Issues
Agricultural Sustainability
FARMERS ARE FEEDING -AND FUELING- AMERICA!
I believe that sustainable agriculture has three primary goals: farm profitability, environmental stewardship, and strong farming communities. I will work to ensure that farmers are heard at the Capitol so that all three goals can be achieved. I support young farmer land initiatives (such as tax credits for renting or selling land and equipment to young farmers) and other types of programs that help out beginning farmers.
I will protect your family’s well-being by ensuring laws are in place that support affordable health insurance and crop insurance. I support new energy developments and the continued research into ethanol and biodiesel. I also back the development of new products such as ‘plastic’ cups and bags made out of corn.
Agriculture can be risky and the state must maintain services and programs for those who are feeding and fueling us.
Doing Business in Rural Minnesota
As a former small business owner in rural Minnesota I know the challenges faced by new businesses. Business owners not only need a great idea for a product or service, they need to develop marketing strategies, handle basic accounting and make a living. Finding affordable insurance coverage should not hold our entrepreneurs back. I will fight to make sure that small business owners have affordable insurance and accessible quality health care.
Further, in rural Minnesota, internet is not always available. It is difficult to run a business with something that is regularly unreliable. I will work to get us reliable internet. I will also focus on improving transportation options that can get people to rural jobs. Business owners need dependable employees.
Stand up for our Compassion Programs
We named our daughter after both Dorothy Day and Dorothy Parker.
In addition to being writers, Day and Parker are known for advocating for the rights of those in need. My daughter was given an advocate name because that is important in this world. Like Day and Parker (and one day my daughter) – I have always stood against bullies and stood up for those who couldn’t stand on their own and I will continue.
Compassion programs such as domestic violence advocacy centers, non-profits that connect therapeutic animals to veterans, suicide hotlines, meals on wheels, developmental achievement centers, and services that educate youth on alcohol and substance abuse (to name a few) need support from the state. In our rural communities we take care of each other the best we can but these non-profit organizations are necessary and important to help those in our community who are struggling.
It is the responsibility of those who have a voice to help those who do not.
Education
Improving our K-12 education system is important as our kids will be come our future workforce. Rural schools need to have access to high quality educational resources and training on cutting edge technologies.
Our rural schools need state support to develop and maintain high school apprenticeships with graduation credit. Our workforce will improve and our youth will better understand career options before graduating. A supported workforce makes more money and in return puts more money into the economy.
Our schools and rural communities need help to address chronic truancy. Teachers and Principals, Social Services, School Resource Officers, and the County Attorney’s Offices require special assistance to combat unique rural truancy issues.
Energy & Environment
I support the next phase of energy initiatives and developments. Improving upon solar panels, wind power, biofuels, and other energy sources will continue to create diverse jobs and ensure that future generations have affordable and accessible energy. Changing to clean energy will positively impact our environment. Farmers are already facing issues due to climate change and we need to make those changes now.
I back the development of bio ‘plastics’ that will breakdown and are made by using excess farmer produce. I will make sure that our environmental concerns are being addressed by the state.
Affordable and Accessible Healthcare and Prescriptions
A state has a duty to protect the health, safety and well-being of its citizens.
Our healthcare system cannot collapse and laws must support it. We must all work together to bring down the cost of insurance and prescriptions. The health of our families, farmers, veterans, seniors, and everyone is a serious matter and we must treat it that way.
I support public option buy-ins to MnCare/Medicaid (a public/private collaborative) to increase competition and coverage in the health insurance markets that our small business owners, entrepreneurs and contract workers rely on. I am open to other ideas on how to fix our insurance system while keeping in mind stability of the insurance markets. Insurance markets rely on stability and ignoring that can cause spikes in costs (as well as concerns among those insured).
Infrastructure
We must work on getting affordable, reliable internet to rural communities. Our waterways and drainage systems must be maintained. After visiting with county officials, I have learned that we are in trouble with our roads and bridges too. We must address the backlog!
Our rural counties and most of our small towns do not currently have the funds to maintain our sidewalks, roads, or bridges.
One area bridge has been closed for over a year because we don’t have the money to fix it. Our state road funding in a SE Minnesota county only supports enough to fix 1 mile of road every year. Our unemployed concrete workers are tripping on our crumbling sidewalks.
Now is the time to address the backlog before we fall further behind.
Labor, Jobs, and the Economy
Jobs
Developing the workforce through job pathway programs will help Minnesotans build better careers. Pathway programs are typically set up to help working adults earn job-related degrees while they are employed. Nursing offers a great example. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) training could start in high school. While working after graduation, CNAs can advance their careers with additional educational programs to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). This particular pathway program would help address the shortage of nurses in Minnesota.
The high school apprenticeship program would also help our youth build better careers since they would be starting out before graduation. It is my goal to make technical and community college courses more accessible in rural Minnesota – both through supporting live college classes in small towns and bringing broadband internet into rural communities.
I am advocating for a Medicaid insurance buy-in option for individuals and families as this will encourage our entrepreneurs to open a small business or start their first farm without having to worry about health insurancecoverage through an employer.
New energy programs are bringing jobs to Southeast Minnesota as well as young farmer initiatives. And I will work to implement strong policies for programs as that will help these career paths continue to grow.
Economy
Our middle-class needs more discretionary income and the ability to spend it.
I will work to make sure that demand-side economics are being implemented in our policies and tax code. Our economy is built from the wage-earner up and that means our workers need access to career-building opportunities in order to be competitive in the job market.
Laborers
I will work for a strong, well-rounded labor policy program that will build a strong and successful workforce – so everyone has a chance to retire with dignity.
Developing and supporting apprenticeships in high school will give our students a step-up, whether the apprenticeship is listed on their college application or job application. I also will improve and develop reliable, mobility programs that will help transport employees to their employers.
As a former worker compensation attorney, I have solid understanding of workers’ compensation law, which is written by our legislators. I will ensure that our laws remain clear and fair to ensure that injured workers are able to heal and return to work.
Veterans & Military Families
We named our son after Laura’s Great-Uncle, Jack Diedrick. Jack fought the Nazis in World War II and was killed in Brussels. Jack is buried in Saint Theodore’s Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN. Jack gave his life for our freedom. We must honor our military, veterans, and their families through our support.
It is imperative that our veterans and their families get the assistance they need – this is the least we can do for the dedication that they have given to our country.
I will work to help ensure that programs remain in place to help veterans and their families secure employment, housing, and benefits earned when they joined the military. Incentives for businesses to hire veterans and military families must be reinforced.
I support programs that aid our veterans if they seek help for any psychological or physical injury from their time in the service including Veteran Treatment Courts and suicide hotlines. Minnesota must care for its veterans by building up these programs. We have an obligation to our veterans to show that we deserved their service and sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your position on the Zip Rail?
I oppose the Zip Rail. I do not support any public transportation system that does not benefit our communities. It does not matter if it is the tax payers or a private company that is paying for the system – if it doesn’t offer any benefit I will oppose it.
More information on Jonathan’s position regarding the Zip Rail can be found here.
Are you a moderate?
You may find that some of my beliefs are progressive while some are more conservative. A label for my positions really depend on where your beliefs fall on the spectrum. I am open to new ideas and suggestions and I believe that I must represent the constituents of this district. I am seeking the DFL endorsement and hope to ensure a strong voice for Farmer-Labor interests.
Would you like to know what my beliefs are on a particular issue? Would you like to share with me your thoughts on an issue? Please contact me.
Do you support gun ownership?
Yes, I support the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution permitting responsible gun ownership.
Specific gun questions & answers can be found here.
This content was originally published at https://www.isenor4house.com/