2022 Minnesota Governor Voters Guide

Ban. In March 2022 said, if elected governor,  “I would try to ban abortion…There is no reason for us to be having abortions.” In July 2022 said, would allow exceptions for rape and incest, as well as endangering mother’s health.

Legal. “There will never be an abortion ban in Minnesota under my watch.” Signed an order to “help protect people seeking or providing abortions in Minnesota from legal repercussions in other states.”

No. “We can’t let our wants undercut and neuter our economy.” “With climate, we need to be careful…We’ve used this term ‘follow the science’ ad nauseam over the last couple of years…I think there’s climate change; it’s gradual, it’s slow.” Would “do infrastructure” that “can stand up to the heavy rains and the floods.”

Yes. Proposed for Minnesota to produce 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040. “Our Administration will work with private, non-profit, and government partners and Minnesotans to address climate change while creating jobs across the state.”

Proposes “Parents’ Bill of Rights” allowing parents to review curriculum and materials. “When we do things like critical race theory or hyper-sexualize our kids” with instruction that isn’t age appropriate “we’re doing them no favors.”

Would establish an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Center within the state’s Department of Education to “address instances of systemic racism.” Would tailor academic standards to be reflective of diverse students. As teacher, helped start a high school’s first gay-straight alliance.

No. When asked about putting more or less money into public schools, said “Less money, I think it’s a black hole.”

Yes. His 2022 budget adds 2% to the general education formula, with investments in reading proficiency, free meals, & teacher recruitment & mentoring. “We’re proposing historic investments in schools.”

Yes. Would convert low-performing public schools to charter or private schools and would allow students to use public funds to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling.

No. Opposes publicly funded voucher plans and  argues they would “decimate” public schools. Says he’s ”not going to defund our public schools.”

No. As to whether Biden won the electoral college vote, said “I don’t know.” Said that in Arizona dead people voted in 2020 election.

Yes. Congratulated Biden. “His victory puts us on the path towards restoring civility and decency in this country.”

Loosen. Would roll back the Minnesota clean car rule requiring the auto industry to sell more hybrid and electric cars and would end the state moratorium on nuclear power.

Unclear. Environmental policy focuses primarily on infrastructure and remediation projects, along with community programs and grants, voluntary programs, and enforcing existing regulations.

Less. Opposes universal background checks and red flag laws. Supports a Stand Your Ground law for Minnesota.

More. Supports red flag laws and background checks. “These proposals won’t stop everyone, but what if we’d been able to stop Uvalde? Just one is enough.”

No. Has supported competition in “the healthcare field by allowing for-profit insurance companies to operate in Minnesota.” “Single payer healthcare will not solve the health care problems in Minnesota and will damage patient-doctor relationships.” Compared COVID public health measures to the rise of Nazism.

Yes. His supplemental budget earmarks $2.5 billion for health and safety initiatives including $145.7 million to create a MinnesotaCare buy-in program to expand healthcare access. Expanded hospital funding to deal with the Omicron COVID wave.

Said “taking in immigrants without proper resources would be “undercutting so much of Minnesota’s fabric of life.” Says states aren’t mandated to accept federal orders to resettle immigrants. No position found on DACA.

Supports a path to citizenship for DACA Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. Signed into law a bill protecting immigrant youth, ensuring they receive necessary resources.

Unclear. Says “teacher’s union bosses” are trying “to deter parents from taking standardized tests” and “encouraged draconian COVID lockdown policies.“

Easier. “Minnesota is pro-labor and will ALWAYS be pro-labor on my watch. We can’t afford to have leaders who undermine unions and workers.” “As long as I’m governor, I will NEVER sign anti-union legislation.”

Likely limit. Voted against banning conversion therapy but was “nauseated” by his vote. ”Why are we telling elementary kids that they get to choose their gender?” Repeated the internet rumor that some schools have litter boxes for kids who identify as “furries.”

Expand. Signed an order restricting the practice of conversion therapy. “To our LGBTQ+ community here in Minnesota: We will always stand with and value you.”

Legal. Coauthored a bill to legalize recreational marijuana use.

Legal. Called on lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana use in Minnesota. Proposed a budget with $25 million set aside to create the new “Cannabis Management Office.”

No position found.

Raise. As of 2018 supported a $15 minimum wage. Signed an order raising the minimum for personal care assistant workers to $15.25.

We “have to put more cops on the street.” Would increase sentences for carjacking, stop nonprofits from funding bail, bring in the state patrol to augment local law enforcement, and “stiffen penalties for repeat violent criminals.”

Has supported new violence prevention programs, funding to ensure law enforcement wear body cameras, limits on no-knock warrants, and bans on chokeholds. Proposed $300 million for local law enforcement.

No. “Because Joe Biden decided yesterday to give away billions of dollars — or whatever it amounts to — doesn’t mean today I should speak to the issues.” Called plan “playing Santa Claus.”

Yes. Supports eliminating state income tax liability on federal student loan forgiveness.

Less. As part of an effort toward “shrinking the government,” would eliminate the state income tax. Since that tax is progressive, the change would benefit the wealthiest Minnesotans.

More. Wants “large and profitable corporations and the wealthiest Minnesotans to pay their fair share so our students, working families and small businesses have a fair shot.”

Yes. “We need voter ID in Minnesota.” Would “tighten-up” mail-in ballots.

No. “Blatant voter suppression efforts continue across the country. Here in Minnesota, we will not stand for it. Our state will continue to lead in the fight to safeguard voting rights.”