issues

Nowhere in the United States is mining as extensive or enduring as it is here on the Iron Range, offering substantial employment opportunities for our residents and contributing significant value to the entire nation. Iron Range mining taxes drive the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, and is responsible for millions in economic development each and every year in the Taconite Assistance Area. Properly managing the resources of our Range is of the highest priority. 

The Iron Range is abundant in job opportunities unavailable elsewhere in the nation. Our community benefits from local career path programs taught in our schools and the advanced technical programs provided in places like the Minnesota North College system. We bolster the viability of the whole region when we can help connect people in our community to the right training and the right, suitable and gainful careers. Prioritizing the creation of employment opportunities while providing employers with high-quality job candidates is a key focus.

Minnesota has long been coined as the “Land of 10,000 taxes”. This was proven in the 2023 legislative session, when Minnesota was found to have approximately 17.5 billion dollars in surplus money collected from taxpayers. Despite the record surplus, Democrats raised taxes by more than $10 billion that will hit every corner of our state and make everything we purchase more expensive. Working families and social security recipients deserve meaningful and permanent tax relief. 

In 2023, The Minnesota Legislature passed bills that will force us into more expensive and less reliable power situations across the state. Local utility management agencies have confirmed that the technology to implement their plans not only doesn’t exist but will wildly increase the cost to consumers to double or more current costs. I support a balanced and diverse approach to energy, with an emphasis on what is affordable for all Minnesotans.

Like many on the Iron Range, I grew up in a pro-life family. We were raised knowing that life is precious and all lives have value and meaning. I will support life and work to protect the unborn, the elderly, and the most vulnerable in our society.  

The right to protect your life, liberty and property with a firearm is foundational to the real freedom we have as Minnesotans and American citizens, guaranteed to us in the Constitution.

Everyone should feel safe in our Range communities. Supporting our law enforcement officers and school resource officers is paramount. Ensuring funding of our local law enforcement agencies is critical to our safety and well-being. 

Successful schools are important to the growth and prosperity of all students in our region. As a Director on the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS), I have opportunities to work with school board officials from across the Taconite Relief Area (an area that encompasses roughly one fifth of our state, geographically) to gain insight into what is most important to our success. 

Parents, NOT the government, should be the driving force in making decisions regarding their children's education, healthcare, and upbringing.