Greg Clausen
Name: Greg Clausen
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 57
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-812-0783
Campaign website: clausenforsenate.com
Twitter handle: Greg Clausen for Minnesota Senate
Facebook page: Greg Clausen for Minnesota Senate
Candidate Bio
My message is Greg Clausen: A life of service and dedication…building Minnesota’s future. I have been an educator for over 40 years, serving the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, high school principal and district office administrator. As a high school principal, my data based decision making experience and involving colleagues in the decision making process have served me well in the Senate. Over 75% of the bills I have authored have bipartisan co-authors. I have been an active community member including: Dakota County Affordable Housing Committee, Heading Home Dakota to end homelessness, and Board Vice Chair of Dakota Woodlands, a homeless shelter in Eagan. I am also a former board member for the Rocky Mountain Region of Thrivent Financial and the University of Minnesota College in the Schools. During my two terms in the Senate, I have served as Vice Chair and currently Minority Lead on the Higher Education Committee. For three years I co-chaired the Health Care Workforce Commission resulting in several initiatives to strength Minnesota’s workforce. One of my major Senate accomplishments has been my ability to reach out across party lines to get things done.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My priorities are largely determined and coincide with the communities I serve. Education in District 57 is a major priority for many families and as a state our number one asset is our educated workforce. Early childhood education, adequately funding our E-12 education system, expanding dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, closing the opportunity gap, making higher education affordable, and continuing to expand the Minnesota State Grant for middle class families are areas I will continue to champion. Health care is not only a local but a state and national issue. Affordable and accessible health care is a goal requiring the continuing attention of the legislature. As the former co-chair of the Health Care Workforce Commission, several initiatives became law expanding the Minnesota workforce. We must continue to ensure all of Minnesota, rural and undeserved communities, have access to quality health care professionals. Health care also extends to prescription drugs. PBM’s need to be under tighter accountability. The legislature bill passed in 2019 is a step in the right direction. Greater transparency by pharmaceutical companies on drug pricing is also a area needing attention. Environment and job growth are also inter-related priorities. Balancing environmental impact with economic growth should follow state permitting processes. These permitting processes protect Minnesota’s environment while providing industry the opportunity to diversify the state economy and create jobs.
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?
I will qualify my comments to Senate District 57 and Dakota County. National benchmark studies have consistently identified Dakota County as highly ranked in quality of life while financial security and job satisfaction are frequently mentioned as quality of life indicators. Successful business and business growth are intertwined with our quality of life. We are fortunate to have available land for development and proximity to Minneapolis/St. Paul for employment opportunities. School District 196 serves to strengthen communities as a national recognized district of excellence encouraging residential growth. Attracting business growth and expanding the tax base are major goals, while workforce shortages, affordable housing, needed transit networks, are challenges. State and county investment in parks, bike trails, nature preserves and the Minnesota Zoo also contribute to our quality of life in Dakota County.
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?
I support the state be a partner with local municipalities and the private sector in enticing and assisting job creation through business recruitment while sustaining and growing existing businesses. DEED has a number of programs to assist start-up and existing business. Direct financial assistance, tax incentives, regulatory relief, technical assistance and workforce development initiatives are traditional strategies. The development of business innovative hubs and industry clusters which attract skilled workers, supply industries and foster collaboration also retain businesses. The Mayo Clinic is an example of such a innovative hub that reaches to other areas of the state fostering business growth.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
As identified earlier, I am a data driven decision maker. It is important to study both sides of employment-related proposals to avoid unintended consequences. One example is the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) minimal staffing proposal. To gain an understanding of the implications involved, I have met with hospital CEO’s, MNA members and non-union nurses to gain a better understanding of the issues involved. Often, there are related groups or organizations also to be considered in the decision making process. In this case, quality of care and insurance studies.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
PUBLIC SAFETY: In light of the events following the death of George Floyd, it is important that trust be restored in our Minnesota public safety institutions, especially the Minneapolis Police Department. It is unfortunate the Minneapolis City Council chose to use “defund the police” and “eliminate the police” phrases rather than a transformation approach to police reform. A starting point for transformational police reform can be found in the Working Group Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters report released in February 2020 following a year-study directed by Attorney General Keith Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. The report lays the foundation for police reform and is the basis for much of the legislative initiatives being considered.
TRANSPORTATION: Minnesota is the 14th largest state in geographic size, 21st in population and has the 5th largest road system. As a state, we need to develop a reliable and sustainable funding stream to maintain and improve how we move goods and services. I support funding primarily from user fees. The state gas tax, licensing fees, sales tax on new, used and leased vehicles should be reviewed as additional sources of revenue. Electric, propane powered vehicles, and new technology advances must also be reviewed to ensure fee parity. Technology advances also play a role in other areas. Building out the metro high rail and transit bus systems will take pressure off metro highway and road systems as well as being a win for the environment and non-renewable resources. Out state municipalities are returning to gravel roadway to cut costs while the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) in Duluth is experimenting with the use of taconite tailings for road repairs.
HOUSING: Affordable and workforce housing instability impact thousands of families in both rural and urban areas and adds to racial inequities. Providing incentives to expand public/private housing partnerships, review local permitting requirements, provide general obligation bonds and infrastructure bonds to preserve and develop housing units are initiatives I support.
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?
In all likelihood, Minnesota will be facing a budget shortfall in 2021 due to the COVID-19 crises. Difficult decisions will need to be made on budget allocations and setting priorities. All options will need to be considered in meeting a balanced budget. As a data driven decision maker, I will seek input from state agency commissioners, department heads and the public in identifying values and priorities.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Making communities desirable for attracting businesses and residents is a starting point. Including reliable infrastructure, broadband and other communication network access, transportation to move people and goods, quality of life amenities, and an educated population that creates a reliable source of labor I have successfully provided TIF funding for the City of Apple Valley, expanded the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Red Line Transit Station and provided funding for an east/west transit route pilot for greater employment access. I have also worked closely with industrial businesses in Rosemount on expansion initiatives, transportation public safety concerns and environmental issues. During this past legislative session, I assisted in obtaining a Border to Border broadband grant to provide high speed internet service to portions of Rosemount. Currently, I am working in conjunction with the City of Rosemount and DEED on a unique project to provide rerouted wastewater from the Empire Water Treatment facility for industrial cooling.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Minnesota’s number one resource, is our educated workforce. As a former University of Minnesota College in the Schools board member and current Minority Lead on the Higher Education Committee, I am concerned on the number of high school graduates leaving Minnesota annually for education reasons. Minnesota has a net loss of 7,000 to 8,000 students annually when compared to incoming students from other states. This loss in the 18-24 year old category is the highest population loss for all age groups. I have initiated a study through the Office of Higher Education to identify the number of these students returning to their home state. We do see a slight increase in population amongst 30-32 year olds which we would like to verify as returning former students. Providing incentives for Minnesota high school graduates to be educated in-state and employed within the Minnesota workforce is critical to our future as a state. DEED also plays an important role in identifying labor shortage areas and forecasting future labor needs. Better coordination is needed with our higher education institutes, two year, four year, licenses granters and certificates, to ensure Minnesota’s current and future labor needs are being met. Providing incentives to fill workforce shortage areas has proven to be effective. Private industry has sponsored students with tuition assistance, tools, and paid jobs while in school and guarantee employment following graduation. Minnesota has also provided incentives for designated workforce shortage occupations through tuition assistance.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Future population growth in Minnesota will largely depend upon immigrants. It is imperative we integrate these new residents into all elements of society, including business ownership through public/private partnership programs. Following the death of George Floyd and the ensuing destruction to property, I visited with many minority business owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The one commonality is that they, like their white fellow business owners, are committed to rebuilding. It is important for the state of Minnesota to assist in the rebuilding process. The Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants have $15 million dedicated to minority and woman-owned businesses damaged following the death of George Floyd. Government assistance programs, non-profit organizations and public/private initiatives all have a role to play in developing minority and woman based businesses. DEED programs such as the Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program provides loan capital for businesses owned and operated by minorities. State government can assist by proving navigator consultants to quickly move through government beurarcy. The Minneapolis Minority Business Development Center and Minnesota Black Chamber are examples of non-profits offering business consultation.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic and closure of business has been devastating for many small business owners. It is important that the federal and state governments come together to help keep businesses operational. Governor Walz recently announced $62.5 million in available grants for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Businesses can help themselves in staying open by following safety returning to operation guidelines and insisting their employees follow COVID-19 preventative standards. Property and business income tax delays including payments over time and increasing business loss tax deductions would also be of assistance.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I would like to thank the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee for the opportunity to be considered for 2020 endorsement. I would be honored to receive your support. I look forward to the 2021 legislative session and working with Minnesota business leaders.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 57
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-812-0783
Campaign website: clausenforsenate.com
Twitter handle: Greg Clausen for Minnesota Senate
Facebook page: Greg Clausen for Minnesota Senate
Candidate Bio
My message is Greg Clausen: A life of service and dedication…building Minnesota’s future. I have been an educator for over 40 years, serving the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, high school principal and district office administrator. As a high school principal, my data based decision making experience and involving colleagues in the decision making process have served me well in the Senate. Over 75% of the bills I have authored have bipartisan co-authors. I have been an active community member including: Dakota County Affordable Housing Committee, Heading Home Dakota to end homelessness, and Board Vice Chair of Dakota Woodlands, a homeless shelter in Eagan. I am also a former board member for the Rocky Mountain Region of Thrivent Financial and the University of Minnesota College in the Schools. During my two terms in the Senate, I have served as Vice Chair and currently Minority Lead on the Higher Education Committee. For three years I co-chaired the Health Care Workforce Commission resulting in several initiatives to strength Minnesota’s workforce. One of my major Senate accomplishments has been my ability to reach out across party lines to get things done.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My priorities are largely determined and coincide with the communities I serve. Education in District 57 is a major priority for many families and as a state our number one asset is our educated workforce. Early childhood education, adequately funding our E-12 education system, expanding dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, closing the opportunity gap, making higher education affordable, and continuing to expand the Minnesota State Grant for middle class families are areas I will continue to champion. Health care is not only a local but a state and national issue. Affordable and accessible health care is a goal requiring the continuing attention of the legislature. As the former co-chair of the Health Care Workforce Commission, several initiatives became law expanding the Minnesota workforce. We must continue to ensure all of Minnesota, rural and undeserved communities, have access to quality health care professionals. Health care also extends to prescription drugs. PBM’s need to be under tighter accountability. The legislature bill passed in 2019 is a step in the right direction. Greater transparency by pharmaceutical companies on drug pricing is also a area needing attention. Environment and job growth are also inter-related priorities. Balancing environmental impact with economic growth should follow state permitting processes. These permitting processes protect Minnesota’s environment while providing industry the opportunity to diversify the state economy and create jobs.
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?
I will qualify my comments to Senate District 57 and Dakota County. National benchmark studies have consistently identified Dakota County as highly ranked in quality of life while financial security and job satisfaction are frequently mentioned as quality of life indicators. Successful business and business growth are intertwined with our quality of life. We are fortunate to have available land for development and proximity to Minneapolis/St. Paul for employment opportunities. School District 196 serves to strengthen communities as a national recognized district of excellence encouraging residential growth. Attracting business growth and expanding the tax base are major goals, while workforce shortages, affordable housing, needed transit networks, are challenges. State and county investment in parks, bike trails, nature preserves and the Minnesota Zoo also contribute to our quality of life in Dakota County.
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?
I support the state be a partner with local municipalities and the private sector in enticing and assisting job creation through business recruitment while sustaining and growing existing businesses. DEED has a number of programs to assist start-up and existing business. Direct financial assistance, tax incentives, regulatory relief, technical assistance and workforce development initiatives are traditional strategies. The development of business innovative hubs and industry clusters which attract skilled workers, supply industries and foster collaboration also retain businesses. The Mayo Clinic is an example of such a innovative hub that reaches to other areas of the state fostering business growth.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
As identified earlier, I am a data driven decision maker. It is important to study both sides of employment-related proposals to avoid unintended consequences. One example is the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) minimal staffing proposal. To gain an understanding of the implications involved, I have met with hospital CEO’s, MNA members and non-union nurses to gain a better understanding of the issues involved. Often, there are related groups or organizations also to be considered in the decision making process. In this case, quality of care and insurance studies.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
PUBLIC SAFETY: In light of the events following the death of George Floyd, it is important that trust be restored in our Minnesota public safety institutions, especially the Minneapolis Police Department. It is unfortunate the Minneapolis City Council chose to use “defund the police” and “eliminate the police” phrases rather than a transformation approach to police reform. A starting point for transformational police reform can be found in the Working Group Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters report released in February 2020 following a year-study directed by Attorney General Keith Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington. The report lays the foundation for police reform and is the basis for much of the legislative initiatives being considered.
TRANSPORTATION: Minnesota is the 14th largest state in geographic size, 21st in population and has the 5th largest road system. As a state, we need to develop a reliable and sustainable funding stream to maintain and improve how we move goods and services. I support funding primarily from user fees. The state gas tax, licensing fees, sales tax on new, used and leased vehicles should be reviewed as additional sources of revenue. Electric, propane powered vehicles, and new technology advances must also be reviewed to ensure fee parity. Technology advances also play a role in other areas. Building out the metro high rail and transit bus systems will take pressure off metro highway and road systems as well as being a win for the environment and non-renewable resources. Out state municipalities are returning to gravel roadway to cut costs while the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) in Duluth is experimenting with the use of taconite tailings for road repairs.
HOUSING: Affordable and workforce housing instability impact thousands of families in both rural and urban areas and adds to racial inequities. Providing incentives to expand public/private housing partnerships, review local permitting requirements, provide general obligation bonds and infrastructure bonds to preserve and develop housing units are initiatives I support.
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?
In all likelihood, Minnesota will be facing a budget shortfall in 2021 due to the COVID-19 crises. Difficult decisions will need to be made on budget allocations and setting priorities. All options will need to be considered in meeting a balanced budget. As a data driven decision maker, I will seek input from state agency commissioners, department heads and the public in identifying values and priorities.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Making communities desirable for attracting businesses and residents is a starting point. Including reliable infrastructure, broadband and other communication network access, transportation to move people and goods, quality of life amenities, and an educated population that creates a reliable source of labor I have successfully provided TIF funding for the City of Apple Valley, expanded the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Red Line Transit Station and provided funding for an east/west transit route pilot for greater employment access. I have also worked closely with industrial businesses in Rosemount on expansion initiatives, transportation public safety concerns and environmental issues. During this past legislative session, I assisted in obtaining a Border to Border broadband grant to provide high speed internet service to portions of Rosemount. Currently, I am working in conjunction with the City of Rosemount and DEED on a unique project to provide rerouted wastewater from the Empire Water Treatment facility for industrial cooling.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Minnesota’s number one resource, is our educated workforce. As a former University of Minnesota College in the Schools board member and current Minority Lead on the Higher Education Committee, I am concerned on the number of high school graduates leaving Minnesota annually for education reasons. Minnesota has a net loss of 7,000 to 8,000 students annually when compared to incoming students from other states. This loss in the 18-24 year old category is the highest population loss for all age groups. I have initiated a study through the Office of Higher Education to identify the number of these students returning to their home state. We do see a slight increase in population amongst 30-32 year olds which we would like to verify as returning former students. Providing incentives for Minnesota high school graduates to be educated in-state and employed within the Minnesota workforce is critical to our future as a state. DEED also plays an important role in identifying labor shortage areas and forecasting future labor needs. Better coordination is needed with our higher education institutes, two year, four year, licenses granters and certificates, to ensure Minnesota’s current and future labor needs are being met. Providing incentives to fill workforce shortage areas has proven to be effective. Private industry has sponsored students with tuition assistance, tools, and paid jobs while in school and guarantee employment following graduation. Minnesota has also provided incentives for designated workforce shortage occupations through tuition assistance.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Future population growth in Minnesota will largely depend upon immigrants. It is imperative we integrate these new residents into all elements of society, including business ownership through public/private partnership programs. Following the death of George Floyd and the ensuing destruction to property, I visited with many minority business owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The one commonality is that they, like their white fellow business owners, are committed to rebuilding. It is important for the state of Minnesota to assist in the rebuilding process. The Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants have $15 million dedicated to minority and woman-owned businesses damaged following the death of George Floyd. Government assistance programs, non-profit organizations and public/private initiatives all have a role to play in developing minority and woman based businesses. DEED programs such as the Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program provides loan capital for businesses owned and operated by minorities. State government can assist by proving navigator consultants to quickly move through government beurarcy. The Minneapolis Minority Business Development Center and Minnesota Black Chamber are examples of non-profits offering business consultation.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic and closure of business has been devastating for many small business owners. It is important that the federal and state governments come together to help keep businesses operational. Governor Walz recently announced $62.5 million in available grants for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Businesses can help themselves in staying open by following safety returning to operation guidelines and insisting their employees follow COVID-19 preventative standards. Property and business income tax delays including payments over time and increasing business loss tax deductions would also be of assistance.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I would like to thank the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee for the opportunity to be considered for 2020 endorsement. I would be honored to receive your support. I look forward to the 2021 legislative session and working with Minnesota business leaders.