MEET THE CANDIDATES
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State Representative (CONT.)
Andy Smith
DISTRICT 25B
Why are you running for State Representative and how does your experience qualify you for the position? I ran for office because I believe the hardest issues of our day can be overcome by working together towards real solutions. I mourn that working class Minnesotans are struggling with their household budgets while large corporations are greedily exploiting them. I mourn that healthcare costs are skyrocketing while insurance companies are raking in billions. I mourn that the 10% wealthiest Americans own more wealth than the rest of the
90% combined. I ran for office because only the united action of the people, through a well-run government, will be able to solve these problems. I have a diversity of professional experiences, having worked as a teacher, pastor, and small business owner, and as an incumbent, I encourage voters to look at my record to see how I would continue to work for them at the capital. What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for State Representative? Economic Inequality and lowering healthcare costs are my top two priorities as a candidate. I served on the Tax Committee this past session, where we passed the largest working class tax cut in state history, while also holding large corporations accountable. If I’m elected again, I plan to continue the work of ensuring the wealthy pay what they owe in taxes to fund public goods, such as education, housing, and universal childcare. I also served on the Healthcare Committee in the house, where we worked to protect and expand reproductive freedom, expand coverage for mental health treatments, and create Minnesota’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board to keep the cost of prescription drugs low. Next session I will continue to fight for good, affordable healthcare for Minnesotans and to get profit-hunting insurance companies out of our healthcare system. How can the state government improve to best serve both the business community and its citizens? I believe an economy thrives when everyone has the tools they need to succeed. Expanding public services such as public schooling and college, transportation, and childcare will help workers and businesses continue to thrive in Minnesota. I also believe that when we protect workers and provide a safe climate for them to live the lives they choose, innovation and success will be sure to follow. This is why I support people-first policies like universal childcare, generous Paid Family and Medical Leave policies, higher minimum wages, and Healthcare for All. I believe a well-run, people-centered government can achieve these high aspirations and bring prosperity to its citizens and business community.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the candidates responses are the sole views of their own. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. The publication of the candidates statements therein do not imply the expression of any endorsement whatsoever by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. At the time of publication, a response was not available from Rep. Duane Quam (District 24A), Rep. Tina Liebling (District 24B), and Wes Lund (District 25B).
20 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2024
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