Leilani Holmstadt
Name: Leilani Holmstadt
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 54
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-214-6991
Website: Leilaniforsenate.com
Twitter handle: @LeilaniMnSenate
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LeilaniMNSenate
Candidate Bio
I have been a resident of Cottage Grove, for 27 years raising my three daughters in the community. For 21 of those years I have owned a small, family child-care business. As a child- care provider, I have advocated on several occasions for parental rights and other issues in MN legislative hearings.
I graduated from Buena Vista University with a BA in Social Work. My career in social work included case management, child development and welfare, crisis intervention and management, domestic abuse, rape crisis, family dynamics, interviewing and negotiations, mental health and dual disorders.
I have been active in my church as a ministry ambassador and as a registered emergency medical responder.
I have a strong interest and understanding of both the US and Minnesota constitutions.
The foregoing experiences, background and activities provide me with ample qualifications to serve the citizens of my district in the Minnesota Senate.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My legislative interest and priorities would primarily be in the areas of health and human services, education, & election integrity.
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 recognize this is a difficult time for the survival of business in the east metro and elsewhere. Small business is a major contributor to the MN economy, the workforce and to society. I have directly felt the effects of the recent disastrous economic policies of the current governor’s administration. These policies have adversely affected my customers’ livelihoods and have, in turn, affected my business dramatically. These policies will likely affect the business climate in the east metro for an extended period.
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?
As a Senator, I would work to ensure a favorable business climate that supports growth and prosperity for businesses. This would include serving on committees that address tracking the entry and exit of local businesses, reducing burdensome regulations and conforming state tax provisions to changes in federal tax law.
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?
I do not believe that the government should have a major role in any specific employment-related proposals. If a business wants to retain its employees, it is the interest of that business to offer its employees a reasonable employment package. Government’s role should be generally confined to health and safety issues.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
The role of government in these issues is complex and beyond the scope of a three- sentence answer. I am generally in favor of safety, transportation, and housing.
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?
Every business is supported by certain government services, like roads, police, fire, and emergency medical. I will not support cutting back on these essential services. The scope of many services, for example health and human services, has grown too large and must be reduced in size and scope. Generally, I believe government also is not held accountable for its enormously costly failures and this must change. (MN Sure system, Driver’s license systems, etc.)
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
As a MN Senator, I will work hard to improve the business climate to attract new businesses. There are many opportunities to reduce state regulations and lower business taxes.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
As a Senator, I would support giving parents with children in K-12 school choice options. Exploring the path of letting funding follow the student and the choice that best fits each family’s circumstances. I would also support continuing the Post-Secondary Education Option, (PSEO), a program that allows public and nonpublic students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades to earn college credit while still in high school, if they qualify for the program.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
I see the role of the State to create a business-friendly environment by lowering regulations and taxes for businesses. A business-friendly environment will allow equal opportunities for all people to start and operate a business of their choice. As a Senator I will not vote for quotas of any kind. I would be interested in hearing about and encouraging programs that help train and mentor budding entrepreneurs.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
As a citizen and a small business owner, I do not believe it is the legislature’s responsibility to cover for the government’s mistakes. In talking with other small businesses, I understand that the targeted payroll protection program had positive results with businesses by helping them to maintain their work force.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I wish to thank the Saint Paul Chamber for the opportunity to share my thoughts and positions. I look forward to your support of my campaign.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 54
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-214-6991
Website: Leilaniforsenate.com
Twitter handle: @LeilaniMnSenate
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LeilaniMNSenate
Candidate Bio
I have been a resident of Cottage Grove, for 27 years raising my three daughters in the community. For 21 of those years I have owned a small, family child-care business. As a child- care provider, I have advocated on several occasions for parental rights and other issues in MN legislative hearings.
I graduated from Buena Vista University with a BA in Social Work. My career in social work included case management, child development and welfare, crisis intervention and management, domestic abuse, rape crisis, family dynamics, interviewing and negotiations, mental health and dual disorders.
I have been active in my church as a ministry ambassador and as a registered emergency medical responder.
I have a strong interest and understanding of both the US and Minnesota constitutions.
The foregoing experiences, background and activities provide me with ample qualifications to serve the citizens of my district in the Minnesota Senate.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My legislative interest and priorities would primarily be in the areas of health and human services, education, & election integrity.
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 recognize this is a difficult time for the survival of business in the east metro and elsewhere. Small business is a major contributor to the MN economy, the workforce and to society. I have directly felt the effects of the recent disastrous economic policies of the current governor’s administration. These policies have adversely affected my customers’ livelihoods and have, in turn, affected my business dramatically. These policies will likely affect the business climate in the east metro for an extended period.
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?
As a Senator, I would work to ensure a favorable business climate that supports growth and prosperity for businesses. This would include serving on committees that address tracking the entry and exit of local businesses, reducing burdensome regulations and conforming state tax provisions to changes in federal tax law.
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?
I do not believe that the government should have a major role in any specific employment-related proposals. If a business wants to retain its employees, it is the interest of that business to offer its employees a reasonable employment package. Government’s role should be generally confined to health and safety issues.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
The role of government in these issues is complex and beyond the scope of a three- sentence answer. I am generally in favor of safety, transportation, and housing.
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?
Every business is supported by certain government services, like roads, police, fire, and emergency medical. I will not support cutting back on these essential services. The scope of many services, for example health and human services, has grown too large and must be reduced in size and scope. Generally, I believe government also is not held accountable for its enormously costly failures and this must change. (MN Sure system, Driver’s license systems, etc.)
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
As a MN Senator, I will work hard to improve the business climate to attract new businesses. There are many opportunities to reduce state regulations and lower business taxes.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
As a Senator, I would support giving parents with children in K-12 school choice options. Exploring the path of letting funding follow the student and the choice that best fits each family’s circumstances. I would also support continuing the Post-Secondary Education Option, (PSEO), a program that allows public and nonpublic students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades to earn college credit while still in high school, if they qualify for the program.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
I see the role of the State to create a business-friendly environment by lowering regulations and taxes for businesses. A business-friendly environment will allow equal opportunities for all people to start and operate a business of their choice. As a Senator I will not vote for quotas of any kind. I would be interested in hearing about and encouraging programs that help train and mentor budding entrepreneurs.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
As a citizen and a small business owner, I do not believe it is the legislature’s responsibility to cover for the government’s mistakes. In talking with other small businesses, I understand that the targeted payroll protection program had positive results with businesses by helping them to maintain their work force.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I wish to thank the Saint Paul Chamber for the opportunity to share my thoughts and positions. I look forward to your support of my campaign.