>> Announcer: DEBATE NIGHT 2024 IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MINNESOTA, EVOLVE CREATIVE, LINDA AND DAVID HOLMES, AND DAVID QUAM.

LAKELAND PBS, THE BEMIDJI PIONEER, BRAINERD DISPATCH, PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE AND KAXE/KBXE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT DEBATE NIGHT 2024, A LOOK AT OUR AREA LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES.

YOUR MODERATOR TONIGHT IS RAY GILDOW, AND NOW THE MINNESOTA HOUSE DISTRICT 10A DEBATE.

>> Ray: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO OUR FOURTH NIGHT OF DEBATE NIGHT 2024 AT THE LAKELAND PBS STUDIO IN BRAINERD.

I'M RAY GILDOW, YOUR MODERATOR TONIGHT.

WE'RE COMING TO THE END OF AN EXCITING WEEK OF DEBATES, COVERING TOPICS AND ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITIES.

TONIGHT WE WILL COVER THE FINAL STATE LEGISLATIVE DEBATE WITH HOUSE DISTRICT 10A.

THE CANDIDATES ARE JULIA HIPP FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FARMER LABOR FARTHER AND RON KRESHA FROM THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

WE HAVE THREE PANELISTS TONIGHT ASKING QUESTIONS OF THE CANDIDATES.

DENNIS WEIMANN IS THE NEWS DIRECTOR AT LAKELAND PBS.

MEGAN BUFFINGTON IS A REPORTER AT KAXE/KBXE PUBLIC RADIO AND TERESA BURKE IS A REPORTER FOR THE BRAINERD DISPATCH.

NOW FOR THE RULES FOR TONIGHT'S DEBATE.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES FOR OWNING COMMENTS.

THE PANEL -- OPENING COMMENTS.

THE PANEL WILL THEN BEGIN ASKING QUESTIONS.

SOME WILL BE THEIR OWN QUESTIONS.

OTHERS MAY BE FROM THE PUBLIC.

CANDIDATES WILL ROTATE THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY SPEAK BEGINNING WITH OPENING COMMENTS AND FINISHING WITH CLOSING COMMENTS.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL THEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A ONE-MINUTE REBUTTAL.

CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF USING A ONE-MINUTE BONUS TIME TO ADD TO ONE OF THEIR ANSWERS TONIGHT, AND THAT CAN BE ADDED AT ANY TIME THE INITIAL QUESTION OR DURING ANY OF THE REBUTTALS, BUT IT CAN ONLY BE USED ONE TIME.

QUESTIONS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL WE REACH THE 50-MINUTE MARK, AT WHICH TIME WE'LL MOVE TO THE CLOSING COMMENTS.

CANDIDATES WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES FOR CLOSING COMMENTS.

OKAY, LET'S GET STARTED.

OPENING COMMENTS, WE'LL START WITH YOU, RON, AND GO TO YOU, JULIA.

>> Kresha: THANK YOU, RAY.

THANK YOU, LAKELAND, AND THANK YOU TO OUR MODERATORS AND THOSE REQUESTING THE QUESTIONS AND EVERYONE IN 10A.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE THESE DEBATES AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO SHARE IDEAS, AND I ALSO WANT TO THANK MY WIFE AND MY FIVE KIDS, BEEN VERY LUCKY, TWO OF WHICH ARE MARRIED.

THAT'S ALL HAPPENED IN THE TIME THAT I STARTED IN THE HOUSE IN 2011 AND COMING UP.

I WANT TO START OFF WITH -- I'M NOT GOING TO HAVE AN OPENING ABOUT POLICY BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO GET INTO THAT, BUT I WANT TO HAVE AN OPENING ABOUT JULIA.

WHEN WE FIRST STARTED THIS CAMPAIGN, ONE OF THE FIRST TIMES WE MET IS THROUGH A PARADE, AND I HAD MY DOG TEDDY, I WAS WALKING THROUGH THE PARADE AND JULIA HAD BROUGHT HER DOG AND ADMITTEDLY, THE FIRST TIME WE MET, I WAS LIKE, OH, I CAN'T BELIEVE MY OPPONENT IS BRINGING A DOG TOO.

WE'VE HAD THIS WORLD WHERE THERE'S SO MUCH DIVISION.

THEN I GOT TO MEET JULIA.

I GOT TO MEET HER IN AITKIN AND I GOT TO KNOW HER.

MY WIFE SAID, YOU SHOULD JUST GO NEAT HER.

I DID AND I GOT TO KNOW JULIA AND WHAT I FOUND IS NOT DO WE JUST SHARE THE COMMON HUNTING OF DOGS AND RAISING AND THE OUTDOORS, A LOT OF IDEA WE HAVE, WE CAN GO BACK AND FORTH.

I THINK THAT CORDIALNESS HAS CARRIED FORWARD.

I DON'T WANT TO EMBARRASS YOU, JULIA, BUT I HAVE TO DO.

I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE AND SHE LOOKED AT ME SAID I HAVE TO DO THIS AND FIXED MY COLLAR.

THE VOTERS GET A REFRESHING BACK TO THE DEBATE, WHAT'S GOOD FOR THE DISTRICT AND HOW WE CAN TAKE THOSE IDEAS TO ST. PAUL AND COME BACK WITH THE BEST SOLUTION.

SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DEBATE AND LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING THIS WITH JULIA.

>> Hipp: THANK YOU, RON.

YES, AS RON SAID, WE'VE STARTED OFF AND IT JUST HAS FLOURISHED INTO A LOVELY RELATIONSHIP, AND IT'S A LOT TO DO WITH WE AGREE THAT WE TALK WITH EACH OTHER.

IT'S NOT TALKING AT EACH OTHER, AND IT IS TO DISCUSS THINGS AND TO FIND SOLUTIONS.

AND WE CAN ALWAYS FIND SOLUTIONS WHEN WE TALK WITH EACH OTHER.

NOW BACK TO MY OWN OPENING AND JUST TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE BIT OF MY BACKGROUND.

AGAIN, I'M GRATEFUL FOR PBS AND OUR VIEWERS AND OUR DISTRICT AND THE JOURNALISTS AND PBS SPONSORS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

I'M AGAIN, JULIA HIPP RUNNING FOR THE HOUSE SEE THE IN 10A.

AS A PERSON WHO VALUES HARASS WORK, INTEGRITY AND EQUITY, I BLEND A UNIQUE BLEND OF EXPERIENCES AS A MOTHER, BUSINESS WOMAN, ATHLETE, HUNTER AND ADVOCATE TO MY LEADERSHIP APPROACH.

MY CAMPAIGN IS BUILT ON FIVE PILLARS.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE, HABITAT CLEAN WATER, AND EDUCATION.

THESE PILLARS ARE INTERCONNECTED AND CANNOT BE ADDRESSED EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE OTHERS.

FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY ARE AT THE CORE OF MY VISION FOR A BETTER MINNESOTA.

I BELIEVE IN UNITING AMERICAN PEOPLE AND HEALING OUR NATION MEANS CONFRONTING DEEP-ROOTED INEQUALITIES AND IMPLEMENTING BOLD SOLUTIONS.

HEALTHCARE IS PERSONAL TO ME AS A CANCER SURVIVOR.

I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR ALL MINNESOTANS.

MAKING HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE, INCLUDING DRUG PRICES, IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR ME.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IS CRUCIAL IN THE FACE OF A WARMING CLIMATE.

BOTH URBAN AND OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES HAVE FELT THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

I WILL ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES, AND I WILL ADVOCATE FOR SOLUTIONS AS ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES AND THE CONSERVATION OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING HABITAT CONSERVATION.

AS A BIRD HUNTER AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST, I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT PRESERVING OUR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE FOR OUR CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.

BIRD HUNTING PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN HABITAT CONSERVATION EFFORTS, SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIES AND BUSINESSES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

CLEAN WATER IS NOT JUST ABOUT OUR LAKES AND WATERWAYS.

IT ALSO ABOUT OUR QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER.

AGAIN AS A CANCER SURVIVOR, I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN WATER FOR OUR HEALTH.

WE MUST ADDRESS THREATS LIKE WATER CONTAMINATION AND CYBERATTACKS TO ENSURE SECURE WATER SUPPLY.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE -- WE CAN WORK TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE WHERE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, AND QUALITY EDUCATION ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL AND RESPECTFUL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL.

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY IN THIS -- AND LISTENING TO OUR VALUES, OUR CHARACTER, AND CARING ABOUT OUR CITIZENS.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

FIRST QUESTION WILL BE COMING FROM TERESA.

>> Teresa: WE KNOW THERE'S A SHORTAGE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACROSS THE STATE.

WHAT CAN STATE LEGISLATORS DO TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM?

>> Ray: JULIA, YOU HAVE THE FIRST ANSWER.

>> Hipp: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION BECAUSE THAT IS A HUGE ISSUE IN I THINK MOST OF OUR COUNTIES AND PARTICULARLY IN AITKIN AND MORRISON.

IT'S AN AGING COMMUNITY AND WE ARE LOSING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE STUDENT ENROLLMENT IS DOWN AND SO FORTH.

THERE ARE THINGS LIKE WE HAVE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IN AITKIN THAT IS CALLED GROWTH INNOVATIONS WHO HAS A COALITION OF CONTRACTORS AND OTHER RESOURCES TO PUT TOGETHER PROPOSALS AND SO FORTH AND GET THE FUNDING AND APPLY FOR GRANTS.

AND THE LATEST ONE IS TO BUILD A 41-UNIT HOUSING COMPLEX, AND THEY'RE PROCEEDING.

WE MAY BE ABLE TO BREAK GROUND YET THIS YEAR, BUT THEY MAY HAVE TO WAIT TILL NEXT SPRING.

IN ANY EVENT, THOSE ARE THE KINDS OF INITIATIVES THAT AS A COMMUNITY, WE CAN ALL PULL TOGETHER AND SOLVE THIS, AT LEAST SOLVE -- HAVE A RESOLUTION TO THE HOUSING ISSUE AS WELL AS FOR OUR SENIOR LIVING THAT IS NECESSARY.

>> Ray: THANK YOU.

RON.

>> Kresha: THANK YOU.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION, TERESA.

SO WHEN IT COMES TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE HOUSING CRISIS, THE STATE HAS SOME THINGS THEY CAN DO, SOME THINGS THEY CAN'T.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE SHOULD BE HELPING COUNTIES OUT WITH THE PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION.

WE WANT THESE YOUNG FAMILIES TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD A HOUSE.

IT'S ONE THING TO GET INTO THE HOUSE AND HAVE A MORTGAGE AND PRINCIPAL, BUT WE HAVE TO KEEP THIGHS ONGOING COSTS DOWN.

THE OTHER THING THAT'S HAPPENING IS WE HAVE AN AGING POPULATION A THAT WE NEED TO HELP TRANSITION INTO ASSISTED LIVING, OTHER NEW HOMES BECAUSE WHAT'S HAPPENING IS THOSE OLDER HOMES AREN'T BEING PUT BACK ON THE MARKET SO THAT YOUNG FAMILIES CAN COME IN LIKE WE WERE ABLE TO COME IN AS A YOUNG FAMILY.

YOU START REMODELING, BUILDING IT UP, AND THEN YOU MOVE TO THE NEXT ONE.

THAT HASN'T HAPPENED.

SO WE HAVE THIS -- WE DON'T HAVE THE TRANSIENT POPULATION OF MOVING INTO THE HOMES.

THE OTHER THING IS HAVING FAMILY SECURITY.

PEOPLE WILL BUY HOMES AND YOUNG FAMILIES WILL MOVE IN IF THEY HAVE THAT SECURITY AND THEY CAN FIND THE JOBS AND THEY CAN START TO WORK THEIR WAY UP TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD THOSE MORTGAGE AND PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS.

RIGHT NOW THE STATE ACTUALLY HINDERS THIS BECAUSE WE'RE PUTTING TOO MANY RESTRICTIONS.

WE'RE MAKING IT HARDER.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS SAME SOME OF CALVIN COOL LIJS IDEAS WHEN HE WAS PRESIDENT AND THAT IS STOP MAKING THE MANDATES, STOP MAKING THE LAWS AND LET THINGS JUST WORK THEY WANT OUT.

WE NEED TO LET FAMILIES BECOME SUCCESSFUL.

WE NEED TO LET THESE YOUNG FAMILIES MOVE UP IN RANKS IN THEIR COMPANIES OR START BUSINESSES AS OTHER PEOPLE TRANSITION AND RETIRING.

THAT'S HOW THE ECONOMIC CYCLE WORKS.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW IS THE STRAIGHT FRANKLY TRIES TO DO TOO MUCH AND PLAY WITH TOO MANY POLICY AND THE UNCERTAINTY GOES THROUGH THE ROOF AND YOU HAVE FAMILIES THAT DON'T FEEL SECURE AND THEY DON'T GET INTO THAT FIRST HOME.

>> Ray: JULIA, DO YOU HAVE ANY REBUTTAL?

>> Hipp: I'D LIKE TO MENTION THAT STRENGTHENING THE PROGRAMS LIKE GOVERNMENT AID AND COUNTY PROGRAM AID THAT WILL ENSURE STABLE FUNDING AND PREDICTABLE REVENUE SHARING FOR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THAT WOULD BE ESSENTIAL TO SUPPORTING VITAL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.

>> Ray: THANK YOU.

RON, ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> Kresha: I'LL ADD TO THAT I SUPPORT LGA, I CONTINUE TO SNT IT, AND ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS I'VE BEEN A BIG CHAMPION ON AND LEADER IS BROADBAND AND GETTING THAT BROADBAND OUT TO OUR RURAL AREAS SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO EXPAND HOMES FROM THE COMMUNITIES OUT INTO THE RURAL AREAS AND BRING THOSE REMOTE WORKERS IN AND GO OUT.

ALL OF THAT HAS HELPED AND, IN FACT, ALL THE LEADERSHIP I DID ON THE RURAL BROADBAND STUFF AND TTC IS A GREAT COMPANY UP HERE, PROBABLY GOT US THROUGH COVID.

>> Ray: NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM DENNIS, AND RON, YOU'LL HAVE THE FIRST RESPONSE.

>> Dennis: WHAT CAN BE DONE AT THE STATE LEVEL WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE CONSTITUTION TO TRY TO PREVENT A FUTURE SCHOOL SHOOTING?

>> Kresha: WOW, DENNIS, THAT'S A -- YOU CAN'T GET INSIDE EASTERLY PEOPLE'S MINDS AND -- EVIL PEOPLE'S MINDS AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE PEOPLE THAT GO THROUGH TRAUMA OR HOWEVER THEY GOAT TO THAT POINT.

I THINK TO MYSELF, THERE ARE TIME A HORRIFIC SHOOTING HAPPENS OR ANY VIOLENT THING HAPPENS, HOW DOES THAT PERSON GET TO THAT POINT WHERE THEY DECIDE TO TAKE WHATEVER TRAGEDY IN THEIR LIFE OUT ON STUDENTS IN A SCHOOL.

SO WITHIN THE CONSTITUTION, YOU KNOW, WE'VE ALREADY MADE TREMENDOUS STRIDES WITH SECURITY.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE SAW THE DFL TRY TO DO, UNFORTUNATELY, WAS REMOVING SCHOOL OFFICERS.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.

AND THOSE OFFICERS NOT ONLY ARE THERE FOR THE SECURITY OF THE STUDENTS, BUT THEY'RE THERE FOR THE STABILITY OF THE KIDS AND HELPING THEM THROUGH TOUGH TIMES.

AND WE'RE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PULL TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CARE ABOUT THESE KIDS AND THESE FAMILIES.

IT'S UNFORTUNATE, A REALITY OF WHAT WE HAVE TODAY.

I DON'T KNOW THAT THERE IS ANY SILVER BULLET THAT WOULD JUST STOP THIS OR ANY MAGIC SOLUTION, AND HOPEFULLY, YOU KNOW, IF WE CAN JUST -- I HATE TO SAY THIS, BUT IF WE CAN GET BACK TO BETTER FAMILIES AND WE CAN TRY TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE ISSUES THESE FOLKS HAVE, MAYBE WE CAN STOP ONE OR TWO OF THESE, BUT EVIL STILL SEEMS TO BE PRESENT AND EVIL STILL SEEMS TO WIN AND THERE'S NO GREAT BILL TO LEGISLATE EVIL OUT OF OUR LIVES.

>> Hipp: I BELIEVE THE FIRST THING TO DO IS TO BAN AR-15s.

AND IMPROVE ON THE RED FLAG LAWS AND THE PERMITTING THAT GOES ON WITH THE PRIVATE GUN SALES.

IT'S -- HMM.

WE CARE ABOUT OUR KIDS AND I THINK IT'S EITHER OUR KIDS OR IT'S GUNS.

AND WE NEED TO -- I'M GETTING A LITTLE TONGUE TIED ABOUT THIS ISSUE, BUT LIKE RON SAID, IT IS -- THERE'S THE ROOT OF THE EVIL, WE'LL LEAVE IT AT THAT, THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM REALLY STARTS IN THE FAMILY AND WE NEED MORE -- ESPECIALLY OUR YOUNG ONES.

WE NEED MORE MENTAL HEALTH HELP AND MORE AWARENESS OF THE HELP THAT IS THERE.

AND THERE ARE A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE THAT ARE HURTING, PARTICULARLY AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

AND THE DYSFUNCTION THAT HAPPENED DURING THAT TIME AND COUPLE THAT WITH PEOPLE BEING HOME AND HAVE, YOU KNOW, DRANK THEMSELVES INTO ADDICTION AND THEN OTHER ADDICTIONS TAKE OVER, AND THAT DYSFUNCTION IS REALLY THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE.

AND WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, BUT ALONG WITH REGULATION AND THE REGULATION WILL SAVE LIVES.

AND SAVE US MONEY.

BESIDES OUR SANITY.

THANK YOU.

>> Ray: ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENT, RON?

>> Kresha: SO DENNIS, WHEN YOU ASKED THE QUESTION, YOU SAID WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE CONSTITUTION.

AND I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE DISTRICT RELIVE IN UNDERSTANDS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING A GUN OWNER AND UNDERSTANDS THE SECOND AMENDMENT AS APPLIES TO THEM.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE LAWS FOR GUN OWNERSHIP THAT OR THE BOOKS, WE HAVE MORE LAWS THAN WE'VE EVER HAD ON THAT.

YOU LOOK AT THAT AND THERE'S NOTHING THERE THAT'S GOING TO STOP THE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS.

WHAT I LOOK AT IS -- AND I VOTED FOR STRAW PURCHASES.

IF YOU BUY A GUN AND YOU GIVE IT TO SOMEBODY ELSE ILLEGALLY, YOU SHOULD BE HELD TO HIGHER STANDARDS AND HIGHER -- AND YOU SHOULD BE PROSECUTED.

IF THAT PERSON KILLS SOMEBODY, I THINK YOU SHOULD TRIED FOR MURDER.

I TOTALLY AGREE THAT WE SHOULD NOTING TAKING LEGAL GUNS AND GETTING THOSE INTO HAND WITHIN STRAW PURCHASES.

HOWEVER, LET'S ALSO TALK ABOUT THE BIG PROBLEMS WE HAVE IN SCHOOLS.

YOU TALK ABOUT THE CHRONIC ADDICTION WITH THE OPIOIDS, FENTANYL COMING IN, ALL THE OTHER VIOLENCE.

YOU SEE THE SEXUAL ASSAULTS OF THESE YOUNG KIDS, THE ONLINE STUFF, THAT'S EQUALLY, IF NOT MORE, TROUBLING TO ME RIGHT NOW, EVEN THOUGH THE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS GET A LOT OF ATTENTION, BUT LET'S LOOK AT ALL THE OTHER VIOLENT THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO KIDS AND LET'S STOP THOSE.

>> Ray: JULIA, ANY OTHER COMMENT?

>> Hipp: NO, I WISH RON AND I COULD RUN TOGETHER.

WE HAVE A LOT IN COMMON AND IT JUST -- THERE'S A LOT OF ROOM FOR SOLUTIONS.

>> Ray: THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM MEGAN AND JULIA, YOU'LL HAVE THE FIRST RESPONSE.

>> Megan: I WANT TO GO BACK TO A TOPIC YOU BOAT BOTH MENTIONED IN YOUR OPENING COMMENTS AND QUESTION ONE RESPONSES THE MINNESOTA STATE DEMOGRAPHIC CENTER ESTIMATES BY 2030 MORE THAN ONE IN FIVE MINNESOTANS WILL BE 35E6R OR OLDER.

WITH FEWER SERVICES LIKE TRANSPORTATION, HEALTHCARE, AND HOUSING AVAILABLE, AGING IN PLACE CAN BE CHALLENGING, ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS.

WHAT SPECIFIC POLICIES WOULD YOU ADVOCATE FOR TO SUPPORT YOUR AGING CONSTITUENTS?

>> Hipp: WELL, SOME OF THAT COMES BACK TO THE ECONOMIC GROWTH THAT'S NECESSARY IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES, SO I THINK IT'S A BIGS OF TARGETS -- A IMPIFRTION TARGETED -- A COMBINATION OF TARGETED ECONOMIC STIMULUS MEASURES, INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION AND CONNECTIVITY, PROVIDING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESSES TO ESTABLISH AND EXPAND OPERATIONS IN OUR RURAL AREAS, OFFER TAX BREAKS OR CREDITS TO REDUCE OPERATING COSTS AND PROMOTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE SKILLS AND ATTRACT TALENT.

ADDITIONALLY, SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS, FOSTER INNOVATION, EXPANDING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE AND CHILDCARE SERVICES CAN FURTHER STIMULATE THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND LOWER COSTS FOR BUSINESSES IN RURAL CITIES AND COUNTIES.

NOW THAT, DOESN'T EXACTLY ANSWER YOUR QUESTION BECAUSE I'VE NOT BEEN -- I DON'T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING IN THE LEGISLATURE LIKE RON HAS HAD.

HOWEVER, THAT -- WITH THE GOALS IN MIND, THOSE KINDS OF POLICY ISSUES CAN BE ADDRESSED.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

RON.

>> Kresha: THANK YOU, MEGAN, FOR THE QUESTION.

YES, WRESTLING WITH OUR SENIOR CITIZENS AND OUR AGING POPULATION IS ONE OF THE BIG ISSUES WE FACE.

SPECIFICALLY, YOU ASKED FOR A POLICY.

ONE OF THE IDEAS I'VE HAD IN A BILL THAT I'VE BEEN WORKING ON IS ALLOWING SOMEBODY THAT'S BEEN IN THEIR FAMILY HOME FOR A LONG TIME TO TRANSITION TO, SAY A NEWER SINGLE LEVEL HOME AND PUTTING SOME TAX INCENTIVES SO THAT THEY CAN SAVE MONEY WHEN THEY SELL THAT HOME AND THEY RETAIN THE TAX SAVINGS BECAUSE THEY'RE GOING TO NEED THAT MONEY DOWN THE ROAD FOR RURAL -- OR FOR HEALTHCARE DOWN THE ROAD.

AS THEY TRANSITION FROM THE FAMILY HOME TO MAYBE THAT LITTLE TOWN HOME AND THEN THEY'RE GOING TO TRANSITION TO ASSISTED LIVING, THEY'RE COSTS IN HEALTHCARE ARE ONLY GOING TO GO UP.

SPECIFICALLY IF WE CAN HELP THEM MAKE THAT FIRST MOVE, MAKE THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE, GET SOME FAMILIES IN, YOUNGER FAMILIES IN HOMES, GET THEM TO A TOWNHOME OR COMFORTABLE HOME AND THEY DO TO ASSISTED LIVING AND LONG-TERM CARE, WE NEED TO KEEP PUTTING RESOURCES IN THERE.

THE LAST COUPLE OF SESSIONS, WE'VE NOT FUNDED OUR NURSING HOMES AS WELL AS WE SHOULD HAVE.

IN THE 19 BILLION, WE COULD HAVE DONE THAT.

RURAL EMS SERVICES ARE STILL CRYING FOR MONEY.

WE LEFT THEM ON THE TABLE AND THOSE FIRST RESPONDERS, IF YOU HAVE AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOR, THOSE FIRST RESPONDERS ARE GOING TO BE THE ONE TAKING CARE OF THEM AS THEY TRANSITION.

WHEN THEY FALL OR SOMETHING HAPPENS, THEY'RE THE ONES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THERE'S RURAL EMS SERVICES.

LASTLY, JUST RURAL HEALTHCARE.

AS PEOPLE ARE IN THESE HOMES, HAVING THE BROADBAND CONNECTIONS BECAUSE WE HAVE MEDICAL DEVICES CONNECTED TO THEM, MAKING SURE THAT HEALTHCARE IS AVAILABLE TO THEM AS THEY START TO TRANSITION BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW TWO THINGS.

WE ALL GOING TO GO THROUGH SCHOOL AND EDUCATION AND WE'RE ALL GOING TO GO THROUGH LONG-TERM CARE.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, RON.

ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, JULIA?

>> Hipp: NOT REALLY OTHER THAN APPLYING ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGY TO THESE PROCESSES AND ASSURING THAT OUR SENIORS DO HAVE A WAY, WHETHER IT OBJECT AN iPHONE OR ANY KIND OF CELLULAR PHONE OR SMALL COMPUTER, TO HAVE ACCESS TO VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE.

SO THAT WOULD SAVE A LOT OF MONEY, A LOT OF TIME, AND I'M GOING THROUGH THAT WITH MY MOTHER-IN-LAW AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO -- WITHOUT HAVING THAT VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY, IT'S JUST -- IT'S JUST HARD.

IT'S TOO HARD ON THE FAMILY.

>> Ray: THANK YOU.

ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, RON?

>> Kresha: NO, I THINK THAT'S A GREAT FOLLOW-UP.

>> Ray: NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM TERESA, AND RON, YOU'LL HAVE THE FIRST RESPONSE.

>> Teresa: MENTAL HEALTH WAS JUST ADDRESSED EARLIER IN ONE OF THE QUESTIONS AND IT HAS BEEN A SERIOUS ISSUE FOR MANY YEARS IN MINNESOTA FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITALS.

WHAT CAN THE LEGISLATURE DO TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE?

>> Kresha: THANK YOU, TERESA, FOR THE QUESTION.

SO THERE'S A COUPLE OF AREAS THAT I LOOK SPECIFICALLY AT.

THERE'S THINGS THAT GOVERNMENT CANNOT DO WELL AND THERE'S THINGS THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD TRY TO HELP OUT WITH.

AND WHEN I LOOK AT MENTAL HEALTH OR FAMILIES THAT HAVE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE TWO ARE AREAS THAT STICK OUT TO ME THAT I THINK WE ABSOLUTELY SHOULD COME IN AND TRY TO HELP THOSE FAMILIES.

IF YOU ARE SOMEONE THAT IS STRUGGLING WITH A FAMILY MEMBER WITH SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH OR IF YOU HAVE A YOUNG CHILD THAT HAS A DISABILITY AND MAYBE EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE TIED TOGETHER, THOSE -- THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THAT'S ON THAT FAMILY TO HELP THAT CHILD JUST SURVIVE AND GET THROUGH IS IMMENSE.

SO STRENGTHENING OUR PROGRAMS TO MAKE SURE WE'RE THERE FOR THOSE FAMILIES.

THE OTHER THING WE NEED TO DO IS A WORKFORCE.

SCIU SUPPORTS ME BECAUSE I SUSPEND THE PCAs, THE PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS.

THESE ARE THE FOLKS IN YOUR HOME.

IF YOU HAVE A ZABT, MAYBE -- DISABILITY, MAYBE CAN'T EVEN TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, THESE ARE THE INDIVIDUALS THERE TAKING CARE OF YOU IN YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TIMES AND I THINK AS A STATE, THAT'S WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING.

THAT'S SUPPORT THE WORKERS AND PROGRAMS HELPING OUR MOST VULNERABLE.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, RON.

JULIA?

>> Hipp: MENTAL HEALTH IS A HUGE ISSUE AND, AGAIN, I'M NOT AWARE OF THE EXACT POLICIES IN THE LEGISLATURE, BUT I WOULD CERTAINLY ADVOCATE TO HELP WITH THAT, TO ADVOCATE FOR MENTAL HEALTH.

HAVING COME FROM AN ADDICTIVE HOME AND THEN THROUGH -- NOT MYSELF, I WENT THROUGH TREATMENT WITH MY MOTHER AND I LEARNED A LOT, AND BEING IN AL-ANON AND SO FORTH, HAVING EMPATHY FOR THE FAMILY UNIT AND THE DYSFUNCTIONAL -- WITH THAT ADDICTION, IS VERY -- IT REQUIRES MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO REACH OUT.

AND THE YOUNG -- PARTICULARLY THE YOUNGER GENERATION, AND PARTICULARLY THE MEN ARE LESS LIKELY TO REACH OUT FOR HELP.

AND WE NEED TO RAISE THE AWARENESS OF THESE KINDS OF PROGRAMS AS WELL AS SUBSIDIES THAT GO TOWARDS THEM.

AND WE'VE DONE A GOOD JOB, I THINK N MINNESOTA, BUT ALSO THE KORTIONS CAN DO MORE TO -- THE CORPORATIONS CAN DO MORE TO HELP WITH THAT IN OFFERING THAT FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES AND MAKING SURE THAT IS PART OF THEIR HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS, TO HAVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT ALL TIMES.

WHETHER IT BE FOR CHILD OR COUPLES, ESPECIALLY, OR FAMILY KIENCHS COUNSELING.

IT'S VERY -- KINDS OF COUNSELING.

IT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> Kresha: YES.

FIRST OF ALL, JULY YEAH, I WANT TO SAY I'M SORRY.

TO GO THROUGH THAT AND TO SEE FAMILIES GO THROUGH THAT AND THE STRENGTH AND STAMINA YOUR FAMILY MUST HAVE TO GO THROUGH THAT, I'M SORRY FOR THAT.

AS YOU LISTEN TO JULIA'S STORY, REMEMBER THIS.

IT'S THOSE THINGS THAT MAKE LEGISLATORS GOOD LEGISLATORS.

I THINK TOO OFTEN WE FORGOT THE HUMAN SIDE WHATEVER WE DO AS REPRESENTATIVES.

WE'RE BRINGING THOSE STORIES FORWARD TO THE VOICE OF THE CAPITOL TO TRY TO BRING THAT HUMAN FACTOR IN.

TOO OFTEN WHAT I'VE SEEN FRANKLY IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, EVEN THE LAST HALF OF MY TIME DOWN IN THE LEGISLATURE, WE DEHUMANIZE THIS, MAKE IT PERSONAL, WE GO AFTER REALLY RIDICULOUS IDEAS SO WE CAN GET LIKES, SHARES AND ALL THAT, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHEN YOU HEAR STORIES LIKE THAT OR YOU SEE THESE FAMILIES THAT HAVE THESE REALLY, REALLY TOUGH SITUATIONS, ONE OF THE INITIAL BILLS I PASSED WAS TO GET LAWYER -- LEGAL RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN COMING OUT OF ABUSED HOMES.

THOSE ARE THE REASONS WE COME DOWN HERE.

THOSE ARE THE REASONS WE TRY TO GET ELECTED.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, RON.

ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> Hipp: NO, THANK YOU, RON.

>> Ray: THE NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM DENNIS, AND JULY YEAH, YOU'VE THE FIRST RESPONSE.

>> Dennis: WE'VE ASKED OUR VIEWERS SO SEND US QUESTIONS AND I'D LIKE TO READ ONE OF THOSE NOW.

IT'S A SPECIFIC QUESTION.

ACCORDING TO THIS VURK IT COSTS THE STATE APPROXIMATELY $75,000 PER YEAR TONIGHT CARS RATE AN INDIVIDUAL.

MANY OWE THOUSANDS TO THE STATE AND WHEN A CITIZEN IS RELEASED FROM PRISON AND FIND AND JOB, HIS OR HER WAGES ARE GARNISH, ELIMINATING ANY SENSE OF HOPE OR FUTURE.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER AN OUNCE IN A LIFETIME DEBT -- A ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEBT FORGIVENESS.

>> Hipp: THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION, THANK YOU FOR THAT.

WOI SUPPORT -- YES, IN THAT KIND OF A CASE, I CERTAINLY WOULD.

THAT WAS KIND OF A LONG QUESTION.

COULD YOU REPEAT IT?

>> Dennis: SURE.

IT JUST TALKS ABOUT HOW IT COSTS THE STATE $75,000 TO INCARCERATE SOMEONE AND THEN WHEN THEY ARE RELEASED FROM PRISON, A LOT OF THE INMATES THAT ARE RELEASED HAVE A LOT OF DEBT AND THE -- WHICH SHE SAYS ELIMINATES ANY SENSE OF HOPE OR SENSE OF FUTURE.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER A ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEBT FORGIVENESS?

>> Hipp: THAT'S, AGAIN, A GOOD QUESTION.

WOULD I -- IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT FORGIVING $75,000 FOR THAT INCARCERATED PERSON, THEY PROBABLY -- YEAH, THAT WOULD NOT -- I MEAN, IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO PAY BACK IN MOST CASES.

SO I'D HAVE TO -- YOU KNOW, I REALLY WOULD HAVE TO DISCUSS THAT A LITTLE BIT FURTHER.

THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY TO ANYBODY, BUT WE DO NEED TO HELP OUR INCARCERATED, WHILE THEY'RE IN THERE, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND EDUCATION AND TRIANGLE AND ALL THOSE KINDS OF THINGS -- AND TRAINING AND ALL THOSE KINDS OF THINGS.

I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT BRAINWASHING.

IT'S ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE TO COME OUT OF THOSE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS AND BE ABLE TO FEEL SECURE AND WANTED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND TO BE INCLUDED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

AND THAT DEBT IS A DIFFICULT THING FOR ANYBODY AND IT JUST RAISES THE FEELING OF GUILT AND OBLIGATION, AND I THINK THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WOULD NEED TO SURROUND AN INDIVIDUAL TO HELP WITH THAT AND, YOU KNOW, DEPENDING ON WHAT WE COULD COME UP AS A COMPROMISE TO FORGIVING THAT DEBT TO THAT INDIVIDUAL.

IT WOULD HELP THEM IMMENSELY TO GET BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE AND RAISING HEALTHY FAMILIES AGAIN.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

RON?

>> Kresha: DENNIS, THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO THINK THAT THROUGH, AND SO AS I WAS GOING THROUGH HERE AND ALL OF THE THINGS ON THAT, AT FACE VALUE, YOUR QUESTION, WE'RE PUTTING A DOLLAR AMOUNT AND WE'RE -- YOU KNOW, I THINK THE WAY THE QUESTION IS FRAMED OR HOW I WOULD TAKE THAT IS THE DAY THEY WALK OUT, YOU HAVE THIS LOADED DEBT.

AND OH MY GOSH, HERE'S SOMEONE WHO HOPEFULLY HAS REHABILITATED THEMSELVES AND HAVE THIS DEBT, WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO.

WELL, LET'S BACK UP A LITTLE BIT.

THE REASON WHY I COULDN'T SUPPORT THIS UNLESS I HAD A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS ABOUT IT, LET'S REMEMBER THAT INDIVIDUAL THAT WENT IN PROBABLY DID A LOT OF DAMAGE TO SOME PEOPLE'S LIVES AND WHAT'S THE COST OF THAT?

WHAT WAS THE FAMILY'S, DEPENDING ON THE CRIME?

WE HAVE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF HOW PEOPLE GET INCARCERATED.

THE OTHER THING TO REMEMBER IS, DURING AN INCARCERATION PERIOD, THERE'S LOTS OF SERVICES THAT WE OFFER FOR THEM TO BE REHABILITATED TO GET THE RECIDIVISM RATE DOWN.

YOU CAN GET DEGREES, TRAINING, SKILLS.

I WOULD HOPE THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'RE TRYING TO BOIL THIS DOWN TO A REALLY SIMPLE SCENARIO, BUT I WOULD HOPE IN A PERFECT WORLD THAT SOMEBODY COMES IN AND IS ABLE TO BE REHABILITATED, PICK UP SOME SKILLS AND THEN WORK THAT DEBT OFF JUST LIKE WE WOULD LOOK AT SOMEBODY THAT'S GOING THROUGH ANY OTHER SKILLS PROGRAM.

KIDS ARE PICKING UP DEBT IN COLLEGE.

YOU HAVE TRADE SCHOOLS.

YOU DON'T GET TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN TO GET TO BE FREE.

THERE IS A COST AND UNFORTUNATELY, THESE INDIVIDUALS, THEIR COST IS HIGHER BECAUSE OF THE ACTION THAT GOT THEM THERE.

SO I LOOK AT THIS AND I'D HAVE TO LOOK AT IT HARD, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT MANY FAMILIES THAT HAVE SUFFERED AT THE HANDS OF A CRIMINAL ACTION WOULD BE REALLY EASY TO SAY, HEY, LET'S LET THEM GO OFF SCOTT FREE BECAUSE THEY DO OWE SOCIETY SOMETHING.

>> Ray: THANK YOU.

>> Hipp: I TOTALLY AGREE WITH RON.

THAT'S VERY GOOD, THANK YOU.

>> Ray: ANY OTHER DISH COMMENTS, RON?

>> Kresha: YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE WITH ME ALL THE TIME.

WE GREET A LOT, BUT THAT'S THE MELANIA TRUMP RESPECT.

>> Ray: THE NEXT -- THAT'S THE MUTUAL RESPECT.

>> Megan: WHAT SINGLE POLICY CHANGE DO YOU AGREE WOFRT GREATEST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR CONSTITUENTS?

>> Kresha: I THINK THE -- BOY, THAT'S, MEGAN, THANKS FOR THAT.

YOU'RE REAL TRYING TO BACK US INTO A CORNER, AREN'T YOU?

IF I COULD ONLY PASS ONE -- I THINK THE BEST LEGISLATION WE COULD DO, THE BEST WE HAVE AS LEGISLATORS WHEN WE GET DOWN IS TO PASS A FAIR STATE BUDGET.

EVERY YEAR WE COME IN, WE COULD -- AGAIN, I'LL GO BACK TO CALVIN COOLIDGE, PRESIDENT COOLIDGE.

IF WE COULD JUST PASS A FAIR STATE BUDGET THAT DIDN'T HAVE ANY MORE MANDATES, THAT DIDN'T TINKER WITH THE TAX CODE AND WE LET THINGS WORK THROUGH THE ECONOMY A LITTLE BIT AND WE CAN START TO SEE WHAT'S WORKING AND NOT WORKING.

FRANKLY, I TELL PEOPLE A LOT OF TIMES, DON'T DISCUSS TO CREATE NEW LAWS BECAUSE WHEN IT GOES THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, IT'S GOING TO AFFECT PEOPLE NEGATIVELY.

EVERY TIME WE PUT A NEW LAW ON THE BOOK OR EVERY TIME A NEW LAW IS PUT, THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES ARE FAR WORSE MANY TIMES THAN THE ORIGINAL INTENT OF THE LAW.

IF IT WAS ME AND ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION, MEGAN, LET'S GO DOWN THERE, LET'S PUT THE -- GET THE NOVEMBER FORECAST, COMPARE IT TO THE FEBRUARY FORECAST, SEE WHERE THE ECONOMY IS GOING, PASS A VERY FISCAL RESPONSIBLE BUDGET, AND THEN LET'S GET OUT OF TOWN.

AND THEN WE'LL LEAVE AND WE'LL LET PEOPLE GET THE REST OF THE YEAR, GET THROUGH THEIR TAX YEAR AND THEY CAN START TO BUILD UP THEIR BUSINESSES, THEIR FAMILIES AND SO FORTH.

WE HAVE TO STOP OVERLEGISLATING.

SO THE ONE IDEA I ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH YOU, MEGAN, LET'S JUST DO ONE.

LET'S GO DOWN AND PASS ONE BILL AND BE DONE.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, RON.

YOUR GO AROUND, JULIA.

>> Hipp: YES, REPEAT THAT AGAIN.

>> Megan: WHAT SINGLE POLICY OR PIECE OF LEGISLATION, IF PASSED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE, WOULD YOU BELIEVE WOULD HAVE THE GREATEST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR CONSTITUENTS?

>> Hipp: LIKE RON SAID, BACKING THIS UP HERE BECAUSE THERE'S JUST NOT ONE.

IT'S A NUMBER OF THINGS.

LET ME GO BACK TO SOME NOTES.

WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT THAT THESE LAWS COST EVERYBODY MONEY WHEN REALLY, IN THE LONG RUN, THEY ARE SAVING US MONEY.

FOR INSTANCE, THE $1800 A YEAR THAT -- EXCUSE ME -- FOR -- FIND MY NOTES.

THE $1800 THAT FAMILIES ARE SAVING ON THE MEALS, ON THE SCHOOL MEALS, YOU KNOW, THAT'S MAYBE THE COST OF A HAPPY MEAL AS FAR AS, YOU KNOW, EVERYDAY PERSON.

IT'S SAVING MONEY IN THE LONG RUN AND IT'S PROVIDING NUTRITION AND HEALTH AND WITHOUT THAT, OUR CHILDREN ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO OTHER DANGEROUS THINGS, LIKE MAYBE NOT HUNGER, BUT LACK OF ATTENTION AND ANGER COMES UP WHEN THEY'RE UNDERNOURISHED, NOT FED IN THE MORNINGS.

AND THAT'S JUST ONE EXAMPLE.

SO KIND OF LIKE WHAT RON IS SAYING, LET THESE THINGS WORK THEM -- I'M NOT A BELIEVER IN LAISSEZ-FAIRE, AND I'M NOT A BELIEVER IN LEADING INDICATORS EITHER.

IT'S LOOKING AT A COMBINATION OF VARIABLES AND THEN MAKING A QUALITATIVE DECISION, BASED ON THE QUANTITATIVE STATISTICS AS WELL AS WHAT ARE THE SENTIMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY AND SO FORTH, TO MAKE THAT DECISION WHAT'S GOING TO BE BEST FOR THEM.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENT, RON?

>> Kresha: YES, I APPRECIATE THE COMMENTS AND I'LL JUST ADD TO THAT, GOING BACK TO, MEGAN, YOUR QUESTION, WHAT ONE PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

LAST BIENNIUM, THERE WAS OVER 4,000 BILLS INTRODUCED AND THE HARDEST PART OF THIS JOB IS RECOGNIZING THAT GOVERNMENT CAN'T FIX EVERYTHING.

AS MUCH AS I WANT TO, BELIEVE ME, I'D LOVE TO LEGISLATE AWAY THE HORRIBLE THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN TO FAMILIES.

BUT A LOT OF -- WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE CONSTITUTION, WE'RE REQUIRED -- THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, THE LEGISLATURE IS REQUIRED TO PUT A BUDGET TOGETHER, TAKE CARE OF ROADS, BRIDGES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE AND SCHOOLS.

THAT'S OUR CONSTITUTION.

AND I THINK WE'VE EXPANDED THAT PURVIEW AND SET THIS EXPECTATION UP WITH MANY FAMILIES THAT THE GOVERNMENT FIXES EVERYTHING, AND THAT'S JUST -- WHILE I'D LOVE TO BE MORE HELPFUL, THE REALITY IS I THINK WE'RE SELLING FALSE HOPE.

WE'RE TELLING PEOPLE I CAN GET THAT BILL THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE AND IT WILL FIX ALL YOUR PROBLEMS, WHEN THE REALITIES ARE THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEMS ARE PROBABLY THE BREAKDOWN OF THE FAMILY OR THE FUNDAMENTAL BUILDINGS BLOCKS OF WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE HOME.

IF WE CAN GET THOSE FAMILIES IN A SECURE ENVIRONMENT, THERE'S A LOT OF BILLS THEY WOULD NEVER HAVE TO PASS.

>> Hipp: THAT'S GREAT.

THANK YOU, RON.

>> Ray: THE NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM TERESA AND IT WILL BE DIRECTED TO YOU, JULIA.

>> Hipp: HOW WILL YOU ENSURE THAT GREATER MINNESOTA'S VOICE IS HEARD IN THE LEGISLATURE AND DOES NOT GET LOST OR DOES NOT LOSE OUT FOR THE SEVEN-COUNTY METRO AREA?

>> Hipp: WELL, ONE THING IS BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF WOMEN TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE, AND THEN AGAIN, HAVING COLLEAGUES IN THERE THAT WE CAN TALK WITH EACH OTHER TO FIND THOSE KINDS OF SOLUTIONS, AND I THINK THAT A LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE NEEDS TO POSSESS PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS AND ELOQUENCE AND MORAL CLARITY WHILE ADVOCATING FOR ISSUES FOR ALL THE PEOPLE SUCH AS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND WOMEN AND VOTER RIGHTS.

IT TAKES A HEARTFELT ATTITUDE FOR CARING ABOUT OUR RESIDENTS, WHICH INCLUDES HUMILITY AND EQUALITY, EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL STRENGTH, AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO LIFT EACH OTHER UP AND ADVOCATE FOR OTHERS AND FORTITUDE FOR BEING RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

RON?

>> Kresha: THANK YOU, TERESA, THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION BECAUSE THAT IS ONE OF OUR FIGHTS.

THERE'S 87 COUNTIES, 134 MEMBERS IN THE HOUSE AND WE'RE FIGHTING EVERY DAY FOR RESOURCES FOR OUR AREAS.

AND THE SEVEN-COUNTY METRO AREA, PROPORTIONATELY, BECAUSE OF THE POPULATION, HAS MANY MORE LEGISLATORS THAN WE DO.

I DON'T DOUBT, AS JULIA SAID, THE POWER OF WOMEN.

FRANKLY, THE POWER OF HER FIGHT WOULD GO COME DOWN TO HER FIGHTING THE SEVEN-COUNTY METRO AND I THINK ANY LEGISLATOR IN 10A IS GOING TO TAKE THAT ON.

THE ONE ADVANTAGE I SEE I HAVE IS MY EXPERIENCE AND MY RELATIONSHIPS.

I'VE BEEN DOWN THERE, I KNOW HOW THE PLACE WORKS.

IT TAKES SIX YEARS TO UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET, UNDERSTAND WHERE PIECES ARE, AND THEN THE EXPERIENCE I HAVE IS I'M SOMEONE OF THE SENIOR LEGISLATORS AND I'M A LEAD ON THE EDUCATION, I LEAD ON WAYS AND MEANS WITH REPRESENTATIVE HEINTZEMAN AND THAT LEADERSHIP MATTERS BECAUSE WHEN A BILL COMES UP, YOU GO TO THE LEADERS.

WHEN SOMETHING'S COMING UP IN THE ENVIRONMENT OR LCCMR, I'M GOING TO GO TO REPRESENTATIVE HEINTZEMAN AND SAY, ALL RIGHT, JOSH, HOW DO WE DO THIS, HOW DO I DO IT IN MY AREA.

I'M GOING TO TALK TO A SENATOR THAT'S A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE.

EDUCATION ISSUES OR WAYS AND MEANS ISSUES, COMMERCE OR BROADBAND, MANY LEGISLATORS WILL COME TO ME AND WE'LL DRAFT THOSE.

SO BACK TO -- WE'LL CRAFT THOSE.

BACK TO YOUR QUESTION, FIGHTING THE SEVEN-COUNTY METRO TAKES EXPERIENCE, A LOT OF LEADERSHIP, AND IT TAKES A FORMIDABLE PIECES OF RESPECT.

I HAVE THE METRO RESPECT, THOSE OF US THAT ARE LEADERS BECAUSE THEY KNOW NOTHING GETS DONE WITHOUT A GIVE AND TAKE.

SO THE REALITY IS, YOU KNOW, WHEN WE PUT THE MILITARY MUSEUM UP AND WE WERE ABLE TO PASS THAT, IT WAS IN CONJUNCTION WITH WHAT WERE WE GOING TO DO.

AND I WORKED WITH A SENATOR FROM ANOKA, SENATOR JERRY -- HIS LAST NAME ESCAPES ME, BUT JERRY NEWTON.

SENATOR JERRY NEWTON AND I WORKED TOGETHER AND HE SAID I NEED THIS IN ANOKA, I NEED THIS IN MY AREA, WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOUR AREA.

IT'S THAT TYPE OF LEADERSHIP THAT GETS THINGS DONE FOR BOTH SIDES.

>> Ray: JULIA, ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENT?

>> Hipp: WELL, ABOUT EXPERIENCE.

I HAVE 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND 25 OF IT AT THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL.

WELL, NOT ME AT THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL, BUT CLOSE TO THEM.

THE GLASS CEILING STILL IS IN EXISTENCE FOR MANY FEMALES.

AND I HAVE THAT EXPERIENCE OF LEARNING HOW PROCESSES WORK AND HOW YOU -- YOU KNOW, EVEN THE LEGISLATION CANNOT BE A SILO.

THANK YOU.

CANNOT BE A SILO AND WE NEED TO SPEAK WITH EACH OTHER TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.

AND FIND THAT COOPERATION.

THANK YOU.

>> Ray: ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, RON?

>> Kresha: JUST I THINK IT'S BEEN DEMONSTRATED THAT YOU HAVE TWO FIGHTERS UP HERE AND WE'RE BOTH APPROACHABLE AND WE'RE BOTH VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THE AREAS WE LIVE IN.

AND I HOPE, YOU KNOW, THAT IS WHY WE'RE DOING A DEBATE, RIGHT?

>> Ray: YOU BET.

THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM DENNIS, AND RON, YOOURL YOU'LL BE THE FIRST RESPONSE.

>> Dennis: WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A STATE LEGISLATOR TO SUPPORT THE FARMERS IN YOUR DISTRICT?

>> Kresha: SO OKAY, DENNIS, THANK YOU FOR THAT.

I'M THINKING THROUGH THE AGRICULTURE.

AGAIN ON, THE AGRICULTURE, WHEN WE GET INTO THAT, IT'S CHANGING SO MUCH WITH THE PRECISION NEWER AND MANY OF THE RULINGS THAT ARE -- PRECISION AGRICULTURE AND MANY OF THE RULES COMING AROUND THAT.

A LOT OF THAT IS TIED TO WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

WHEN WE SEE THE FARM BILL THAT'S RENEWED AND WHAT PROGRAMS ARE GOING TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE STATE AND HOW WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.

THE OTHER THING THAT I DO AS A STATE LEGISLATOR, AS I JUST HE SAID, I'M GOING TO SEEK OUT PEOPLE BIKE REPRESENTATIVE PAUL ANDERSON OR PAUL TORKELSON.

LEADERS IN THE AGRICULTURE SPACE TO SAY, TELL ME ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT BILLS DO WE GET BEHIND THAT'S GOING TO DO WELL.

I'LL HAVE ISSUES THAT COME UP LIKE TILING FOR COUNTIES OR HOW WE DO WATER WAYS.

ALL OF THAT BECOMES VERY, VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHAT WE'RE SEEING IS THE FAMILIES, THE FARMERS ARE GOING LARGER AND THEIR DEMAND ON THE FOOD PRODUCTION FOR THIS GLOBAL IS GROWING AND WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TO SUPPORT THEM WITHOUT GETTING IN A POSITION WHERE WE'RE HURTING MANY OF THE FARMLANDS THAT WE HAVE TO USE EVERY DAY.

SO AS A LEGISLATOR, I'M GOING TO GO TO THE EXPERTS.

I'M GOING TO WORK WITH THEM AND THEN I'M GOING TO FIND OUT WHAT'S THE BEST AGRICULTURE POLICIES WE CAN PUT IN PLACE AND THEN WHAT PROGRAMS DO WE NEED TO FUND AND TO KEEP MOVING THAT THE FEDERAL HAS NOT PUT IN PLACE FOR US.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, RON.

JULIA.

>> Hipp: THANK YOU.

THE FAMILY FARM IS THE KEYSTONE OF OUR SOCIETY AND MUST BE PRESERVED.

I WOULD SUPPORT PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF FARMLANDS THROUGH SOIL CONSERVATION AND SOUND, SUSTAINABLE, ECOLOGICAL PRACTICES.

THE ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF RURAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE PRESERVATION OF SMALL BUSINESS AND FAMILY FARMS AND FAIR PRICES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.

ACCESS TO FARM CREDIT AT REASONABLE TERMS AND INTEREST RATES, INCLUDING TEMPORARY RELIEF DURING ECONOMIC EMERGENCIES.

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, INCLUDING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE.

COOPERATIVE AND MARKETING SYSTEMS STRUCTURED FOR THE FINANCIAL SECURITY OF PRODUCERS AND IMPROVEMENT OF PRODUCTS.

AND THE USE OF AGRICULTURAL SURPLUSES TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER IN THE UNITED STATES AND ALL OTHER COUNTRIES.

ALL OTHER NATIONS.

>> Ray: THANK YOU.

RON?

>> Kresha: ONE THING THAT I FORGOT ABOUT, AS SHE WAS DOING HER ANSWER, THIS DISTRICT, YOU KNOW, WE TALK ABOUT AGRICULTURE, BUT THIS DISTRICT IS VERY DIVERSE.

WE ALSO HAVE THE TIMBER INDUSTRY.

WE HAVE THE MINING INDUSTRY.

WE HAVE ALL THAT, THAT WE TOUCH UPON AS WE GET UP INTO -- AND AS WELL AS THE TOURISM AND FISHING INDUSTRY.

ALL OF THESE COME TOGETHER, SO I THINK TOO OFTEN, WE JUST LOOK AT AGRICULTURE, BUT DISTRICT 10A WILL TOUCH ALL THOSE, AND WE'RE SEEING THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GET THE TACONITE MINES RIGHT.

WE HAVE TO KEEP THOSE MOVING.

WE HAVE TO KEEP THE TIMBER INDUSTRY MOVING AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK WE HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT AS WE TALK ABOUT AGRICULTURE, BECAUSE IT'S FALLING INTO THAT, IS WHAT I BELIEVE WILL BE SOME VERY NARROW AND DIFFICULT THINGS WITH THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY.

AS WE SEE THE THINGS SET UP, THE RULES ARE TERRIBLE AND THE COUNTIES ARE SAYING WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THIS, AND I THINK THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF THAT ARE GOING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT.

I WANT TO EXPAND THAT OUT TO ALL THE THINGS THAT TOUCH OUR DISTRICT.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, RON.

ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> Hipp: VERY GOOD.

THANK YOU, RON, BECAUSE ALL THOSE ARE VERY, VERY IMPORTANT AND THEY HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED ALL TOGETHER, NOT JUST ONE THING.

>> Ray: OKAY, THANK YOU.

THE NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM MEGAN AND JULY YEAH, YOU'LL BE THE FIRST RESPONDER.

>> Megan: WHAT SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE DO TO ENSURE GREATER MINNESOTA SCHOOLS ARE EQUITABLY FUNDED COMPARED TO METRO SCHOOLS?

>> Hipp: THERE WE ARE WITH THE EDUCATION.

THERE'S -- OH, I DON'T HAVE MY NOTES ON THAT.

THERE ARE -- COME ON, RON, YOU CAN HELP ME OUT WITH THIS.

THERE'S REVENUE SHARING AND THE FORMULA GOES, LIKE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID FORMULA, IS NOT FAIR FOR, FOR THE RURAL DISTRICTS.

AND THERE -- AND TOO, THE OTHER THING IS THE ISSUE OF THEIR OWN HEALTHCARE AND, LET'S SEE, HEALTHCARE AND THEIR RETIREMENT PLANS.

THEY EACH HAVE TO HAVE THEIR OWN HEALTHCARE AND RETIREMENT PLANS AND THAT'S A SERIOUS DUPLICATION OF EFFORT.

AND ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I HAD LIKE TO TACKLE IS THAT THE STATE SHARE WITH ALL OF THE RURAL COMMUNITIES, NOT JUST THE METRO, AND BE MORE -- I WANT TO SAY MORE GENEROUS WITH THE RURAL COMMUNITIES BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THE TAX BASE TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT A QUALITY EDUCATION.

AND THE TEACHERS ARE DESERVING OF HAVING, YOU KNOW, THAT STRAIN TAKEN OFF OF THEM.

THIS IS A STATE ISSUE.

JUST NOT A -- JUST A DISTRICT ISSUE, AND WE NEED THE STATE TO STEP IN AND SHARE THAT REVENUE.

>> Ray: THANK YOU.

RON?

>> Kresha: THANK YOU, MEGAN, AND THANKS FOR THE QUESTION.

IF TIME ALLOWS, I KNOW WE'RE MOVING ON PRETTY GOOD, WE CAN TAKE MORE ON THAT.

AS THE LEAD ON EDUCATION, AS A TEACHER AND I MOVED TO THE ADMINISTRATION SIDE, I'M VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS, AND SO THE QUESTION THAT YOU ASKED, MEGAN, IS HOW DO WE DO FAIRNESS BETWEEN THE METRO.

AND WHAT WE HAVE TO REMEMBER IS THE WAY SCHOOLS ARE FUNDED NOW IS YOU GET A PER-PUPIL FORMULA AND THEN YOU GET THE LOCAL TAX BASE AND THEN YOU GET OPERATING REFERENDUMS AND IMPROVEMENT RENCHS.

SO THOSE ARE THE THREE WAYS SCHOOLS ARE FUNDED.

SCHOOLS GET THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY SO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, WHICH KID, WHICH ZIP CODE, FOR THE PER-PUPIL FUNDING.

HOWEVER, WHERE THE DIFFERENCE BECOMES IS WHEN YOU BREAK THIS INTO COMPENSATORY AND THAT IS IF YOU HAVE HIGHER INSTANCES OF FREE AND REDUCED, SO YOU HAVE SCHOOLS IN THE METRO RATE THAT GET A HIGH PROPORTION OF MONEY BECAUSE OF THEIR LOWER POPULATION OR -- THEIR HIGHER POPULATION, THANK YOU, BUT POVERTY LEVELS.

HIGHER POVERTY LEVELS.

THAT'S WHERE THE DISPROPORTIONALITY COMES AND WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TAKE THE REVENUE AND MOVE IT INTO THE FORMULA SO EVERY KID IS FUNDED THE SAME WAY NO MATTER WHERE THE ZIP CODE IS AND THE OTHER THINGS THAT HITS RURAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS IS MANDATES.

IF YOU PUT A MANDATE IN PLACE LIKE X-AMOUNT OF MENTAL HEALTH OR SCHOOL COUNSELORS PER STUDENT, THAT REALLY CAN HURT A SWANVILLE OR AN AITKIN BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FIND THE PEOPLE.

AND THE MONEY IS GOING TO COST SO MUCH MORE.

WE LOOK AT THE 65 MANDATES THAT WERE ROLLED OUT, THOSE HIT OUR RURAL DISTRICTS MUCH, MUCH HARDER THAN THEY DID THE METRO BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES.

MANY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE, MANY TIMES THOSE SUPERINTENDENTS WERE IN THE LUNCH LINE IN THE AFTERNOON, THEY WERE DRIVING A BUS, DOING MULTIPLE THINGS BECAUSE OF THE PERSONNEL.

AND THE OTHER THING WE HAVE TO REMEMBER IS TRANSPORTATION.

OUR RURAL DISTRICTS ARE SO SPREAD OUT, THOSE TRANSPORTATION COSTS ARE SO HIGH.

SO LESS MANDATES, MOVE COMPETENCE SORRY TOER IN AND INCREASE THAT FORMULA ACROSS THE BOARD.

>> Hipp: NO, HE SAYS A LOT AND THAT'S -- WELL, HE HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND HE'S ON THAT COMMITTEE AND I RNT HIM FOR THAT.

WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER IS, YEAH, TO FIGHT, TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ON THAT.

>> Ray: WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION WITHOUT A REBUTTAL IF THAT'S OKAY AND THEN WE'LL GO TO CLOSING COMMENTS.

SO WE'LL START WITH TERESA.

>> Teresa: WHAT CAN YOU AS LEGISLATORS DO TO ALLEVIATE CHILDCARE SHORTAGES ACROSS GREATER MINNESOTA WHILE ENSURING HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE CARE?

>> Kresha: SO THANKS FOR THE QUESTION.

WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT CHILDCARE FOR A LONG TIME.

WHEN I FIRST STARTED SERVING, THEY WERE TRYING TO UNIONIZE CHILDCARE TO BRING THEM UP, BUT THE PROBLEM WE FACE WITH CHILDCARE IS A LOT -- THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON.

WE'VE HAD FAMILIES THAT HAVE TO GO TO TWO INCOMES JUST TO BE SUSTAINABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH LIVING.

WE HAD THE FAMILY BREAKDOWN, SINGLE PARENTS.

ALL THESE THINGS -- I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH, MY WONDERFUL WIFE WENDY WAS AT HOME WITH THE KIDS.

I JUST KNEW, I'LL WORK THREE JOBS, I STARTED A COUPLE BUSINESSES, BUT IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO BE OUTSIDE THE HOME AND SHE COULD BE AT HOME AND THAT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

NOT EVERY FAMILY HAS THAT.

I WISH THEY HAD HA LUXURY, BUT THE CHILDCARE IS MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT BECAUSE THE MANDATES, IF YOU TALK TO ANY CHILDCARE FACILITY, THEIR OVERHEAD TO START UP THE QUALITY OF KITCHEN, THE THINGS THEY NEED ARE SO HIGH THAT THEY CANNOT EVEN MAKE ENOUGH OFF THE VERY HIGH COST OF BRINGING A KID IN.

AND THEN WE HAVE A SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE.

YOU KNOW, YOU GO TO SOME AREAS OF THE STATE AND I'VE HEARD THESE STORIES WHERE MOMS ARE LIKE, WELL, I'M PLANNING MY PREGNANCY BASED ON WHEN THERE'S AN OPEN SLOT.

AND, YOU KNOW, WE GET -- RIGHT, WE GET BASIC SUPPLY AND DEMAND THERE THAT'S GOT THIS THING OUT OF WHACK.

I DON'T KNOW THAT THE STATE CAN FIX THIS.

IF WE COULD REDUCE THE MANDATES, WE COULD FIND A WAY FOR IT TO BE LUCRATIVE FOR CHILDCARES TO START UP, BUT AGAIN, I'LL GO BACK TO SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAVE TO DO IS REALLY HELP THESE FAMILIES OUT.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO HELP THEM BE SUCCESSFUL AND NOT MAKE IT SO BURDENSOME.

CHILDCARE IS A TOUGH ONE.

NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO CRACK THAT ONE YET, AND, YOU KNOW, THESE ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS.

SO THAT'S A TOUGH ONE.

I WISH I HAD A BETTER ANSWER, BUT WE HAVEN'T SOLVED IT YET AND WE'VE BEEN TRYING FOR A LONG TIME.

>> Kresha: JULIA?

>> Hipp: WE DO HAVE TO FIGURE OUT MORE INCENTIVES.

I REFLECT ON -- I WAS A SINGLE PARENT AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE A NEIGHBOR TWO DOORS DOWN THAT WAS REASONABLE, AND I MADE GOOD MONEY BACK THEN.

SO I WAS FORTUNATE.

BUT SO MANY, ESPECIALLY SINGLE MOMS, SINGLE PARENTS, I DON'T WANT TO SAY SINGLE MOMS BECAUSE THERE ARE SINGLE DADS OUT THERE, TOO, AND THEY NEED HELP.

ON THIS CHILDCARE ISSUE.

AND LIKE RON SAYS, IT'S GOING TO TAKE A LOT OF RESOURCES AND A LOT OF FIGURING OUT HOW CAN WE KICK IN THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND, YOU KNOW.

THE SUPPLY IS LOW AND THE DEMAND IS HIGH, SO THERE AGAIN, THAT'S WHERE THE PRICES ARE GOING TO GO UP.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND.

AND WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT A WAY THAT WE CAN HAVE CHILDCARE AND WITHOUT -- BUT I HESITATE TO SAY WITHOUT ANY ADDED REGULATIONS.

I ONLY SAY THAT BECAUSE I'VE HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF HAVING SOMEONE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AT 4 YEARS OLD, AND I'M GOING TO START CRYING.

AND THOSE RULES AND REGULATIONS WERE NOT IN PLACE AT THE TIME, AND THAT IS A COST TO A FAMILY THAT IS UNBEARABLE.

AND WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT THIS PROBLEM OF GETTING, AND TOO, LIKE WE SAID BEFORE, THIS -- HAVING PROPER CHILDCARE HELPS WITH JOB PLACEMENT AND SO FORTH SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A HEALTHIER WORKFORCE.

THANK YOU.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

WE ARE OUT OF TIME, SO WE'RE GOING TO CLOSING COMMENTS, AND JULIA, YOU'LL BE FIRST AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES EACH.

>> Hipp: OKAY, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

AS A DEDICATED INDIVIDUAL WHO VALUES HARD WORK, INTEGRITY, AND EQUITY, I BRING YOU A UNIQUE OF EXPERIENCES AS A MOTHER, A BUSINESS WOMAN, ATHLETE, HUNTER, AND AN ADVOCATE TO MY LEADERSHIP APPROACH.

WITH A FIRM BELIEF IN THE POWER OF WOMEN TO DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE, I'M CONFIDENT IN MY ABILITY TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITIES.

MY COMMITMENT LIES IN SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA AND ACHIEVING FINANCIAL SECURITY AND LIVING LIVES OF AUTONOMY AND DIGNITY.

THIS ELECTION IS NOT JUST ABOUT POLICY.

IT'S ALSO ABOUT VALUES AND CHARACTER.

IN THE FACE OF WIDESPREAD CHALLENGES WHERE MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE GRAPPLING WITH FINANCIAL UNCERTAINTIES AND CONCERNS ABOUT THEIR WAY OF LIFE, I'M DETERMINED TO WORK TOWARDS A SOLUTION THAT PROMOTES WELLBEING, RESILIENCE, AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL.

AS YOUR MINNESOTA REPRESENTATIVE, I'M COMMITTED TO PRIORITIZING YOUR CONCERNS TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES AND CREATE AN INCLUSIVE ECONOMY.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT, I WILL FOCUS ON KEY ISSUES SUCH AS HABITAT CONSERVATION AND RURAL FAMILY FARMS AND ENSURING WATER QUALITY AND IMPROVING HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY AND PROMOTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SENIOR LIVING.

ADDRESSING ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, INCLUDING CHILDCARE AND TAX REFORM, SAFEGUARDING WORKERS RIGHTS AND UPHOLDING FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY, RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, PROTECTING WOMEN'S MEDICAL CHOICES AND REDUCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

TOGETHER WE CAN WORK TOWARD AND BERZ FUTURE FOR ALL MINNESOTA -- A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL MINNESOTA.

DO I HAVE 30 SECONDS?

NO.

OKAY, WE'RE DONE.

>> Ray: ALL DONE?

>> Hipp: OH, I'D LIKE TO ADD IS THE THING I'VE HEARD SO MUCH AS I'VE BEEN TALKING WITH PEOPLE IS -- I JUST WANT TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO OVERWHELM THE NEGATIVITY THAT'S OUT THERE WITH GOOD THOUGHTS AND GOOD ACTIONS AND HEAR GOOD SOUNDS AND SPEAK GOOD WORDS AND SHOW THE GOOD THAT WE ARE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I INVITE YOU TO JOIN ME IN BRIDGING OUR WAY FORWARD.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, JULIA.

RON.

>> Kresha: THANK YOU.

MY FIRST THANK YOU IS TO JULIA.

FRANKLY, HER IDEAS AND HER PASSION HAVE HELPED -- IT'S HELPED SHARPEN MY IDEAS AS WELL.

I'VE HAD TO THINK A LITTLE MORE ABOUT PERIOD OF TIME THINGS WE DO AND THAT'S MADE OUR DEBATES MUCH, MUCH BETTER.

SO WHY AM I ASKING FOR RE-ELECTION?

WHEN I LOOK AT THIS, I THINK -- I WANT TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE IN YOUR HOMES.

THIS IS ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY AND I THINK WE HAVE LET THAT GO.

AS A STATE REPRESENTATIVE, I TAKE THAT VERY SERIOUSLY.

I'M ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE I REPRESENT, I'M ACCOUNTABLE TO MY FAMILY.

WHEN THE STATE, THE OTHER PARTY PROPOSED A $700 MILLION STATE OFFICE BUILDING, I VOTED AGAINST THAT.

WHEN WE SAW THE WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE THAT GOVERNOR WALZ FRANKLY WOULDN'T TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY AND HAVE COMMISSIONER JETT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, HE WOULDN'T, THAT'S OVER A BILLION DOLLARS THAT WE COULD HAVE PUT TO THE MANY PROBLEMS THAT WE'VE ALREADY TALKED ABOUT.

CHILDCARE, RURAL EMS, RURAL HEALTHCARE, SCHOOLS.

THAT MONEY IS GONE.

THAT'S WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE THAT FRANKLY I VOTED AGAINST.

I SPOKE AGAINST IT BECAUSE RESOURCES COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER SPENT AND DIRECTED.

IF I'M GOING TO ASK THE VOTERS AND PEOPLE IN YOUR HOMES, JUST LIKE MY KIDS AND MY FAMILY, TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY, WE AT THE STATE HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING AND I THINK BY PUTTING A MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WE HAVEN'T HAD THAT FOR A LONG TIME, WE NEED BALANCE.

WE NEED TO TAKE THE IDEAS THAT ARE COMING FROM THE METRO AND THE OTHER ONES AND PUT THOSE UP AGAINST THE BACKSTOP OF RURAL MINNESOTA, MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES AND SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

LET'S STOP WITH THIS, LET'S PUT SOME BAM BECAUSE THE VOTERS AND PEOPLE I SERVE ARE COMING TO ME AND SAY I'M MAKING MY DOLLARS STRETCH FURTHER, I'M WORKING HARDER, TAKING ANOTHER JOB, THEN WE AT THE STATE LEVEL SHOULD BE DOING THE SAME THING AND THAT LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY HAS TO STOP AND WE ALL HAVE BE RESPONSIBLE FORT DECISIONS AND VOTES WE TAKE.

>> Ray: THANK YOU, RON AND JULIA FOR PARTICIPATING THERE EVENING.

WE APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU PANELISTS FOR THE GREAT QUESTIONS.

THANK YOU, VIEWERS, FOR WATCHING THIS EVENING.

IF YOU MISSED ANY PORTION OF TONIGHT'S DEBATE OR WOULD LIKE TO WATCH IT AGAIN, IT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE LAKELAND PBS WEBSITE AND THE PBS APP WITHIN 24 HOURS.

FINE MORE LOCAL AND NATIONAL ELECTION COVERAGE AND SPECIALS AT THE LAKELAND LAND VOTES PORTAL AT LPTV.ORG.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE BRAINERD DISPATCH FOR COVERAGE MUCH THESE DEBATES AND OTHER STORIES IN THE UPCOMING NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BRAINERD LAKES AREA CANDIDATES AND ELECTION PORTION, VISIT LAKESAREA.VOTE FOR YOUR NONPARTISAN GUIDE TO THIS ELECTION SEASON.

YOU CAN HEAR THE UP NORTH REPORT NEWSCAST ON 91.7 KAXE, 90.5 KBXE, AND 89.9 IN BRAINERD OR A YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP.

FINE MORE LOCAL NEWS AND ELECTION COVERAGE AT KAXE.ORG AND FOLLOW KAXE/KBXE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.

THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US HERE THIS EVENING IN BOTH OUR BEMIDJI AND BRAINERD STUDIOS FOR AN EXCITING WEEK OF DEBATES AND GUK TO ALL THE CANDIDATES.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

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