Gabriela Kroetch
Name: Gabriela Kroetch
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Candidate Bio
I immigrated to the United States 22 years ago. Growing up in a socialist democracy in Europe, I witnessed firsthand how overregulation and socialist policies can stifle economic growth and hinder market vitality. This firsthand experience has given me a deep understanding of the detrimental effects of excessive government control and a commitment to fostering a free and thriving market.
As a board member of Minnesota Excellence in Public Service, I have worked to empower women leaders and promote effective public policy. My background in small business, influenced by my husband’s family business, has provided me with a clear perspective on the challenges entrepreneurs face and the importance of policies that support economic growth and job creation.
I have been actively involved in my local community, advocating for stronger schools, safer neighborhoods, and more accountable government. Endorsed by the Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association for my strong support of law enforcement and public safety, I am running for State Representative to bring common-sense solutions to the issues facing our community. My experiences as an immigrant, a mother, and a community advocate uniquely position me to address the diverse needs of our district and ensure that Minnesota remains a place where families and businesses can thrive.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
When elected, my top three priorities will be:
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
The business climate in the East Metro is diverse and dynamic, characterized by a mix of established companies, emerging startups, and a strong community focus on supporting local entrepreneurs. The region benefits from its proximity to major transportation routes and the Twin Cities, which offers access to a broad market and a skilled workforce.
However, businesses in the East Metro also face challenges. Overregulation and bureaucratic hurdles can create obstacles for growth and innovation. Small and medium-sized enterprises often struggle with the complexities of compliance and may need more support to navigate these challenges.
To improve the business climate, we should focus on reducing unnecessary regulations, providing targeted support for local businesses, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and investment. By addressing these issues, we can create a more vibrant and competitive business environment that supports long-term economic growth and benefits the entire community.
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 between the government and the business community involves a partnership where both sectors work together to address key challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. Government can provide a framework of support, incentives, and regulations that promote business growth, while the business community can offer practical insights, resources, and innovation to help shape effective policies.
In education, collaboration can lead to programs that align educational outcomes with workforce needs, ensuring that students are prepared for high-demand careers. In housing, working together can address affordability and availability issues, creating environments conducive to both residential and economic growth. For workforce development, partnerships can enhance training programs and address skill gaps, benefiting both employers and employees.
Regarding the 2023-2024 legislative session, it appears that the outcomes have had mixed effects on this collaboration. While some policies may have been aimed at supporting businesses, others may have introduced new regulations or requirements that could be seen as burdensome. The overall impact on the business climate largely depends on how well these measures balance support and regulation. Moving forward, it is crucial to foster open dialogue and continued collaboration between the government and the business community to ensure that policies effectively address challenges while promoting a favorable business environment.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
To address Minnesota’s critical labor shortage, I would support policies focused on enhancing workforce training and development, such as investing in vocational programs and apprenticeships. Additionally, offering incentives for businesses to train and retain employees, improving workforce mobility through better transportation and housing, and attracting and retaining talent through streamlined immigration processes and relocation incentives are key. These measures would help bridge the skills gap, support business growth, and ensure a robust and adaptable workforce for our state.
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?
While I support the goals of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) to provide workers with essential benefits, I believe the program as it stands may require further refinement to ensure it is practical for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. If elected, I would take several steps to understand the impact of such proposals on the diverse businesses in the East Metro. This would include consulting with local business owners, industry groups, and economic experts to gather insights on how these mandates affect operations and financial stability. I would advocate for adjustments or exceptions where necessary to accommodate different business sizes and sectors, ensuring that the policies achieve their intended benefits without unduly burdening businesses. Creating a balanced approach that supports workers while maintaining a favorable business environment is crucial for both economic growth and employee well-being.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
To address public safety challenges in my district and the state, my strategies would include:
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
To improve transportation options in the district and state, I would prioritize upgrading infrastructure, enhancing public transit, and expanding pedestrian and bike facilities. This includes investing in road maintenance, increasing transit service coverage, and developing dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to ensure safety and convenience for all users. Additionally, promoting safe driving initiatives and encouraging multimodal transportation options can help reduce congestion and improve overall transportation efficiency. By implementing these strategies, we can create a safer and more accessible transportation network for residents of Minnesota.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
To address housing shortages and affordability, I propose increasing housing supply by supporting new developments and streamlining zoning regulations. Expanding housing assistance programs and promoting affordable housing initiatives through incentives and partnerships can help make housing more accessible. Additionally, investing in the renovation of existing properties and addressing constraints like high construction costs and regulatory barriers will facilitate the creation of more affordable housing options. These strategies aim to improve housing availability and affordability for all residents.
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
In light of the projected budget deficit and structural imbalance, my priorities for the State’s budget would be:
Email:
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I immigrated to the United States 22 years ago. Growing up in a socialist democracy in Europe, I witnessed firsthand how overregulation and socialist policies can stifle economic growth and hinder market vitality. This firsthand experience has given me a deep understanding of the detrimental effects of excessive government control and a commitment to fostering a free and thriving market.
As a board member of Minnesota Excellence in Public Service, I have worked to empower women leaders and promote effective public policy. My background in small business, influenced by my husband’s family business, has provided me with a clear perspective on the challenges entrepreneurs face and the importance of policies that support economic growth and job creation.
I have been actively involved in my local community, advocating for stronger schools, safer neighborhoods, and more accountable government. Endorsed by the Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association for my strong support of law enforcement and public safety, I am running for State Representative to bring common-sense solutions to the issues facing our community. My experiences as an immigrant, a mother, and a community advocate uniquely position me to address the diverse needs of our district and ensure that Minnesota remains a place where families and businesses can thrive.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
When elected, my top three priorities will be:
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: I am committed to fostering a business-friendly environment by reducing unnecessary regulations and promoting policies that support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Given the state’s projected economic outlook, which may include uncertainties or potential slowdowns, it's crucial to ensure that our policies encourage innovation and investment. By streamlining regulations and offering targeted support, we can help our local businesses thrive even in challenging economic conditions.
- Education Reform: Improving the quality of education is essential for the future of our children and the workforce. I will advocate for reforms that ensure all students receive a high-quality education, regardless of their background or location. With potential economic challenges, investing in education becomes even more important to equip our future generations with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive job market.
- Public Safety and Law Enforcement Support: Ensuring the safety of our communities is a top priority. I will work to provide our law enforcement agencies with the resources and support they need to effectively keep our neighborhoods safe. In times of economic uncertainty, maintaining robust support for public safety is crucial to prevent crime and protect our communities.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
The business climate in the East Metro is diverse and dynamic, characterized by a mix of established companies, emerging startups, and a strong community focus on supporting local entrepreneurs. The region benefits from its proximity to major transportation routes and the Twin Cities, which offers access to a broad market and a skilled workforce.
However, businesses in the East Metro also face challenges. Overregulation and bureaucratic hurdles can create obstacles for growth and innovation. Small and medium-sized enterprises often struggle with the complexities of compliance and may need more support to navigate these challenges.
To improve the business climate, we should focus on reducing unnecessary regulations, providing targeted support for local businesses, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and investment. By addressing these issues, we can create a more vibrant and competitive business environment that supports long-term economic growth and benefits the entire community.
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 between the government and the business community involves a partnership where both sectors work together to address key challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. Government can provide a framework of support, incentives, and regulations that promote business growth, while the business community can offer practical insights, resources, and innovation to help shape effective policies.
In education, collaboration can lead to programs that align educational outcomes with workforce needs, ensuring that students are prepared for high-demand careers. In housing, working together can address affordability and availability issues, creating environments conducive to both residential and economic growth. For workforce development, partnerships can enhance training programs and address skill gaps, benefiting both employers and employees.
Regarding the 2023-2024 legislative session, it appears that the outcomes have had mixed effects on this collaboration. While some policies may have been aimed at supporting businesses, others may have introduced new regulations or requirements that could be seen as burdensome. The overall impact on the business climate largely depends on how well these measures balance support and regulation. Moving forward, it is crucial to foster open dialogue and continued collaboration between the government and the business community to ensure that policies effectively address challenges while promoting a favorable business environment.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
To address Minnesota’s critical labor shortage, I would support policies focused on enhancing workforce training and development, such as investing in vocational programs and apprenticeships. Additionally, offering incentives for businesses to train and retain employees, improving workforce mobility through better transportation and housing, and attracting and retaining talent through streamlined immigration processes and relocation incentives are key. These measures would help bridge the skills gap, support business growth, and ensure a robust and adaptable workforce for our state.
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?
While I support the goals of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) to provide workers with essential benefits, I believe the program as it stands may require further refinement to ensure it is practical for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. If elected, I would take several steps to understand the impact of such proposals on the diverse businesses in the East Metro. This would include consulting with local business owners, industry groups, and economic experts to gather insights on how these mandates affect operations and financial stability. I would advocate for adjustments or exceptions where necessary to accommodate different business sizes and sectors, ensuring that the policies achieve their intended benefits without unduly burdening businesses. Creating a balanced approach that supports workers while maintaining a favorable business environment is crucial for both economic growth and employee well-being.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
To address public safety challenges in my district and the state, my strategies would include:
- Strengthening Support for Law Enforcement: Ensuring that police departments have the resources, training, and support they need to effectively combat crime and maintain public safety. This includes investing in modern equipment, improving community policing efforts, and fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
- Enhancing Crime Prevention Programs: Supporting initiatives that focus on crime prevention, such as youth outreach programs, community safety workshops, and collaboration with local organizations to address the root causes of crime. Investing in these programs can help reduce crime rates and promote safer neighborhoods.
- Promoting Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, which are often linked to criminal behavior, by expanding access to mental health services and addiction treatment. Providing support and resources for those struggling with these issues can help prevent criminal activity and improve overall community well-being.
- Fostering Community Engagement and Partnerships: Encouraging active community involvement in public safety efforts and building partnerships between local government, businesses, and residents. Collaborative approaches can lead to innovative solutions and a more comprehensive strategy for tackling public safety challenges.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
To improve transportation options in the district and state, I would prioritize upgrading infrastructure, enhancing public transit, and expanding pedestrian and bike facilities. This includes investing in road maintenance, increasing transit service coverage, and developing dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to ensure safety and convenience for all users. Additionally, promoting safe driving initiatives and encouraging multimodal transportation options can help reduce congestion and improve overall transportation efficiency. By implementing these strategies, we can create a safer and more accessible transportation network for residents of Minnesota.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
To address housing shortages and affordability, I propose increasing housing supply by supporting new developments and streamlining zoning regulations. Expanding housing assistance programs and promoting affordable housing initiatives through incentives and partnerships can help make housing more accessible. Additionally, investing in the renovation of existing properties and addressing constraints like high construction costs and regulatory barriers will facilitate the creation of more affordable housing options. These strategies aim to improve housing availability and affordability for all residents.
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
In light of the projected budget deficit and structural imbalance, my priorities for the State’s budget would be:
- Prioritizing Essential Services: Ensuring that critical services such as education, public safety, and healthcare receive adequate funding while avoiding cuts that could negatively impact residents' well-being and community stability.
- Implementing Fiscal Responsibility: Pursuing a balanced approach to budgeting that includes evaluating and eliminating wasteful spending, optimizing existing programs, and exploring efficiency improvements across state agencies.
- Promoting Economic Growth: Investing in initiatives that drive economic development and job creation, which can enhance state revenue and help address the budget deficit over the long term. Supporting small businesses and attracting new industries can contribute to a stronger economic foundation.
- Evaluating Revenue Sources: Exploring options to diversify and increase state revenue fairly, including potential reforms to tax policies and identifying new revenue streams that do not unduly burden residents or businesses.