Tawnja Zahradka

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

There must be a ready remedy for corruption within police departments, no matter the seniority, and a mindset within the culture that encourages mass disapproval of bullying and abuse of power. Incentives should be based on the ability to work with the community, de-escalate situations peacefully, and treat all people humanely to gain respect from those they serve rather than awarding raises based on arrest numbers. Learn more

Education

I choose funding our teachers fully and completely. I choose funding our schools to the same levels we fund our endless wars. Together, let's choose to lift up our accomplished students and educators. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I think we need to quit giving huge subsidies to oil companies and other fossil fuel industries. Providing actual corporate welfare for those who make more money than any other industry in the history of the world makes no sense. Instead, we need to reward innovation and give farmers and laborers the tools and financial backing to expand into the clean energies of the future, giving them a base of income that would sustain them through leaner market years. Learn more

I believe our farmers are in a great position to reduce greenhouse gasses-through soil and biomass sequestration. Farmers can also contribute to a clean energy future by using solar and wind energy and provide the source materials for biofuels. Learn more

I believe farmers are one of America's most precious resources. I believe our farmers should sit at the front of the bus, not be relegated to the back with unnecessary and unfair tariffs. Learn more

Government Reform

I believe in fiscal conservatism. I believe in less government in our daily lives. Learn more

Guns

I support a voluntary buy back of the weapons of war that are used to terrify our children and murder innocent people. Learn more

I have been a gun owner for twenty years. I believe the second amendment is crucial for our citizens to protect themselves and enjoy recreational sporting. Learn more

Healthcare

Our federal government needs to build upon the Affordable Care Act until a public option is available, and stop trying to decimate pre-existing conditions coverage currently protected by the ACA. Learn more

I believe that Medicare for all would positively change the world. I also believe, if someone wants to pay insurance companies to decide if they get care or not, they should be able to make that choice for themselves. Choices are good. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

Further, we need to ensure a smooth transition for workers who may lose their jobs because of the changing demand in the energy sector. Minnesota miners should not lose one day of income while their job transitions. They should be paid while in training for a new job which expands their skill set, increases their income, and improves their own outlook for good health and the health of our planet. Learn more

I believe "right-to-work" is morally wrong. It takes away rights to organize and promotes lower wages at the expense of working people's families. Union rights need to be strengthened, not weakened by Washington and the courts. Learn more

I have studied the issue of "prevailing wage" and believe that it should be a national standard not dictated by low local standards, especially in "right to work" states where experience and expertise are not always respected. Learn more