When elected as Minnesota State Senator representing Senate District 48, Steve Cwodzinski is committed to working with Governor Mark Dayton AND reaching across the aisle to put good ideas to work for Minnesotans. Steve has the passion, skills, and vision to make Minnesota a better place for all of us to live, work, learn, and play. That’s the kind of leadership our state needs to build a future that works for all Minnesotans.
As your State Senator, Steve Cwodzinski will work with community members to turn up the HEET on critical issues:
As your State Senator, Steve Cwodzinski will work with community members to turn up the HEET on critical issues:
Healthy Communities
Steve believes in sound state policies that promote physical, mental, and environmental health.The costs of a sedentary life are high; outdoor recreation contributes greatly to overall mental and physical health. Steve enthusiastically supports efforts to make our outdoor recreation system the best in the nation. He will continue investments in programs like the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) and other programs, which have proven results in decreasing smoking and obesity rates, and improving walk-ability in communities across Minnesota. |
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- Steve knows how hard it is to look out at a classroom full of students and explain that there was another school shooting like Columbine, Rocori, Red Lake, or Sandy Hook. We need to put a stop to gun violence in our communities. As a State Senator, Steve will do everything he can to improve our approach to gun safety; including measures to keep firearms out of the hands of the mentally ill.
- Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, and a natural beauty that we all can enjoy. But, our natural resources are under real threat. Climate change is real; it is caused by human behavior. We need to take immediate action to protect our global and local environment. The answers aren’t always easy, but future generations are depending on us.
Education:
Steve has spent over 30 years as an educator. He knows education is the foundation that innovation and success are built upon. Steve is committed to investing in students of all ages, from early childhood through post-secondary, so all of Minnesota’s students are prepared to succeed in the modern economy. |
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- Preschool: By offering more 4-year-olds the chance to attend preschool, we are closing the opportunity gap and ensuring more students are ready for school and have a better chance at a successful educational career.
- Minnesota must expand and promote partnerships between employers and institutions of higher learning in order to train workers for high-wage and high-demand jobs.
- School Counselors: Minnesota has a school counselor crisis. Counselors have less time to spend with students with mental health concerns and career guidance questions--which leaves vulnerable students with unmet needs.
Economy:
Steve Cwodzinski grew up in Superior, Wisconsin and has seen firsthand how a bad economy can pull apart the fabric of a town. Steve Cwodzinski understands the challenges facing families and communities today, and he’ll create economic opportunity for all Minnesotans. Steve came to Minnesota 40 years ago as a high school graduate looking for opportunity, and he found it in a Minnesotan economy that was building for a bright future. Steve wants to create an economy that gives everyone the opportunity to earn a good living, support his or her family, and retire securely. He supports a plan to provide full-time workers earned sick time and paid family leave. |
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- Nearly all workers need to take time away from work at some point to deal with a serious personal or family illness or to care for a new child. Establishing a paid family and medical leave program in Minnesota would allow workers to meet these needs without jeopardizing their economic security.
- Steve would propose initiatives to level the playing field for women and people of color. It’s time for equal pay for equal work—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.
Transportation: Transportation needs vary around the state, but one thing all Minnesotans agree on is that we need safe roads and a transportation system that addresses challenges people face when heading to work, school, or play not to leave out the transporting of goods and services. For the last 25 years, Minnesota has been lagging in investing in our transportation system. We cannot keep using short-term fixes for our long-term transportation-funding problem. |
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Steve Cwodzinski knows our community needs a 21st Century transportation system and supports a comprehensive transportation plan that includes the South West Light Rail. Beyond being an efficient transportation option and relieving traffic congestion around the west metro area, the light rail expansion will attract new businesses, and create jobs.
