Matt Little
Name: Matt Little
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 58
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (952) 288-9660
Campaign website: votelittle.com
Twitter handle: @littlesenator
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MattMLittle/
Candidate Bio
I grew up in Lakeville, and attended Rosemount High School before getting my BA from the University of Minnesota Morris and my JD from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
I was elected to the Lakeville City Council in 2010, Mayor in 2012 and ran unopposed for reelection as Mayor in 2014. While serving at Lakeville City Hall, I kept per capita property taxes the lowest in the County, fixed our roads, revitalized downtown, got our students involved in local government, and expanded essential services for our seniors. In 2016, I was elected to the State Senate where I’ve focused on bringing tax dollars back to our district, Metro Mobility to Lakeville, affordable drug pricing, transportation infrastructure and supporting targeted tax cuts to businesses, seniors, students, and farmers. Most importantly, I’ve voted to reduce the commercial-industrial property tax and end the commercial-industrial property tax inflator.
I am a proud and relentless promoter for our local businesses, participating in hundreds of business events and featuring local businesses on my social media accounts which are viewed by tens of thousands everyday.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Infrastructure- Fixing roads and bridges while modernizing our transportation system.
Education- Fully funding public schools to develop a highly skilled workforce.
Lowering Prescriptions Drug costs- Ensuring everyone can afford the medicine they need to live healthy, productive lives.
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?
The business climate is strong throughout our district, especially in Lakeville, where I previously served as mayor. Lakeville and Farmington are experiencing continued growth, as evidenced by the fact that Lakeville led the metro area in single family home permitting from 2012-2019, Both Lakeville and Farmington have large manufacturing parks that I’ve worked to support and helped to expand, and while helping to grow new businesses every day. In terms of quality of life, these businesses and many others play a pivotal role in making our communities better: they provide a pathway for opportunity, an educated, skilled and creative labor force, a strong tax base, and an excellent tradition of philanthropy and community involvement as they give back to their neighbors and strengthen our neighborhoods.
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?
Fundamentally, I view businesses and government as dynamic partners working together to build a healthy and prosperous Minnesota. The State should continue to provide world-class infrastructure, public services, parks, schools, universities and cultural amenities which will attract and retain the best labor force for Minnesota’s many businesses. As Minnesota continues to build the best medical, research, industrial and commercial sectors we should continue to invest in programs for training and retraining our highly skilled, home-grown talent, while marketing our state to the best talent worldwide. Minnesota has a long tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation, which the State should continue to cultivate with education, incentives, and a flexible regulatory environment. As I said at the beginning, I have always been a proud and relentless promoter for local and Minnesota businesses, and I believe the State should play a similar role on a higher level in promoting Minnesota businesses nationally and around the globe.
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 a new father, the time my wife and I spent with our new daughter after her birth was invaluable. I support paid family & sick leave because it supports families and businesses alike. It makes smaller businesses more competitive, spreads the cost of such leaves, and levels the playing field for large corporations both nationally and internationally. Of course, any proposal would require engaging with businesses to ensure these policies meet the needs of both families and business. That means including businesses of all sizes in the process of crafting such policies and avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
Public Safety- Since the tragic death of George Floyd and its aftermath, it is vital that the State work with law enforcement and community groups to promote public safety for all citizens of all backgrounds, reduce harm to citizens from law enforcement, enhance relationships between law enforcement and neighborhoods, and deeply explore alternatives to policing to prevent crime and provide the most appropriate crisis interventions for each situation. In the end, however, only redressing the harmful inequities and historical injustices of our nation can truly create a just society with low levels of crime, high levels of prosperity and peaceful communities for all people.
In addition, many other types of laws and programs can enhance public safety. Broader public education campaigns coupled with targeted bills, such as the Hands-Free Driving bill and my legislation to extend background checks to private gun sales will help to make our state safer and more peaceful.
Transportation- As our infrastructure deteriorates, costs increase for businesses and individuals alike. Repairing our roads, highways and bridges, and diversifying transportation options will provide greater access to jobs, reduce congestion and speed up delivery times and reduce commutes. This can only be achieved through a multi-year, incremental investment program that considers an “all of the above” funding approach which doesn’t overly burden taxpayers and businesses. The needs, costs and timelines are too large for any single program, funding source, or budget cycle to meet the transportation needs of our state.
Housing- Support continued housing development of all types, making sure to include multiple, flexible senior and low-income housing options, and focus on a sustainable set of incentives to create a mixed housing market when the private sector can provide for the housing needs of all people.
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?
The state should offer a public option through MNCare. Health care costs are one of the largest cost burdens for businesses and families. Without such a public option, businesses and families are required to spend huge amounts of time and energy attempting to backfill coverage, paying for emergency care, or avoiding medical treatment only to pay far more in the long run. Most businesses lack the staff, skills and motivation to function as health care clearinghouses for their employees. Giving businesses and individuals the option to use MNCare is the most efficient, cost-effective way to preserve market competition while guaranteeing all citizens have access to quality health care.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Answered in Question #4. By continuing to support local industry and businesses, providing a flexible regulatory environment, world class public education, services and attractive amenities. When the district creates jobs, real estate development and good schools, we can attract and build talent, thus growing the base.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
In the Senate, I voted for a 2% increase in per-student funding. I support the ability to refinance student loans and wrote a bill for $5000 worth of tax credits towards loans. I advocated for a Lakeville Works program that pays students who intern with local businesses and continued securing funding for the MN Development PIPELINE that helps develop and educate workers in advanced manufacturing and other high skilled industries.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
The State should work to close opportunity gaps in education, financing, and hiring that disadvantage people of color and reduce the number of minority entrepreneurs, minority owned start-ups and long-term sustainable minority businesses. The State should streamline the process for starting businesses, simplify the State’s online resources for business creators, which will make it easier for everyone to innovate, including many people of color. I’ve been a supporter of the Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program which invests in businesses run by women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
A large bonding package to help spur local businesses and provide construction jobs.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
My work with prescription drugs, specifically insulin, helps both businesses and diabetics. This session the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act finally passed, providing emergency supplies to diabetics. Costs of necessary drugs like these are too high and they hinder the lives of far too many Minnesotans and add tremendous cost burdens to businesses who must bear most of the expense from irrational, non-market based pricing for prescription medications.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 58
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (952) 288-9660
Campaign website: votelittle.com
Twitter handle: @littlesenator
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MattMLittle/
Candidate Bio
I grew up in Lakeville, and attended Rosemount High School before getting my BA from the University of Minnesota Morris and my JD from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
I was elected to the Lakeville City Council in 2010, Mayor in 2012 and ran unopposed for reelection as Mayor in 2014. While serving at Lakeville City Hall, I kept per capita property taxes the lowest in the County, fixed our roads, revitalized downtown, got our students involved in local government, and expanded essential services for our seniors. In 2016, I was elected to the State Senate where I’ve focused on bringing tax dollars back to our district, Metro Mobility to Lakeville, affordable drug pricing, transportation infrastructure and supporting targeted tax cuts to businesses, seniors, students, and farmers. Most importantly, I’ve voted to reduce the commercial-industrial property tax and end the commercial-industrial property tax inflator.
I am a proud and relentless promoter for our local businesses, participating in hundreds of business events and featuring local businesses on my social media accounts which are viewed by tens of thousands everyday.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Infrastructure- Fixing roads and bridges while modernizing our transportation system.
Education- Fully funding public schools to develop a highly skilled workforce.
Lowering Prescriptions Drug costs- Ensuring everyone can afford the medicine they need to live healthy, productive lives.
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?
The business climate is strong throughout our district, especially in Lakeville, where I previously served as mayor. Lakeville and Farmington are experiencing continued growth, as evidenced by the fact that Lakeville led the metro area in single family home permitting from 2012-2019, Both Lakeville and Farmington have large manufacturing parks that I’ve worked to support and helped to expand, and while helping to grow new businesses every day. In terms of quality of life, these businesses and many others play a pivotal role in making our communities better: they provide a pathway for opportunity, an educated, skilled and creative labor force, a strong tax base, and an excellent tradition of philanthropy and community involvement as they give back to their neighbors and strengthen our neighborhoods.
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?
Fundamentally, I view businesses and government as dynamic partners working together to build a healthy and prosperous Minnesota. The State should continue to provide world-class infrastructure, public services, parks, schools, universities and cultural amenities which will attract and retain the best labor force for Minnesota’s many businesses. As Minnesota continues to build the best medical, research, industrial and commercial sectors we should continue to invest in programs for training and retraining our highly skilled, home-grown talent, while marketing our state to the best talent worldwide. Minnesota has a long tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation, which the State should continue to cultivate with education, incentives, and a flexible regulatory environment. As I said at the beginning, I have always been a proud and relentless promoter for local and Minnesota businesses, and I believe the State should play a similar role on a higher level in promoting Minnesota businesses nationally and around the globe.
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 a new father, the time my wife and I spent with our new daughter after her birth was invaluable. I support paid family & sick leave because it supports families and businesses alike. It makes smaller businesses more competitive, spreads the cost of such leaves, and levels the playing field for large corporations both nationally and internationally. Of course, any proposal would require engaging with businesses to ensure these policies meet the needs of both families and business. That means including businesses of all sizes in the process of crafting such policies and avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
Public Safety- Since the tragic death of George Floyd and its aftermath, it is vital that the State work with law enforcement and community groups to promote public safety for all citizens of all backgrounds, reduce harm to citizens from law enforcement, enhance relationships between law enforcement and neighborhoods, and deeply explore alternatives to policing to prevent crime and provide the most appropriate crisis interventions for each situation. In the end, however, only redressing the harmful inequities and historical injustices of our nation can truly create a just society with low levels of crime, high levels of prosperity and peaceful communities for all people.
In addition, many other types of laws and programs can enhance public safety. Broader public education campaigns coupled with targeted bills, such as the Hands-Free Driving bill and my legislation to extend background checks to private gun sales will help to make our state safer and more peaceful.
Transportation- As our infrastructure deteriorates, costs increase for businesses and individuals alike. Repairing our roads, highways and bridges, and diversifying transportation options will provide greater access to jobs, reduce congestion and speed up delivery times and reduce commutes. This can only be achieved through a multi-year, incremental investment program that considers an “all of the above” funding approach which doesn’t overly burden taxpayers and businesses. The needs, costs and timelines are too large for any single program, funding source, or budget cycle to meet the transportation needs of our state.
Housing- Support continued housing development of all types, making sure to include multiple, flexible senior and low-income housing options, and focus on a sustainable set of incentives to create a mixed housing market when the private sector can provide for the housing needs of all people.
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?
The state should offer a public option through MNCare. Health care costs are one of the largest cost burdens for businesses and families. Without such a public option, businesses and families are required to spend huge amounts of time and energy attempting to backfill coverage, paying for emergency care, or avoiding medical treatment only to pay far more in the long run. Most businesses lack the staff, skills and motivation to function as health care clearinghouses for their employees. Giving businesses and individuals the option to use MNCare is the most efficient, cost-effective way to preserve market competition while guaranteeing all citizens have access to quality health care.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Answered in Question #4. By continuing to support local industry and businesses, providing a flexible regulatory environment, world class public education, services and attractive amenities. When the district creates jobs, real estate development and good schools, we can attract and build talent, thus growing the base.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
In the Senate, I voted for a 2% increase in per-student funding. I support the ability to refinance student loans and wrote a bill for $5000 worth of tax credits towards loans. I advocated for a Lakeville Works program that pays students who intern with local businesses and continued securing funding for the MN Development PIPELINE that helps develop and educate workers in advanced manufacturing and other high skilled industries.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
The State should work to close opportunity gaps in education, financing, and hiring that disadvantage people of color and reduce the number of minority entrepreneurs, minority owned start-ups and long-term sustainable minority businesses. The State should streamline the process for starting businesses, simplify the State’s online resources for business creators, which will make it easier for everyone to innovate, including many people of color. I’ve been a supporter of the Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program which invests in businesses run by women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
A large bonding package to help spur local businesses and provide construction jobs.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
My work with prescription drugs, specifically insulin, helps both businesses and diabetics. This session the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act finally passed, providing emergency supplies to diabetics. Costs of necessary drugs like these are too high and they hinder the lives of far too many Minnesotans and add tremendous cost burdens to businesses who must bear most of the expense from irrational, non-market based pricing for prescription medications.