Incumbent's View: Minnesotans, I'll always have your back
I've always fought to have Minnesotans' backs. I'm not stopping now.
As your U.S. Senator, my guiding principle has always been simple: Results matter. I know that by working hard and working together, we can forge a brighter future for Minnesota and our country. It's one of the reasons I've been endorsed by Forum Communications, which includes the Duluth News Tribune. And it's why I was ranked No. 1 in the Senate for bipartisan bills and No. 3 for passing them into law.
Over the years, I've seen firsthand that progress is possible as long as we meet people where they are. I told Minnesotans I'd work to strengthen our infrastructure, including by getting the funding to replace the over 60-year-old Blatnik Bridge. I said I'd fight to make more things in America. I said I'd make sure veterans exposed to toxic burn pits or Agent Orange could get the care they need. And working with both Republicans and Democrats, we got it done.
But there's more I want to do as your senator. Here are a few examples:
One, bring down costs.
We took a huge step in the right direction when we passed legislation based on my bill to end Big Pharma's sweetheart deal and let Medicare negotiate lower prescription drug prices. The lower prices for the first 10 drugs Medicare negotiated will save millions of seniors $1.5 billion in the first year alone. But there's more to do, and that's why I'm fighting to double the number of medications eligible for lower prices each year.
We also need to make housing and child care more affordable across the Arrowhead region, from Duluth to the Range to Grand Marais. That's why I'm focused on increasing the supply of housing and building out our child-care facilities. I'm also taking on the corporate hedge funds that are buying up homes and driving up costs for families, as well as the companies that use online algorithms to artificially jack up rental prices.
Two, invest in innovation.
Minnesota manufacturers are the best in the world. We brought the world everything from Duluth Pack bags to Cirrus jets. To continue that tradition of ingenuity, we need to give workers the skills they need to thrive in the 21st-century economy. That means investing in advanced education, including apprenticeships, skills training, and incentives for one- and two-year degrees. By getting workers into these programs, we can continue to be a state that makes stuff, invents things, and exports to the world.
Three, build out our infrastructure.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other legislation we passed included historic funding for projects across the country, such as making improvements to the Port of Duluth, revitalizing West Superior Street, and modernizing the Aerial Lift Bridge and local airports. On top of that, I fought to make sure we made a game-changing investment to bring high-speed internet to every corner of our state. I'm focused on getting additional infrastructure funding to the Northland.
And four, always have Minnesotans' backs.
That means supporting the first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. It's why I lead bipartisan efforts to crack down on fentanyl, give police departments the resources they need to hire officers, and ensure our firefighters and police officers get the benefits they deserve. I'm honored to have the endorsement of both the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association.
There's a lot more I want to do for Minnesotans, and by working with both Republicans and Democrats, I know it's possible. Minnesotans deserve a senator who knows that the path to higher ground begins with finding common ground. That's my North Star — and with your support, I will keep following it in 2025 and beyond.
