Jay Miller
Name: Jay Miller
Public Office Sought: Minnesota House of Representatives District 52B
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651.408.4517
Campaign Website: www.miller4mnhouse.com
Twitter handle: @Miller4MNHouse
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ElectJayMiller
Candidate Bio
I’ve spent my entire career serving our communities. As a 24-year teacher and coach, I’ve taught and coached the children of 52B. As a 15-year veteran of the Mendota Heights fire department, I’ve helped to keep our families safe from fire and other emergencies, and as a two-term member of the Mendota Heights City Council I’ve provided leadership with a thoughtful mind, calm voice, and steady hand. In this time, I have worked with people from many different backgrounds and diverse points of view. These experiences have given me a unique perspective and insight on our communities, as well as the skills needed to do this job. I can speak first-hand to the needs of the teacher, the public safety worker, the union member, and the community because I have lived it. I have the experience and am ready to make progress on day-one.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I.) Education- Funding and supporting early education programs, improving access to education for all Minnesotans.
II.) Environment- Strengthen laws protecting our natural resources to ensure clean air, clean water, and our natural spaces for future generations.
III.) Public Safety- Improve hiring/retention in public safety by addressing gaps in pensions and mental health supports.
How would you characterize the business climate in 52B and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues?
The business climate is ever-evolving. One of the byproducts of the pandemic was the realization that businesses can be successful with a small physical footprint. As such, 52B is facing the departure of some long-time corporate neighbors. This can be seen as a challenge, or it can be seen as an opportunity. I believe it’s an opportunity for reimagination where, under the right guidance and investment, these spaces can provide new opportunities for emerging/relocating businesses, or amenities for our communities. This, in turn, will sustain the flow of tax revenue and employment opportunities that help to ensure a high quality of life for our communities.
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?
There is an argument that the free market should be driving the bus, but I feel the state has an opportunity for a WIN-WIN-WIN when they attract new business that brings in revenue, jobs, and– in turn –a better quality of life for all Minnesotans. To that end, I would work to incentivize the attraction/retention of businesses that focused on environmental sustainability, alternative/green energy, and those that could prove to be active community partners.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
Labor shortages can be traced back to two fundamental aspects:
I.) A lack of skilled workers
II.) A lack of appropriate compensation
The best way to address the gap in skilled labor is to ensure that schools (K12 and post-secondary) have the tools they need to educate their respective populations. This starts with equal access and thorough, equitable funding. If we’re going to be successful addressing this shortage, then we need to address the problem further upstream. Funding K12 and public higher education schools is the best way to accomplish this goal.
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?
I would like to see our BIPOC communities moved to the front of the line as the state starts processing all cannabis-based licenses, etc. For decades, the BIPOC community’s incarceration rate for cannabis-related offenses far outpaced our other communities. With the recent legalization of cannabis, I believe a BIPOC-first policy is an essential component both from an equity standpoint, as well as a criminal justice reform standpoint.
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?
Everyone wants safe communities. People want to know that somebody will come to help them when they need help, and that public safety is working WITH them to affect positive change. Given this, it’s imperative that we have a robust program for hiring/retaining a high quality, highly-skilled public safety workforce. This starts with high quality, higher education programming that looks to send thoughtful, compassionate graduates into the field. This also means funding public safety positions– including pensions –so that our public safety community doesn’t have to supplement their income through side jobs. Finally, this includes robust mental health support so that this workforce population can access the help they need in positive, constructive pathways. An educated, safe, healthy, and accountable public safety workforce is an effective workforce.
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?
The state’s recent adoption of the 1% metro sales tax to (in part) address the gaps in transportation is a measure I support. It will be interesting to see to what extent the direct investment in transit improves ridership given the pandemic’s impact on telecommuting. That being said, I am an optimist. I think improving and expanding our transportation offerings is a wise investment as we look to offset Minnesota’s carbon emissions.
What strategies or policies would you use to address housing issues?
The cost of housing has risen sharply while supply has shrunk the last few years. While everyone has felt that pinch, the most affected demographic has been those in-need of affordable housing. I appreciate the state’s recent approach (i.e.: 1% metro sales tax) to solve this issue, but I’d supplement that tactic by working to increase the amount of affordable housing in 52B beyond the parameters of what the aforementioned metro sales tax is subsidizing (i.e.: dedicating a higher percentage of dollars toward building additional affordable housing units in addition to the rental voucher program).
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?
I want to see education (including pre-K and early childhood programs) fully funded. Investing in our future makes sense and will pay dividends both economically and socially. I also want to see the expansion of mental health services for public safety professionals. We need to take care of those who work hard every day keeping our communities safe. There is a gap in services present and I want to close that gap. Finally, I want to expand our investments in alternative energy sources. Doing so will create new markets, economic/entrepreneurship opportunities, and increased environmental resiliency in our quest for maintaining Minnesota’s clean water, fresh air, and commitment to natural spaces.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
With the recent legalization of cannabis, there will be an increase in tax base coming to the district in the form of dispensaries and ancillary supports surrounding the aforementioned marketplace. There are also opportunities to increase the tax base if we can think outside the box regarding currently vacant or underutilized workspace. The pandemic created a pivot in mindset with respect to how companies view their physical footprint. This is an opportunity for everyone (i.e.: entrepreneurs/businesses/communities) to create new markets in our area if we’re brave enough to listen.
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?
An educated workforce begins at K-12 education and continues through higher education with highly skilled, well-educated, and caring teachers and staff. All students succeed when provided these tools in fully-funded educational settings. Additionally, we need to improve mental health services at all levels to address the gaps currently present. Finally, it is essential that we work to reduce the cost of higher education.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
The opportunity to grow a diverse and evolving business community helps us on multiple levels. Diverse experiences drive innovation and growth, two things we absolutely need in business in our current economic environment. Historically, the state has shown an interest in creating tax incentives for big corporations, so it’s only fair that the state should seek out and cultivate space for BIPOC-owned businesses as they are exponentially under-represented in the market (people of color make up 24% of Minnesota’s population, but only 7% own businesses).
Not only will this create the opportunity for new business and revenue streams, but these new leaders will help in building a workforce that is prepared for the future.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
My tenure as a city councilor has provided me experience in good governance. My career as a captain in the fire service has given me insight into the needs of our public safety servants.
My life as an educator and proud union member has provided me perspective into the similarities, differences, and challenges within our communities and our residents. All of these endeavors have connected me with so many different people from such diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and the knowledge I have gained through these unique experiences have equipped me with the skills required to do this job on day-one. I have dedicated my life to serving our communities with a calm voice, a steady hand, and thoughtful approach. I ask for your vote in the primary on November 16th and again on December 5th.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota House of Representatives District 52B
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651.408.4517
Campaign Website: www.miller4mnhouse.com
Twitter handle: @Miller4MNHouse
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ElectJayMiller
Candidate Bio
I’ve spent my entire career serving our communities. As a 24-year teacher and coach, I’ve taught and coached the children of 52B. As a 15-year veteran of the Mendota Heights fire department, I’ve helped to keep our families safe from fire and other emergencies, and as a two-term member of the Mendota Heights City Council I’ve provided leadership with a thoughtful mind, calm voice, and steady hand. In this time, I have worked with people from many different backgrounds and diverse points of view. These experiences have given me a unique perspective and insight on our communities, as well as the skills needed to do this job. I can speak first-hand to the needs of the teacher, the public safety worker, the union member, and the community because I have lived it. I have the experience and am ready to make progress on day-one.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I.) Education- Funding and supporting early education programs, improving access to education for all Minnesotans.
II.) Environment- Strengthen laws protecting our natural resources to ensure clean air, clean water, and our natural spaces for future generations.
III.) Public Safety- Improve hiring/retention in public safety by addressing gaps in pensions and mental health supports.
How would you characterize the business climate in 52B and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues?
The business climate is ever-evolving. One of the byproducts of the pandemic was the realization that businesses can be successful with a small physical footprint. As such, 52B is facing the departure of some long-time corporate neighbors. This can be seen as a challenge, or it can be seen as an opportunity. I believe it’s an opportunity for reimagination where, under the right guidance and investment, these spaces can provide new opportunities for emerging/relocating businesses, or amenities for our communities. This, in turn, will sustain the flow of tax revenue and employment opportunities that help to ensure a high quality of life for our communities.
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?
There is an argument that the free market should be driving the bus, but I feel the state has an opportunity for a WIN-WIN-WIN when they attract new business that brings in revenue, jobs, and– in turn –a better quality of life for all Minnesotans. To that end, I would work to incentivize the attraction/retention of businesses that focused on environmental sustainability, alternative/green energy, and those that could prove to be active community partners.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
Labor shortages can be traced back to two fundamental aspects:
I.) A lack of skilled workers
II.) A lack of appropriate compensation
The best way to address the gap in skilled labor is to ensure that schools (K12 and post-secondary) have the tools they need to educate their respective populations. This starts with equal access and thorough, equitable funding. If we’re going to be successful addressing this shortage, then we need to address the problem further upstream. Funding K12 and public higher education schools is the best way to accomplish this goal.
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?
I would like to see our BIPOC communities moved to the front of the line as the state starts processing all cannabis-based licenses, etc. For decades, the BIPOC community’s incarceration rate for cannabis-related offenses far outpaced our other communities. With the recent legalization of cannabis, I believe a BIPOC-first policy is an essential component both from an equity standpoint, as well as a criminal justice reform standpoint.
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?
Everyone wants safe communities. People want to know that somebody will come to help them when they need help, and that public safety is working WITH them to affect positive change. Given this, it’s imperative that we have a robust program for hiring/retaining a high quality, highly-skilled public safety workforce. This starts with high quality, higher education programming that looks to send thoughtful, compassionate graduates into the field. This also means funding public safety positions– including pensions –so that our public safety community doesn’t have to supplement their income through side jobs. Finally, this includes robust mental health support so that this workforce population can access the help they need in positive, constructive pathways. An educated, safe, healthy, and accountable public safety workforce is an effective workforce.
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?
The state’s recent adoption of the 1% metro sales tax to (in part) address the gaps in transportation is a measure I support. It will be interesting to see to what extent the direct investment in transit improves ridership given the pandemic’s impact on telecommuting. That being said, I am an optimist. I think improving and expanding our transportation offerings is a wise investment as we look to offset Minnesota’s carbon emissions.
What strategies or policies would you use to address housing issues?
The cost of housing has risen sharply while supply has shrunk the last few years. While everyone has felt that pinch, the most affected demographic has been those in-need of affordable housing. I appreciate the state’s recent approach (i.e.: 1% metro sales tax) to solve this issue, but I’d supplement that tactic by working to increase the amount of affordable housing in 52B beyond the parameters of what the aforementioned metro sales tax is subsidizing (i.e.: dedicating a higher percentage of dollars toward building additional affordable housing units in addition to the rental voucher program).
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?
I want to see education (including pre-K and early childhood programs) fully funded. Investing in our future makes sense and will pay dividends both economically and socially. I also want to see the expansion of mental health services for public safety professionals. We need to take care of those who work hard every day keeping our communities safe. There is a gap in services present and I want to close that gap. Finally, I want to expand our investments in alternative energy sources. Doing so will create new markets, economic/entrepreneurship opportunities, and increased environmental resiliency in our quest for maintaining Minnesota’s clean water, fresh air, and commitment to natural spaces.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
With the recent legalization of cannabis, there will be an increase in tax base coming to the district in the form of dispensaries and ancillary supports surrounding the aforementioned marketplace. There are also opportunities to increase the tax base if we can think outside the box regarding currently vacant or underutilized workspace. The pandemic created a pivot in mindset with respect to how companies view their physical footprint. This is an opportunity for everyone (i.e.: entrepreneurs/businesses/communities) to create new markets in our area if we’re brave enough to listen.
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?
An educated workforce begins at K-12 education and continues through higher education with highly skilled, well-educated, and caring teachers and staff. All students succeed when provided these tools in fully-funded educational settings. Additionally, we need to improve mental health services at all levels to address the gaps currently present. Finally, it is essential that we work to reduce the cost of higher education.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
The opportunity to grow a diverse and evolving business community helps us on multiple levels. Diverse experiences drive innovation and growth, two things we absolutely need in business in our current economic environment. Historically, the state has shown an interest in creating tax incentives for big corporations, so it’s only fair that the state should seek out and cultivate space for BIPOC-owned businesses as they are exponentially under-represented in the market (people of color make up 24% of Minnesota’s population, but only 7% own businesses).
Not only will this create the opportunity for new business and revenue streams, but these new leaders will help in building a workforce that is prepared for the future.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
My tenure as a city councilor has provided me experience in good governance. My career as a captain in the fire service has given me insight into the needs of our public safety servants.
My life as an educator and proud union member has provided me perspective into the similarities, differences, and challenges within our communities and our residents. All of these endeavors have connected me with so many different people from such diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and the knowledge I have gained through these unique experiences have equipped me with the skills required to do this job on day-one. I have dedicated my life to serving our communities with a calm voice, a steady hand, and thoughtful approach. I ask for your vote in the primary on November 16th and again on December 5th.