MEET THE CANDIDATES
Feature
State Representative (CONT.)
Kim Hicks
DISTRICT 25A
Why are you running for State Representative and how does your experience qualify you for the position? I am running because I want a state that works for everyone. I have worn a lot of hats in my life including a parent, foster parent, adoptive parent, teacher, breast cancer survivor, policy lead and disability advocate. It is clear that many Minnesotans and their families are being left behind. I believe my lived experience and education allow me to bring an important lens to the legislature.
Families and workers need support. This year we started making investments and worked together to find real solutions for Minnesota families and small businesses but the work is not done.
The solutions are varied but they start with putting people before politics. We deserve a state government that is effective and improves people’s lives. What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for State Representative? My top priorities are to continue to support our communities and families while addressing the workforce shortage. We have invested in families through universal free meals, child tax credits, tax cuts, and investments for childcare and education. We need to continue to work hard to address the workforce shortage, especially in healthcare and childcare continues to be a major issue for employers and our communities. Rochester, like much of Minnesota, is struggling to find workers which is affecting local businesses and the economy. How can the state government improve to best serve both the business community and its citizens? Government is designed to support people. That support includes things like ensuring that the government invest in the things that make businesses thrive. This includes things like high-quality education, affordable childcare, affordable housing, and a community where people want to live. These investments serve both the community members and businesses. These relationships are symbiotic, and we must work together to ensure that we’re supporting our businesses and our broader community so we can all live our best lives in Minnesota.
18 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2024
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