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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Minnesota State Senate District 7

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  • Candidate picture

    Robert Farnsworth
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin
    (DFL)

Biographical Information

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (750 characters)

What will you do to support a vibrant economy across Minnesota and to address inflation? (500 character)

What legislation, if any, would you support to address racial or ethnic disparities in Minnesota? (500 characters)

Do you support the adoption of a ballot issue to add the Equal Rights Amendment into the Minnesota State Constitution - why or why not? (500 characters)

What legislation, if any, would you support to protect clean air and water in Minnesota? (500 characters)

What legislation, if any, would you support to meet the need for safe communities? (500 characters)

What changes to legislation would you support to reduce the influence of big money in elections? (500 characters)

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Campaign Website http://kimforsd7.com
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/KimforSD7
Campaign Email hello@kimforsd7.com
Trust and integrity in government and getting money out of politics are woven into the fabric of nearly every voter conversation. People want a government they can trust and a lawmaker who puts people first. I’m listening and my priorities are aligned with what constituents say. We'll fight for: affordable high-quality physical and behavioral healthcare services, including prescriptions; fully funded public education across the spectrum from early childhood to postsecondary and technical; and strong communities through supporting public safety, small businesses, housing, and child care. I believe zip code should never define or limit opportunity. I will fight to ensure the people of the Northland receive the resources we deserve.
I’ll work tirelessly for a strong economy including strong public schools, accessible and affordable healthcare, affordability, jobs, and safe, supported communities across Northland. I’ll prioritize tax relief for working and middle-class Minnesotans before giving tax breaks to the wealthiest. My goal is straightforward: provide meaningful essential services our communities depend on while ensuring taxpayers are getting the greatest value from every dollar.
If elected, I will work on behalf of all constituents, with a particular focus on individuals and communities who have historically been underserved or face barriers to opportunity and care. Like so many issues, disparities for people of color are complex and we need to involve their voices. I also believe we must continue working to address inequities and bias in all its forms, including within ourselves and our institutions, so that we can build inclusive communities for everyone.
I support adding the Equal Rights Amendment to the Minnesota State Constitution. Equal application of the law is essential, regardless of gender identity or race. People in the Northland believe in individual freedom, equal treatment, and the right to make their own choices. The Equal Rights Amendment represents those fundamental values.
We can have a strong economy and a healthy environment. I support legislation that protects clean air and water through strong environmental and worker protections, rigorous science-based review, and meaningful public input. I would work with labor, environmental groups, local governments, and researchers to advance practical solutions. I will fight for responsible economic development that protects our natural resources and gives the Northland a fair deal.
I support legislation that strengthens emergency services in rural communities by investing in workforce development to recruit, train, and retain healthcare professionals, firefighters, and EMS personnel. Access to emergency services should not depend on a person’s ZIP code. State policies should address service gaps, improve response times, and ensure every community has access to protection, support, and justice.
Working people need to be at the heart and soul of every decision made by government. I support campaign-finance and ethics reforms that reduce the influence of big money and special interests, increase transparency, and ensure working people have a fair chance to run for office. Teachers, nurses, small-business owners, miners, farmers, tradespeople, and working parents should have their voices heard. Government should answer to the people—not the highest bidder.