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My Point of View by Joe Staloch

As voters head to the polls, it’s important to consider the kind of representation we need in southern Minnesota. I grew up on a family farm outside Wells, learning the values of hard work, integrity and community. While I’ve spent time living and working elsewhere, including the Twin Cities, my heart has always remained in southern Minnesota with my family and friends.

Unlike establishment politicians like Peggy Bennett, who has frequently voted against measures like broadband expansion in rural areas, agricultural support programs, increased funding for rural health care facilities and the legalization of recreational marijuana, I believe in a progressive approach that acknowledges our evolving needs and expectations. I’ve worked in various roles for a number of employers and industries, starting from junior positions and gradually earning leadership roles through dedication, listening and learning. I’ve never sought leadership for its own sake; rather, I’ve focused on making quiet, positive contributions that demonstrate my worth and commitment.

A few of the ways I differ from my opponent are:

I am very concerned with the state of health care in our area. When I moved back to the area in 2018, I had a hard time finding a provider and ended up traveling to Fairmont to get that care. Under Ms. Bennett’s watch, Albert Lea’s hospital was closed, leaving our city of over 18,000 with clinic services only. Other area clinics have been shuttered entirely, including New Richland, Kiester and Alden. If Ms. Bennett had worked across the aisle and found allies who faced the same bullying tactics of large health care providers, there would have been a greater chance of retaining these services.

I support Minnesota’s no-cost school meal program for K-12 students. While I’ve heard voters’ concerns regarding cost and quality, I am committed to collaborating across party lines to offer districts flexibility in implementing this program. I strongly believe in the program’s goals, including eliminating the stigma associated with free or reduced lunch, and understand that kids who are hungry cannot learn. In contrast, Peggy Bennett has criticized the approach as a “shotgun technique” rather than a “surgical approach” and voted against the bill.

The North Star Promise Program provides for college tuition to Minnesota residents with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000 at public institutions in the state. According to data obtained from Riverland, 1,090 students attending Riverland colleges are getting part or all of their tuition paid. Most of these students are attending technical programs badly needed in our area: electricians, nurses, auto mechanics, etc. Continuing education is necessary in nearly every sector today. Making college more accessible ensures all Minnesotans can succeed and contribute to our economy. The increased wages and tax revenues from higher education will help sustain the program long-term. However, if costs become a concern in the future, I’m open to adjusting the scope, considering a model that includes two years of post-secondary education as a compromise, leaving the most impactful parts of the program for our area intact. In contrast, Peggy Bennett voted against this program and has expressed concerns about the cost, indicating a reluctance to invest in the future career prospects of our students.

Peggy Bennett has been a staunch opponent of omnibus bills, arguing that they combine unrelated issues into a single bill. Her rigid stance has contributed to delays in the legislative process, including the passage of bonding bills. For example, Bennett’s participation in obstructionist tactics in St. Paul prevented the legislative body from passing a bonding bill last session, which was crucial for infrastructure projects in our area, particularly our wastewater treatment plant in Albert Lea. If Ms. Bennett and other Republicans continue to hold the bonding bill hostage, some estimates suggest our water bills in Albert Lea could quadruple. I do not, as a general rule, believe in absolutes. While I acknowledge that sometimes omnibus bills can become unwieldy and contain elements that might compel a no vote on the package, I recognize them for what they are: a legislative tool that offers the best hope for passing legislative priorities for rural communities like ours. I will vote for omnibus bills if they benefit our district overall.

I aim to promote policies that support our agricultural community, enhance economic stability and ensure access to affordable health care. An expansion of the MN Care buy-in program would accomplish all of these goals, offering better health insurance at a lower cost for farmers and small businesses. If elected, I will promote this program expansion that was in the works in the Legislature last session.

As we approach Election Day, I ask for your support to bring about the positive change our community deserves. I am committed to working for the well-being of southern Minnesota, ensuring that our voices are heard and our needs are met.

Joe Staloch is running for the District 23A representative seat.