Jason Ruffalo

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

I support modifying the current system to ensure safety and justice for all. I believe we must invest more in community resources such as social workers, rehabilitation centers, and more in order to reduce crime and support those communities which are most affected by over policing. I understand that it will take intensive measures to combat what is clearly an institutional problem, and I am dedicated to undertaking this work for the defense of all Minnesotans. Learn more

Minnesota’s police system has an undeniable problem with racial discrimination, which has only been exacerbated by the murder by George Floyd. Unfortunately, this death was not an isolated incident; it is fairly consistent with the experiences many black Minnesotans have had with police. Black Minnesotans are over five times more likely to be arrested for marijuana use, despite similar usage rates by white Minnesotans, and this type of bias extends to many other non-violent offenses as well. In order for our justice system to be truly just, it must protect people of all races, genders, sexualities and ability levels equally. Learn more

Education

When we invest in youth, we invest in the future of our community, which is why education is such an important issue. Improving our school system truly benefits everyone. Learn more

Beyond K-12, I seek to expand access to postsecondary education programs, including community colleges, trade schools, and universities. Considering how important higher education is in today’s job market, it is essential that these programs are both accessible and affordable for all. Learn more

Am committed to seeking fair pay for teachers and providing them with the resources they need to educate our children and teens. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and deserve to be compensated for the crucial work that they do. I will also work to secure additional resources and funding for special education programs within the state. Learn more

Second, I want to support students according to their individual needs. Anoka Hennepin is the largest school district in the state of Minnesota, and as such, has a greater total of students in need of free/reduced lunch and other assistance programs than surrounding areas. Given that Minnesota has one of the worst achievement gaps in the country, extensive efforts must be made to ensure the success of all students, regardless of race, income, and ability level. Education is not a one-size-fits-all issue; it needs to be flexible enough to accommodate each child so that they can thrive. Learn more

Environment / Energy

As someone who loves camping and biking, the protection and preservation of our environment is an issue very near to my heart. We must all take measures to reduce our carbon emissions and nonrenewable energy usage, as well as cutting back on waste production. I am committed to promoting renewable energy use throughout Minnesota, and expanding public transportation in both the cities and surrounding areas. We have very little time left to act on climate change before we are no longer able to prevent further damage. Learn more

Government Reform

I believe that every citizen should have the right to vote easily and safely. This means promoting alternative options such as early voting and vote by mail, as well as registration programs to ensure that every Minnesotan feels safe exercising their right to vote. Learn more

Healthcare

Medicare for all is about protecting your neighbors, family, friends, and ultimately yourself, and it is the right choice for Minnesota. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

District 35B, like any community, has changing needs for roads and public transportation. As communities change and grow, there is a constant need for our roads and public transportation to meet new demands. Maintaining and expanding our roads will reduce travel time to and from work, reduce car emissions, make travel safer for vehicles as well as bikers and pedestrians. Beyond that, there is a direct correlation between the health of a community’s infrastructure and the strength of that community’s economy. I will work to expand access to public transportation, as well as ensure that our roads are well maintained, and expanded upon when necessary. Learn more

Our state constitution ensures that every child in Minnesota has the right to a free, public education. With the arrival of COVID-19, however, it is more apparent than ever that internet access is a necessary component of this promise. In order for students to participate in online distance learning, they need to be provided with high quality internet access. Failing to provide broadband access would be a violation of our constitutional promises, and would put many Minnesotan students at a severe disadvantage. Internet has become an absolute necessity in the 21st century, and this need has been exacerbated amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I vow to promote internet access for all Minnesotans, to ensure that all of us have the ability to continue learning, working, accessing doctors, and more as safely as possible. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

I am a strong believer in workers’ right to organize. Unions have accomplished many great things in this country, from child labor laws to instituting aid for injured workers. Organized labor aligns strongly with my other stances, like increased support for teachers and pay equality. As your representative, I pledge to protect unions against predatory legislation such as right-to-work laws. Learn more

Minnesota’s minimum wage is as low as $8.15, well below the average minimum wage across the country of $11.80. Additionally, Minnesota is the only state in the country which does not mandate overtime pay until someone has worked 48 hours during a given week; in all other states, the threshold is 40 hours. Working class Minnesotans deserve fair pay and job security, and in order to accomplish this, they need adequate representation in the workplace and the government. I pledge to listen to the voices of the laborers whose work propels this state. Learn more