Fadil Jama
Name: Fadil Jama
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-473-8879
Campaign Website: www.fadiljama.com
Twitter handle: @teamfadiljama
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I am Fadil Jama, a dedicated community servant and successful entrepreneur with a strong background in healthcare. As a frontline nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the critical need for accessible and high-quality healthcare. I also founded a home care business to support our elderly and disabled residents, demonstrating my commitment to community service and my entrepreneurial spirit. My journey from Somalia to Minnesota in 2017 has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within our community. I am passionate about bringing resilient leadership to District 66A, focusing on economic growth, public safety, and healthcare for all.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
The business climate in the East Metro is vibrant but faces significant challenges. While there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit, high taxes and regulatory burdens hamper growth. Small businesses, in particular, struggle with these constraints. There is a need for policies that reduce these burdens, encourage investment, and support local enterprises to create a more favorable business environment.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development? Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
The ideal collaboration involves open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals between government and the business community. Both sectors should work together to develop practical solutions to challenges in education, housing, and workforce development. The 2023-2024 legislative session introduced mandates that, while well-intentioned, often lacked the nuanced understanding of business operations. This has negatively impacted the business climate, increasing operational costs and regulatory complexity.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
To address the labor shortage, I would support policies that:
The 2023-2024 Legislature passed many new mandates on employers, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. Do you support the PFML program in its current form or do you believe there needs to be further refinement before the program comes into effect in January 2026? If elected, 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?
I believe the PFML program needs further refinement to balance the needs of employees with the capabilities of businesses. If elected, I would:
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
My strategies for addressing public safety include:
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Improving transportation options involves:
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
To address housing shortages and affordability, I propose:
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
My priorities for the State’s budget include:
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-473-8879
Campaign Website: www.fadiljama.com
Twitter handle: @teamfadiljama
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I am Fadil Jama, a dedicated community servant and successful entrepreneur with a strong background in healthcare. As a frontline nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the critical need for accessible and high-quality healthcare. I also founded a home care business to support our elderly and disabled residents, demonstrating my commitment to community service and my entrepreneurial spirit. My journey from Somalia to Minnesota in 2017 has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within our community. I am passionate about bringing resilient leadership to District 66A, focusing on economic growth, public safety, and healthcare for all.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
- Economic Growth: I will advocate for tax incentives for local businesses, reduction of state sales tax, and property tax relief to stimulate economic activity and create jobs. The state’s economic outlook will influence the feasibility and scale of these tax reforms.
- Public Safety: Implementing community policing initiatives and modernizing emergency response systems will be key to ensuring safety. Budget constraints may limit the immediate implementation but not the commitment to these reforms.
- Healthcare: Expanding access to quality healthcare remains a priority. Economic conditions may affect funding, but innovative solutions and partnerships can help mitigate these challenges.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
The business climate in the East Metro is vibrant but faces significant challenges. While there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit, high taxes and regulatory burdens hamper growth. Small businesses, in particular, struggle with these constraints. There is a need for policies that reduce these burdens, encourage investment, and support local enterprises to create a more favorable business environment.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development? Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
The ideal collaboration involves open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals between government and the business community. Both sectors should work together to develop practical solutions to challenges in education, housing, and workforce development. The 2023-2024 legislative session introduced mandates that, while well-intentioned, often lacked the nuanced understanding of business operations. This has negatively impacted the business climate, increasing operational costs and regulatory complexity.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
To address the labor shortage, I would support policies that:
- Provide tax incentives for businesses that invest in employee training and development.
- Simplify the visa process for skilled immigrants to fill gaps in the workforce.
- Promote flexible work arrangements and remote work options to attract a broader talent pool.
The 2023-2024 Legislature passed many new mandates on employers, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. Do you support the PFML program in its current form or do you believe there needs to be further refinement before the program comes into effect in January 2026? If elected, 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?
I believe the PFML program needs further refinement to balance the needs of employees with the capabilities of businesses. If elected, I would:
- Conduct thorough impact assessments involving local businesses to understand their concerns.
- Hold public forums and engage with business associations to gather feedback.
- Advocate for exceptions or adjustments for small businesses that may not have the resources to comply with the mandates.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
My strategies for addressing public safety include:
- Implementing community policing initiatives to build trust between law enforcement and residents.
- Investing in modern emergency response systems and infrastructure.
- Supporting law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to effectively prevent and respond to crime.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Improving transportation options involves:
- Expanding and enhancing public transit systems to ensure accessibility and safety for all users.
- Investing in infrastructure to support pedestrian and bicycle paths, promoting safe, alternative transportation modes.
- Enhancing road safety measures and maintenance to reduce accidents and improve overall driving conditions.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
To address housing shortages and affordability, I propose:
- Promoting rezoning policies to convert vacant buildings into affordable housing units.
- Offering tax incentives for developers who build affordable housing.
- Implementing public-private partnerships to increase the supply of affordable homes.
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
My priorities for the State’s budget include:
- Ensuring fiscal responsibility by implementing a balanced budget requirement and spending caps.
- Prioritizing funding for essential services such as healthcare, public safety, and education.
- Conducting regular audits to eliminate wasteful spending and reallocate resources more effectively.