CARE BILL.

WOULD YOU SUPPORT THIS BILL IF YOU WERE IN OFFICE?

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS HOW TO REDUCE THE COST OF CHILD CARE FOR FAMILIES?

>> Moderator: ARON, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU FIRST.

>> ON FACE VALUE FROM WHAT I HEARD FROM THE QUESTION, IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING I COULD SUPPORT.

I WOULD DEFINITELY NEED TO LOOK INTO THAT MORE.

BUT I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT THE COST OF CHILD CARE IS A HUGE CONCERN ACROSS GREATER MINNESOTA FOR FAMILIES.

UNFORTUNATELY WHEN WE HAVE A WOMAN HAS A CHILD, SHE IS TAKEN OUT OF THE WORKFORCE BECAUSE SHE CAN'T AFFORD THAT CHILD CARE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE SO WOMEN AREN'T DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, BECAUSE THAT RESPONSIBILITY UNFORTUNATELY FALLS PRIMARILY ON WOMEN MORE THAN MEN.

IT'S ESSENTIAL THAT THEY HAVE THE AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE AS WELL SO THEY CAN PARTICIPATE.

WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OUT OF THE WORKFORCE, IT REDUCES OUR TAX BASE AS WELL.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

THIS IS A PRESSING ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IN-HOUSE DISTRICT 7A.

WHEN IT COMES TO THIS BILL, ON PAPER IT SOUNDS LIKE A FANTASTIC IDEA.

BUT WHEN YOU PEEL BACK THE LAYERS AND LOOK AT WHAT IT'S DOING, IT'S TAKING TAX DOLLARS AND REAPPROPRIATING THEM OUT TO PEOPLE.

IT'S NOT ACTUALLY SOLVING THE PROBLEM BUT PUTTING MORE MONEY TO HELP FUND IT.

SOLUTIONS I'M WORKING ON IT ARE WAYS TO BRING BACK CHILD CARE OPTIONS.

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD DAY CARE OR THE STAY AT HOME MOM OR ARE THE GRANDPARENT THAT WATCHED THREE OR FOUR OF THE NEIGHBOR KIDS TOGETHER AND THEY GREW UP TOGETHER.

THE REASON THOSE ARE DISAPPEARING IS BURDENSOME MANDATES AND REGULATIONS.

I'M NOT ADVOCATING TO GET RID OF THOSE.

BUT BECAUSE WE MADE IT SO HARD FOR A CHILD CARE PROVIDER TO POP UP AND LOOK AFTER 3 OR 4 CHILDREN, WE ARE SEEING A SHORTAGE.

BECAUSE WE ARE SEEING A SHORTAGE, WE ARE SEEING CENTERS POPPED UP TO HELP THE BURDEN BUT THE PROBLEM IS THERE'S SO MUCH DEMAND FOR THE PROVIDERS THAT THE COSTS HAVE SKYROCKETED.

IF WE WANT TO GET AT THE ISSUE OF CHILD CARE, WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO INSPIRE ENTREPRENEURS OR THE STAY AT HOME PARENT OR GRANDPARENT TO REENTER THE MARKET AS A CHILD CARE PROVIDER SO COMMUNITIES CAN TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER.

IT'S WHAT MAKES OUR COMMUNITIES IN-HOUSE DISTRICT 7A SO GREAT.

THAT'S THE BACKBONE WHO WE ARE.

CHILDREN GREW UP ON NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCKS AND STREETS WITH LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD PROVIDERS.

THOSE ARE GOING AWAY AT WAY TOO FAST OF A RATE.

THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO GET AT FIXING RATHER THAN TALKING ABOUT HANDING OUT MONEY FROM THE TAXPAYERS.

IT'S AN EASY FIX.

BUT I THINK IT'S BETTER THAT WE GET TO THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE, FIX IT AND MAKE A SOLUTION THAT'S GOING TO HELP US ALL IN THE LONG-TERM.

>> Moderator: REBUTTAL.

>> IN TERMS OF STAY AT HOME MOMS HAVING PROVIDED DAY CARE, WOMEN WANT CAREERS NOW.

THEY WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORKFORCE LIKE MEN DO.

I THINK THAT'S ALSO PART OF THE REASON WHY THAT SUPPORT HAS GONE AWAY, AND THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER.

THEN OUR NEXT QUESTION WILL COME FROM CHELSEY.

>> Chelsey: MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY IS CURRENTLY OVERSEEING A GRANT PROGRAM TO ASSIST LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITH BOLSTERING THEIR CLIMATE RILDZ.

RESILIENCY.

WHAT OTHER STEPS SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE DO IN ORDER TO IMPROVE CLIENT RESILIENCY IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA?

>> THANK FOR THE QUESTION.

THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON CLOSELY THE LAST COUPLE YEARS IN THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEN IT COMES TO CLIMATE RESILIENCY, THE ISSUES THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH IT HAVE BEEN THAT WE ARE CREATING LOTS OF HOOPS AND HURDLES FOR COMMUNITIES TO GO THROUGH THAT DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE THE FUNDS TO GO THROUGH IT.

THERE'S A GRANT PROCEDURE NOW WHERE COMMUNITIES CAN APPLY AND GET FUNDS, BUT HERE IS THE DARK SIDE OF THE ISSUE, IF YOU WILL, IS THAT TO GET THESE FUNDS, WE ARE SEEING OUR SMALL COMMUNITIES HAVE TO HIRE CONSULTANTS WHICH EAT UP PART OF THAT GRANT BUT THEN TELL THEM HOW MUCH MONEY THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND AND THEN THESE COMMUNITIES USUALLY DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO EVEN DO IT.

THE WAY I LOOK AT IT INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON PREPARING PLANS, THESE SAME COMMUNITIES LOOKING FOR THE PLANS ARE PROBABLY LOOKING TO THE WATER TREATMENT CENTERS AND PROBABLY TRYING TO FIX THEIR WATER TOWERS.

THESE ARE THE THINGS WE SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON.

BECAUSE WHEN WE IMPLEMENT NEW TECHNOLOGY, ESPECIALLY TO THE DISTRICTS THAT EXIST IN-HOUSE DISTRICT 7A, THAT IS GOING TO MAKE YOU MORE RESILIENT TO ANY KIND OF CLIMATE TYPE ISSUES.

AGING INFRASTRUCTURE IS THE BIGGEST THING WE FACE.

MAKING SURE THOSE DOLLARS GO TO OUR COMMUNITIES THAT NEED THEM RIGHT NOW RATHER THAN GET PUSHED INTO A BACKLOG OF MPCA RULES AND GRANT PROCESSES THAT COULD TAKE YEARS FOR THE MONEY TO GET TO THEM AND WHEN IT DOES GET TO THEM IT WILL BE TOO LITTLE TOO LATE, WE NEED TO RESTRUCTURE THEM AND GET MONEY OUT TO THEM NOW FOR THOSE DRINKING BOTTLED WATER AND POTENTIALLY TAP WATER.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU ARON.

>> THIS IS WHY WE NEED A LARGE INCREASE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID BECAUSE IT HASN'T KEPT UP WITH INFLATION AND RISING COSTS.

BECAUSE OUR COMMUNITIES CAN'T AFFORD TO UPGRADE ITS WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

YES, WE NEED MORE INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE NEED MORE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, AND WE NEED TO MOVE AWAY FROM CARBON SOURCE ENERGY AS WELL.

WE NEED TO MINE TO HAVE THOSE MATERIALS FOR THE COPPER, THE IRON, EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR SOLAR PANELS AND BATTERIES AND TURBINES.

WE NEED TO UPGRADE OUR PERMITS SO WE CAN BUILD THE POWERLINES TO CARRY IT EVERYWHERE IT GOES, AND IT REQUIRES PERMITTING REFORM AS WELL.

THANK YOU.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER, REBUTTAL.

>> I WILL MENTION A FEW THINGS.

ENERGY WAS KIND OF BROUGHT UP THERE IN THE RESPONSE.

I WANT TO SAY IT IS SO IMPORTANT WE HAVE DIVERSE ALL THE ABOVE APPROACH.

IT MEANS EVERYTHING FROM WIND AND SOLAR AND BATTERIES.

IT DOES MEAN NUCLEAR, AND GAS, AND COAL, AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE AND KEEP ALL OF THESE THINGS IN PLACE TO OUR COMMUNITIES CAN HAVE AFFORDABLE POWER, BECAUSE THAT'S DIRECTLY TIED TO THE MINING INDUSTRY.

IF WE DON'T HAVE AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE POWER, IT'S A DIRECT COST INHIBITOR TO THE MINES, AND IF THE MINES DON'T HAVE AFFORDABLE IT AFFECTS OUR COMMUNITIES, AND AFFECTS OUR TAX BASE AND BEING ABLE TO PAY FOR THINGS AND GET THINGS DONE.

TO GET BACK TO THE QUESTION AND THE MPCA GRANTS, IT SHOULD BE GOING OUT TO THE COMMUNITIES WITH WATER, INFRASTRUCTURE AND RATHER THAN CREATING NEW ISSUES FOR THEM TO ADDRESS WHEN THEY DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DO SO.

>> Moderator: ARON.

>> WE HAVE TO MOVE AWAY FROM CARBON BECAUSE THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ARE REAL, AND THEY ARE GOING TO AFFECT MINNESOTA AS WELL, AND WE DO HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO DO SO.

WE JUST NEED TO BUILD IT.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA MOVED AWAY FROM COAL.

THEY SHUT DOWN ALL THEIR COAL POWER PLANTS AND REPLACED THEM WITH SOLAR POWER PLANTS, AND NOW THEY ARE OFFERING CHEAPER ELECTRICITY.

THE UK JUST CLOSED ITS LAST COAL FIRE PLANTS, SO IT CAN BE DONE.

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY LIKES TO CALL IT A BLACKOUT BILL, THE 2040 BILL, AND THAT IS JUST FALSE INFORMATION.

WE CAN SUPPORT OUR MINING INDUSTRY, BECAUSE WE DO NEED TO MINE THOSE MATERIALS AS WELL.

AND I WOULD RATHER DO THAT THAN CONTINUE TO MINE FOR PETROLEUM AND COAL WHERE WE ARE CONTINUOUSLY HAVING TO MINE TO PROVIDE THOSE SOURCES OF POWER.

>> Moderator: THANK.

OUR NEXT QUESTION THEN WILL COME FROM ROBIN.

>> Robin: JANUARY 1, 2025 IS GO TIME FOR THE STATE'S REGULATION OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD MOVE FORWARD ON PREPARING FOR THAT DEADLINE?

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

>> I THINK WE SHOULD MAKE SURE THE INVOLVED COMMUNITIES AS MUCH AT POSSIBLE.

I BELIEVE IN COMMUNITY BASE APPROACH ON UP RATHER THAN A TOP DOWN APPROACH.

SO IT'S ALL DEALT WITH LISTENING TO OUR COMMUNITIES, WHAT SUPPORTS THEY NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE RESOURCES THEY NEED NOT ONLY TO DISTRIBUTE IT, BUT TO MAKE SURE THERE'S LAW ENFORCEMENT, THERE'S MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, EVERYTHING WE NEED AND IT'S JUST ABOUT LISTENING TO OUR LOCAL LEADERS, OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO DO THAT.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

>> WHEN IT COMES TO JANUARY 1st WITH MARIJUANA HITTING THE BOOKS, I THINK WE WILL BE FACING LARGER ISSUES.

THERE'S NOT A LICENSE ISSUED FOR ANY OF OUR GROWING OPERATIONS OR DISPENSARIES, AND WE ARE JUST A FEW MONTHS OUT FROM HITTING THE JANUARY 1st DATE.

WE HAVE A BIG CHALLENGE, IN FRONT OF US.

WHEN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA DECIDED TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA, WE ACCEPT AMONG OURSELVES WE WOULD CREATE A WELL REGULATED MARKET THAT'S SAFE FOR MINNESOTA ANSWER, AND RIGHT NOW THERE'S QUESTIONS ON THAT.

I THINK WHEN THE LEGISLATURE RETURNS IN JANUARY THE WORK IS GOING TO BE LET'S FIX THOSE THINGS, LET'S GET THE POLITICS OUT OF THE WAY AND MAKE SURE WE CAN MAKE IT A WELL, SAFE AND REGULATED MARKET.

SO WE CAN HAVE A BUSINESS ECONOMY AROUND IT THAT THRIVES AND KEEP OUR VULNERABLE PEOPLE SAFE.

WE ACCEPT THAT SAME BURDEN WHEN WE HAVE TOBACCO IN OUR GAS STATIONS AND BEER AND WINE AND LIQUOR IN OUR LIQUOR STORES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE DO THIS CORRECTLY, AND RIGHT NOW YOU HAVE PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PRO LEGALIZATION COMMUNITY THAT ARE LOOKING AT THE STATUTES THAT ARE PUT INTO MINNESOTA'S LAW THING, AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE BIG ISSUES, AND THIS ISN'T GOING TO WORK.

AND I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR AND WORK WITH BOTH OF THEM.

WHEN WE GET BACK DOWN THERE JANUARY 1st I WOULD LOVE TO BE A PART OF THE COMMUNICATION.

WE MADE THE CHOICE TO DO IT.

AND WE HAVE A DUTY TO OURSELVES AND A DUTY TO THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA TO MAKE SURE IT'S A SAFE AND WELL REGULATED MARKET THAT DOES A GOOD JOB TO THE PEOPLE AND DOESN'T TURN INTO A DEBACLE THAT CAUSES TAX LOSSES AND HARMS AND POTENTIALLY THREATENS THE VULNERABLE.

>> Moderator: ARON, REBUTTAL?

>> I'M GOOD.

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

>> Dennis: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE BEST APPROACH TO CURBING GUN VIOLENCE IN THE STATE?

>> Moderator: SPENCER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

THIS IS ONE I STARTED WORK ON HERE, NOT THE LAST SESSION BUT THE SESSION BEFORE.

I INTRODUCED THE BILLS CALLED THE SAFER PACKAGE.

THE FIRST THING THAT IT DID WAS GOING TO BE MAKE SURE AND FUND OUR COUNTY ATTORNEYS THAT ARE FACING DEFICITS IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS.

IT WAS GOING TO GIVE DOLLARS TO OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING TO HELP THEM GET THE HEALTH THROUGH ALL THIS.

IT'S GOING TO OFFER AND WORK WITH THE DNR TO BRING FIREARMS.

IT'S GOING TO BRING ALL OF THESE THINGS TOGETHER IN A PACKAGE THAT SAID MINNESOTA IS A STATE THAT WE REALLY VALUE OUR GUN RIGHTS.

IT'S THE SECOND RIGHT OF OUR COUNTRY.

BUT THAT ONLY WORKS WHEN YOU HAVE A WELL EDUCATED GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT RESPECT WHAT FIREARMS ARE.

THE PLAN I WAS WORKING ON, LET'S BRING IN RESPECT FOR LIFE, EDUCATION FOR FIREARMS, AND FIND A WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE REALIZE THESE ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CONSTITUTION, IMPORTANT PART OF THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY AND IMPORTANT PART OF MINNESOTA CULTURE.

IT'S HOW WE ARE GOING TO CURB GUN VIOLENCE AND SUPPORT OUR ATTORNEYS AND COUNTIES SO WE CAN PROSECUTE WHEN GUN CRIMES HAPPEN SO WE DON'T SEE REPEAT OFFENDERS, AND WE ALSO SEE THERE'S MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING FOR NOT ONLY LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT THE ONLY PART OF THE BILL WAS CREATE BEHAVIOR.

THERE'S A FANTASTIC ONE RIGHT HERE IN BEMIDJI THAT WE NEED TO REPLICATE ACROSS THE STATE BECAUSE WE ARE IN DIRE NEED FOR THEM.

IF WE COULD HAVE MORE BEHAVIORAL MENTAL HEALTH, RESPECT FOR LIFE TRAINING, AND WE COULD HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIREARM EDUCATION AND FUND OUR COUNTY ATTORNEYS, BUT I THINK ALL OF THAT COULD CURB THE GUN VIOLENCE AND PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF BUT ALSO RESPECTING OUR SECOND AMENDMENT GUN RIGHTS.

>> Moderator: ARON?

>> WHEN IT COMES TO GUN VIOLENCE, WHEN PEOPLE ARE HAPPY AND GETTING THE THINGS THEY NEED, THAT GREATLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF GUN VIOLENCE.

YES, WE SHOULD MAKE SURE WE SUPPORT OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS AND CONTROLLED LEGISLATION THAT MAKES SENSE, AND NOT ALL OF IT, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE EFFECTIVE AND ENFORCEABLE SUCH AS MAKING SURE THOSE WHO COMMIT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, 60% OF GUN VIOLENCE ARE DOMESTIC ABUSE OFFENDERS.

MAKING SURE WE HAVE TOUGH REGULATIONS OR LAWS PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM THAT.

ULTIMATELY WE NEED A MORE PROACTIVE APPROACH, MAKING SURE PEOPLE HAVE GOOD SCHOOLS TO GO TO WHERE THEY ARE SAFE AND HAPPY AND GETTING THEIR NEEDS TAKEN CARE OF, AND YES, MAKING SURE THEY HAVE GOOD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND MAKING SURE THAT THEY ARE EARNING ENOUGH AND NOT JUST SCRAPING BY AS WELL.

I THINK IF WE DO ALL OF THESE THINGS AND MAKING SURE PEOPLE HAVE THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT THEY NEED, THAT'S HOW WE OUGHT TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE.

THAT AGAIN REQUIRES COMMUNITY'S FUNDING.

UNFORTUNATELY REPUBLICAN COMMUNITIES THAT DON'T DO THAT WHERE PEOPLE ARE JUST SCRAPING BY, THAT'S WHERE GUN CRIMES HAPPEN.

ACCORDING TO DC DATA, THE TOP 50 COUNTIES FOR GUN RELATED CRIMES, 48 OF THOSE TOP 50 COUNTIES WERE IN REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED STATES.

>> Moderator: SPENCER.

>> I WILL SAY WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE, WE SHOULDN'T MAKE IT A PARTISAN ISSUE.

I THINK THE THING WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT, AND THE POINT I GOT THERE, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PROSECUTING CRIMINALS.

IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WE AS MINNESOTA ANSWER ARE SEEING WHEN WE WATCH NIGHTLY NEWS AND SEE ANOTHER SHOOTING IN ONE OF OUR MAJOR CITIES, AND YOU HEAR A REPORT THAT THIS ISN'T A FIRST TIME OFFENDER, SECOND TIME OFFENDER OR THIRD TIME OFFENDER.

WHY IS IT BEING LET OUT IN THE STREETS?

THEY NEED MENTAL SUPPORT OR BE INCARCERATED AND DO TIME FOR THE CRIMES THEY ARE COMMITTING.

THAT'S WHERE THE GUN VIOLENCE IS COMING FROM.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE DATA EVEN MORE, A LOT OF THE GUN VIOLENCE WE SEE IS DONE BY REPEAT OFFENDERS THAT IF STRONGER GUN LAWS WERE IN EFFECT THEY ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE LAW ANYWAY.

AND HAVING STRONG COUNTY ATTORNEYS AND PROSECUTORS THAT PUT THE PEOPLE THAT ARE COMMITTING CRIMES AWAY AND GET THEM OFF OUR STREETS.

>> Moderator: ARON.

>> I AGREE.

IT SHOULDN'T BE A PARTISAN ISSUE.

MY POINT IN BRINGING UP COUNTIES IS BECAUSE REPUBLICANS LIKE TO FOCUS ON MAJOR CITIES.

OF COURSE THERE'S MORE GUN CRIMES IN NUMBERS, BUT IN PER CAPITA NUMBERS, GUN DEATHS PER 100,000, THOSE AREN'T BIG CITIES.

MINNEAPOLIS, CHICAGO, IF YOU LOOK AT COUNTY DATA, THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO BE LOOKING AT, NOT JUST MAJOR CITIES, BECAUSE THAT INCLUDES EVERYBODY.

IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT'S EFFECTIVE, REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED COUNTIES AND REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED STATES, THAT'S WHERE THE GUN VIOLENCE IS HAPPENING.

THAT'S THE PROBLEM.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

WE WILL MOVE ON FOR ONE LAST QUESTION FROM CHELSEY.

>> Chelsey: WITH THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION ON ROE V. WADE, WE SAW TRIGGER LAWS GO INTO EFFECT IN MANY STATES IN THE UNITED STATES.

MINNESOTA IS NOT ONE OF THOSE PLACES, BUT IN THE LEGISLATURE, WHAT WOULD YOUR POSITION BE ON REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM IN THE STATE?

>> Moderator: ARON.

>> THOSE DECISIONS SHOULD BE BETWEEN WOMEN AND THEIR MEDICAL PROVIDERS.

WHEN POLITICIANS GET INVOLVED IN USURPING THOSE DECISIONS, WE CAN SEE THE EFFECTS OF THOSE DECISIONS.

WOMEN LIKE AMANDA IN TEXAS ARE GETTING SEPSIS BECAUSE THEY ARE DENIED ABORTION CARE THEY NEED UNTIL THEY ARE IN LIFE CRITICAL CONDITION.

SOME HAVE EVEN DIED BECAUSE OF IT.

AND NOT ONLY THAT, WHEN WOMEN HAVE CHILDREN, THEY NEED TIME TO HEAL.

THEY NEED TIME TO BE ABLE TO HAVE CHILD CARE TO BE ABLE TO GO BACK TO WORK AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ECONOMY.

THAT DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTS THEM.

IN SCHOOLS WHERE I WORK THEY HAVE TO USE SICK TIME TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILD WHERE MEN DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO USE SICK TIME.

WE NEED TO MAKE THAT WHOLE PROCESS MORE EQUITABLE AND SUPPORT ALTERNATIVES AS WELL, PROVIDE MORE SUPPORT SO WOMEN CAN HAVE CHILDREN AND RAISE THEM AND BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO DO SO AND SUPPORT OUR ADOPTION SYSTEM AS WELL.

I ADOPTED A SON, AND I CAN TELL YOU IT'S NOT A VERY GREAT PLACE TO BE RAISED.

WE NEED TO MAKE OR DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO MAKE THESE SYSTEMS BETTER.

WOMEN HAVE OTHER VIABLE OPTIONS BESIDES ABORTION.

ULTIMATELY IT'S BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR DOCTORS.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER.

>> THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY PERSONAL ISSUE FOR MANY MINNESOTANS AND ESPECIALLY IN OUR DISTRICT.

I MYSELF AM PRO LIFE.

I ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THE ISSUE AND I LOOK AT WHAT MINNESOTANS WENT THROUGH IN THIS LAST SESSION, AND HOUSE BILL 1 PASSED.

IT MADE MINNESOTA HAVE SOME OF THE MOST OPEN ABORTION LAWS IN THE COUNTRY, IF NOT THE WORLD WHERE ABORTION IS NOW LEGAL UP UNTIL BIRTH.

THAT IS A FACT THAT WAS PASSED TO THE LEGISLATURE.

I THINK ALL MINNESOTANS LOOK AT THAT AND GO THAT'S TOO FAR.

WE AS A DUTY OF OURSELVES AS A FIRST WORLD COUNTRY AND PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY NEED TO HAVE RESPECT FOR LIFE AT ITS BEGINNING AND AT ITS END.

THAT BEING SAID, WHEN IT COMES TO RESPECTING WOMEN AND EVERYTHING AROUND THAT, OF COURSE THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER, YOU KNOW, WHEN THINGS LIKE THAT OR RAPE OR INCEST, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE AND PROTECT THAT ABILITY AND CHOICES.

AT THE SAME TIME WE NEED TO MAKE SURE -- AND MY OPPONENT SAID AND WE AGREE.

WE NEED TO HAVE FUNDING FOR ALTERNATIVE CENTERS, FOR ADOPTION, FOR ALL THE THINGS THAT GIVE WOMEN WHO ARE IN THE PREDICAMENTS A CHANCE.

THAT WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST THING WHEN IT WAS PASSED.

IT REMOVED FUNDING FOR PLACE ITSELF LIKE NEW BEGINNINGS IN ITASCA COUNTIES THAT HELPS YOUNG MOTHERS GOING THROUGH THAT.

ALL MINNESOTANS AGREE WE SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF EVERYBODY AND MAKE SURE OUR MORALITY AND MAKE SURE TO RESPECT LIFE AND FINDING A BALANCE SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE.

BUT ALLOWING ABORTION UP UNTIL BIRTH IS SOMETHING THAT MOST MINNESOTANS WOULD AGREE IS WRONG.

THAT'S MY STANCE HERE AS YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

>> Moderator: REBUTTAL.

>> ABOUT 99% OF ABORTIONS OCCUR BEFORE FETAL VIABILITY, WHEN THEY OCCUR AFTERWARDS, AFTER THE 20-WEEK OR SO, THERE'S USUALLY A MEDICAL REASON.

AND MINNESOTA LAW SUPPORTS DOCTORS MAKING THOSE DECISIONS, AND WE CAN SEE THE EFFECTS WHEN THOSE RIGHTS ARE TAKEN AWAY.

WOMEN HAVE EVEN DIED.

THERE'S NOTHING PRO LIFE ABOUT THAT.

FRANKLY BECAUSE OF REPUBLICAN DECISIONS WE SEE THOSE EFFECTS.

I REALLY DON'T TRUST THAT THEY CAN MAKE THOSE DECISIONS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF WOMEN WHO ARE CARRYING -- WHO ARE PUTTING THEIR HEALTH ONLINE TO HAVE THESE CHILDREN AS WELL.

>> Moderator: SPENCER.

>> THE STATISTICS THERE, THAT'S NOT THE POINT I WAS SAYING THAT.

THE FACT BEING, IF YOU ALLOW ABORTION UP UNTIL BIRTH, YOU LEAVE THAT DOOR OPEN.

YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE AND REALIZE THAT I HAVE VERY MANY FRIENDS AND I'M SURE MANY PEOPLE WATCHING US HAVE LOVED ONES IN THEIR LIVES BORN AT 7 MONTHS, 8 MONTHS, 6 MONTHS.

BY OPENING THAT DOOR SAYING YEAH, ABORTION IS LEGAL UP UNTIL BIRTH, WE HAVE CHANGED THE MORALITY OF OUR STATE.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND THEIR SAFETY.

AND LIFE OF THE MOTHER, RAPE AND INCEST, THOSE TYPES OF SITUATIONS BUT WE NEED TO FIND A LINE WHERE YOU CAN'T AFTER THAT WITHOUT THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES I JUST MENTIONED, BECAUSE THEN IT IS TOO WIDE OPEN, AND WE ALSO NEED TO PROTECT THESE PREGNANCY CENTERS THAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.

THAT'S THE RIGHT WAY TO DO THINGS AND IT'S ABOUT HEARING FROM ALL MINNESOTANS, AND LIKE I SAID WE SHOULDN'T HAVE THE MOST EXTREME STANDARDS AS A FIRST WORLD COUNTRY.

WE SHOULDN'T.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

WE WILL MOVE ON TO CLOSING COMMENTS.

ARON, GO FIRST WITH CLOSING COMMENTS.

YOU WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES.

>> I FIRST WANT TO REITERATE THAT ALMOST ALL ABORTIONS AFTER 20 WEEKS ARE DONE FOR MEDICAL REASONS, NOT JUST BY CHOICE.

I DON'T THINK THE MORALITY OF OUR STATE IS CHANGING AT ALL BECAUSE OF IT.

I SUPPORT MORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID, WHICH IS WHY I THINK BONDING BILLS ARE IMPORTANT.

MY OPPONENT HAS VOTED AGAINST BONDING BILLS, AND THAT JUST MEANS -- THAT MONEY ISN'T COMING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES, IN SUPPORTING OUR ECONOMIES AS WELL.

I THINK WE CAN LOOK AT OTHER STATES TO SEE THE RESULTS OF REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP AS WELL BASED ON POLITICAL IDEOLOGY.

REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED STATES HAVE THE HIGHEST RATES OF POVERTY AND FALL SHORT ON CRIME.

AT THE SAME TIME THEY HAVE PASSED LAWS RESTRICTING ACCESS TO BOOKS, REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM AND GENDER AFFIRMING CARE.

DENYING OF THE VERY THINGS THEY SAY THEY CARE ABOUT MOST, FREEDOM.

I DON'T WANT THIS FOR MINNESOTA.

I BELIEVE IN STRENGTH EVENING OUR COMMUNITIES, REPRESENTING EVERYONE, PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES THAT PEOPLE NEED THE MOST.

COMPETITION BETWEEN COMMUNITIES OR RURAL VERSUS URBAN INTEREST LEADS TO INEFFICIENCIES THAT DESTROY PROSPERITY OR COOPERATION BUILDS PROSPERITY.

INSTEAD OF TEARING EACH OTHER DOWN, LET'S WORK TOGETHER, LET'S SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER AND LET'S BUILD EACH OTHER UP.

THIS IS HOW WE BUILD THRIVING ECONOMIES AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES.

IF YOU THINK AND FEEL LIKE ME, I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU.

SPENCER, TWO MINUTES.

>> THANK YOU, EVERYONE.

THANK YOU TO THE WHOLE TEAM THAT PUT ON THE WHOLE DEBATE TONIGHT.

IT WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

I'M HUMBLY ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE TO SERVE AS STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

IT'S THE GREATEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME IN MY LIFE IS BEING RAISED IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA AND COMMUNITIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOU.

I LOOK FORWARD TO HOPEFULLY EARNING THAT OPPORTUNITY AND PRIVILEGE ON NOVEMBER 5th.

TOGETHER WE ARE GOING TO RETURN BALANCE TO MINNESOTA.

WE ARE NOT GOING TO SEE $18 BILLION AND $10 BILLION IN RAISED TAXES.

WE ARE GOING TO BRING ALL IDEAS TOGETHER TO FIND SOLUTIONS.

30% OF OUR REPUBLICANS, 30% ARE DEMOCRATS, AND THE OTHER 40% VOTED FOR JESSIE VENTURA.

IF WE REMEMBER THAT WHEN TALKING ABOUT MINNESOTA POLITICS, I THINK WE HAVE A STATE THAT WORKS GOOD FOR EVERYONE THAT'S HERE.

I'M YOUR PRO LABOR, PRO LAW ENFORCEMENT, PRO SECOND AMENDMENT, PRO BUSINESS ENDORSED CANDIDATES.

WHEN IT COMES TO BONDING, I DO MAKE A CORRECTION, I HAVE NEVER VOTED AGAINST THE BONDING BILL.

I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT.

THOSE ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN OF LABOR THAT WORK IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

THIS NOVEMBER WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE YOUR DECISION, LET'S WORK TOGETHER.

THE ERA PARTNERSHIPS.

WE CAN MAKE AN IRON RANGE THAT'S STRONG.

WE CAN CREATE A WORKFORCE THAT'S STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE.

WE CAN HAVE VIBRANT SCHOOLS AND CAN BRING OUR BEST DAYS TO REALITY.

I'M ALL OF YOU TO COME WORK WITH ME ON THAT.

I CAN'T DO IT ALONE.

IT'S BY THINKING WE CAN DO IT ALONE THAT'S HOW WE ARE GOING TO FAIL.

TOGETHER, LET'S COME TOGETHER.

LET'S KEEP UP THE WORK.

LET'S KEEP PASSING GOOD LEGISLATION, RETURN BALANCE TO MINNESOTA AND TOGETHER OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR DISTRICT, WE ARE GOING TO MAKE THE LIVES BETTER FOR ALL.

THANK YOU AGAIN.

>> Moderator: THANK YOU, ARON, SPENCER, BOTH OF YOU.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN TONIGHT'S DEBATE.

THANK YOU, DENNIS, CHELSEY, ROBIN FOR THE QUESTIONS.

>> MODERATOR: IF YOU MISSED ANY PORTION OF TONIGHT'S DEBATE OR WOULD LIKE TO WATCH IT AGAIN, IT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE LAKELAND PBS WEBSITE WITHIN 24 HOURS.

FIND MORE LOCAL AND NATIONAL ELECTION COVERAGE AND SPECIALS ON THE LAKELAND VOTES PORTAL AT L LPTV.ORG.

AND IT'S THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF HUBBARD COUNTY.

YOU CAN HEAR THE UP NORTH REPORT NEWSCAST ON 91.7 KAXE, 90.5, KBXE AND 89.9 IN BRAINERD OR ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP.

FIND YOUR LOCAL NEWS AND ELECTION COVERAGE AT KAXE.ORG AND FOLLOW KAXE ON INSTAGRAM.

DEBATE NIGHT 2024 WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY WITH HOUSE DISTRICT 5B AND HOUSE DISTRICT 6A.

THE FIRST DEBATE WILL BE AT 7:0G REPRESENTATIVE MIKE WIENER AND GREGG HENDRICKSON RUNNING FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 5B.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

CAPTIONING PROVIDED BY AV CAPTIONING WWW.AVCAPTIONING.COM