Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger
Name: Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger
Public Office Sought: Minnesota House of Representatives District 47A
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-770-7414
Campaign Website: www.amandaformnhouse.com
Twitter handle: @Amanda_MNHouse
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaformnhouse
Candidate Bio
I have a unique blend of education and experience in laboratory science and policy, which allows me to evaluate any policies fully and comprehensively before voting to implement them. I am a passionate person who listens to understand. I believe in bringing people together, gathering as much information and perspectives as possible, and leading with community input to make the best policy decision together. Volunteering with the Woodbury for Justice and Equality has allowed me to be present in the community and hear concerns from citizens. My experience with the Metro Transit Gold Line Community and Business Advisory Committee (CBAC) and the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) has shown me how to think regionally and collaboratively to address issues through a systems frame. As the daughter of a small business owner, I know that small and family owned businesses drive the local economy. As a legislator, I will keep this in mind as I advocate for working families.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
As I advocate for working families, I have three priorities. I want to address climate change so that we protect our environment for future generations, and are prepared when more extreme weather hits. Secone, we need to make sure that families have access to quality education, no matter their background, income, or zip code so that we have a future workforce ready to tackle challenges that lie ahead. Lastly, I want to champion healthcare so that all Minnesotans have access to affordable healthcare and paid time away from work to care for themselves and their loved ones, without the burden falling on small businesses.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
Especially in my community of Woodbury, I see business and residential areas expanding. It is very exciting to consistently see news of small business ribbon cuttings and large businesses opening, signaling a growth in our business economy. Businesses can be an example in supporting quality of life issues in the East Metro. For example, supporting public transit so people can easily get to work, or offering competitive wages so employees can live within the community they work. By businesses offering robust benefits, their employees can remain healthier to be able to perform the work. Finally, businesses can provide a valuable partnership with community organizations to keep city and elected officials apprised of our community’s overall health and growth.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
The State has a responsibility to enact policies to attract and retain businesses while ensuring resources so Minnesotans don’t have to struggle to meet their basic needs. As a legislator, I would support policies that provide education and training resources for a ready and robust workforce. I will also work on policies to provide more affordable health care and paid family/medical leave for all Minnesotans.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
As a legislator, I would intentionally engage with employers to creatively identify solutions to help businesses. I would also support policies that provide resources for education and training opportunities to engage more people into the workforce.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
As a legislator, it is important for me to intentionally engage with all sectors of my community, gathering multiple perspectives to make the most comprehensive decision on any policy.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you use to address public safety issues?
Being a scientist, I support data-driven and evidence based approaches to problem solving. Addressing public safety concerns is complex, and will take policies from multiple angles to address it. Solutions include local community innovation grants, adding non-law enforcement professionals allowing police officers to focus on calls and investigations, resources to recruit new and diverse officers, and funding for mental health resources. We must support our public safety departments while ensuring that all who call Maplewood and Woodbury home feel safe in their community.
What strategies or policies would you use to address transportation issues? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
Transportation is about moving people from place to place, whether it be for employment, health appointments, education, or leisure. My time on the MetroTransit Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Community and Business Advisory Committee has given me the experience and knowledge on how the State of Minnesota is already taking actions to make our community accessible by public transportation. My time on the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board has shown me how we must collaborate as a metropolitan region for an efficient and effective transportation system. As a legislator, I hope to continue this work and advocate for similar, sustainable ways to get around.
What strategies or policies would you use to address housing issues?
I would look to research, experts, and successes in other states to comprehensively develop a model that would work in Minnesota with adequate funding to effectively implement. Part of this research includes intentionally engaging with community businesses, officials, and organizations to fully understand the symptoms (e.g. housing) vs. root causes (e.g. unsafe home, poverty, etc.) of the issue(s) to pass policy to effectively solve the problem.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
The state’s budget priorities are a reflection of our values. To advocate for Minnesota’s working families, my priorities include addressing climate change, investing in education, and championing healthcare. The state must appropriate its budget to adequately fund the services that Minnesotans need and rely on for their daily lives.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
I would support policies to recruit and retain a diversity of businesses in Maplewood and Woodbury. Regular engagement and conversations with local businesses, organizations, and community officials will help guide policies to address their current and future needs.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce, and address the achievement gap?
Investing in education at all levels is important. As a legislator, I would value the experience and expertise of teachers, faculty, and staff in solutions to effectively address Minnesota’s achievement gap. The COVID-19 pandemic exasperated an already stressed educational system, and shone a light on the inequities in schools across the state. The state can work with school districts to make sure there are enough resources for teachers, support staff, mental health professionals, and students. The state can also ensure resources for training programs for those choosing a trades career, as well as work on a solution to address rising tuition costs. Having a strong education system will lead to a robust and talented workforce.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Minnesota can better foster minority- and women-owned businesses by identifying and eliminating systemic barriers that prevent women and people of color from being successful business owners. The State can also develop a hub for these businesses to engage with one another, have access to resources, and have a stronger, public presence for local consumers.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I would have conversations with local business owners in Maplewood and Woodbury to identify any common themes for needs or assistance. Then, working in partnership, I would support policies to help the businesses recover and be prepared for any large, future disruption to local commerce.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am a mom, scientist, and daughter of a small business owner. I use empathy and my leadership skills to listen, collaborate, and problem solve. I have a Master of Science degree in Genetics from Iowa State University and a Master of Science degree in Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. My education and experience have prepared me to engage, analyze, and creatively problem solve to create and implement effective policy. I want us to go to the Capitol together, so you feel represented and a part of the process.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota House of Representatives District 47A
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-770-7414
Campaign Website: www.amandaformnhouse.com
Twitter handle: @Amanda_MNHouse
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaformnhouse
Candidate Bio
I have a unique blend of education and experience in laboratory science and policy, which allows me to evaluate any policies fully and comprehensively before voting to implement them. I am a passionate person who listens to understand. I believe in bringing people together, gathering as much information and perspectives as possible, and leading with community input to make the best policy decision together. Volunteering with the Woodbury for Justice and Equality has allowed me to be present in the community and hear concerns from citizens. My experience with the Metro Transit Gold Line Community and Business Advisory Committee (CBAC) and the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) has shown me how to think regionally and collaboratively to address issues through a systems frame. As the daughter of a small business owner, I know that small and family owned businesses drive the local economy. As a legislator, I will keep this in mind as I advocate for working families.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
As I advocate for working families, I have three priorities. I want to address climate change so that we protect our environment for future generations, and are prepared when more extreme weather hits. Secone, we need to make sure that families have access to quality education, no matter their background, income, or zip code so that we have a future workforce ready to tackle challenges that lie ahead. Lastly, I want to champion healthcare so that all Minnesotans have access to affordable healthcare and paid time away from work to care for themselves and their loved ones, without the burden falling on small businesses.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
Especially in my community of Woodbury, I see business and residential areas expanding. It is very exciting to consistently see news of small business ribbon cuttings and large businesses opening, signaling a growth in our business economy. Businesses can be an example in supporting quality of life issues in the East Metro. For example, supporting public transit so people can easily get to work, or offering competitive wages so employees can live within the community they work. By businesses offering robust benefits, their employees can remain healthier to be able to perform the work. Finally, businesses can provide a valuable partnership with community organizations to keep city and elected officials apprised of our community’s overall health and growth.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
The State has a responsibility to enact policies to attract and retain businesses while ensuring resources so Minnesotans don’t have to struggle to meet their basic needs. As a legislator, I would support policies that provide education and training resources for a ready and robust workforce. I will also work on policies to provide more affordable health care and paid family/medical leave for all Minnesotans.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
As a legislator, I would intentionally engage with employers to creatively identify solutions to help businesses. I would also support policies that provide resources for education and training opportunities to engage more people into the workforce.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
As a legislator, it is important for me to intentionally engage with all sectors of my community, gathering multiple perspectives to make the most comprehensive decision on any policy.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you use to address public safety issues?
Being a scientist, I support data-driven and evidence based approaches to problem solving. Addressing public safety concerns is complex, and will take policies from multiple angles to address it. Solutions include local community innovation grants, adding non-law enforcement professionals allowing police officers to focus on calls and investigations, resources to recruit new and diverse officers, and funding for mental health resources. We must support our public safety departments while ensuring that all who call Maplewood and Woodbury home feel safe in their community.
What strategies or policies would you use to address transportation issues? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
Transportation is about moving people from place to place, whether it be for employment, health appointments, education, or leisure. My time on the MetroTransit Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Community and Business Advisory Committee has given me the experience and knowledge on how the State of Minnesota is already taking actions to make our community accessible by public transportation. My time on the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board has shown me how we must collaborate as a metropolitan region for an efficient and effective transportation system. As a legislator, I hope to continue this work and advocate for similar, sustainable ways to get around.
What strategies or policies would you use to address housing issues?
I would look to research, experts, and successes in other states to comprehensively develop a model that would work in Minnesota with adequate funding to effectively implement. Part of this research includes intentionally engaging with community businesses, officials, and organizations to fully understand the symptoms (e.g. housing) vs. root causes (e.g. unsafe home, poverty, etc.) of the issue(s) to pass policy to effectively solve the problem.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
The state’s budget priorities are a reflection of our values. To advocate for Minnesota’s working families, my priorities include addressing climate change, investing in education, and championing healthcare. The state must appropriate its budget to adequately fund the services that Minnesotans need and rely on for their daily lives.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
I would support policies to recruit and retain a diversity of businesses in Maplewood and Woodbury. Regular engagement and conversations with local businesses, organizations, and community officials will help guide policies to address their current and future needs.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce, and address the achievement gap?
Investing in education at all levels is important. As a legislator, I would value the experience and expertise of teachers, faculty, and staff in solutions to effectively address Minnesota’s achievement gap. The COVID-19 pandemic exasperated an already stressed educational system, and shone a light on the inequities in schools across the state. The state can work with school districts to make sure there are enough resources for teachers, support staff, mental health professionals, and students. The state can also ensure resources for training programs for those choosing a trades career, as well as work on a solution to address rising tuition costs. Having a strong education system will lead to a robust and talented workforce.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Minnesota can better foster minority- and women-owned businesses by identifying and eliminating systemic barriers that prevent women and people of color from being successful business owners. The State can also develop a hub for these businesses to engage with one another, have access to resources, and have a stronger, public presence for local consumers.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I would have conversations with local business owners in Maplewood and Woodbury to identify any common themes for needs or assistance. Then, working in partnership, I would support policies to help the businesses recover and be prepared for any large, future disruption to local commerce.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am a mom, scientist, and daughter of a small business owner. I use empathy and my leadership skills to listen, collaborate, and problem solve. I have a Master of Science degree in Genetics from Iowa State University and a Master of Science degree in Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. My education and experience have prepared me to engage, analyze, and creatively problem solve to create and implement effective policy. I want us to go to the Capitol together, so you feel represented and a part of the process.