Tina Liebling in 2018 MN Governor's race
On Immigration:
America offers a promise to desperate immigrants
Q: What will you do to fight the scapegoating and persecution of immigrants and refugees?Liebling: Saying Gov. Dayton could have fixed the driver's license problem, added, "Let's just remember that children don't choose where they are born. They
don't choose their families. People who are coming to this country and who are risking so much to do it without documentation are doing it out of desperation. They are doing it because America offered a promise to them, or at least they thought it did."
Source: Post-Bulletin on 2018 Minnesota governor debate
Oct 25, 2017
On Abortion:
No government infringement of decision to reproduce
We must protect the freedom of every Minnesotan to speak their mind, maintain their privacy, and make their own important decisions. Government should not infringe on personal decisions that don't impact the health and safety of others--
such as who to love and marry, whether and where to worship, which bathroom to use, and how and when to reproduce.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Civil Rights:
No government infringement of decision to marry
We must protect the freedom of every Minnesotan to speak their mind, maintain their privacy, and make their own important decisions. Government should not infringe on personal decisions that don't impact the health and safety of others--
such as who to love and marry, whether and where to worship, which bathroom to use, and how and when to reproduce.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Crime:
Officers should control situation without deadly force
Our diversity is our strength, but Minnesota's gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity are holding us back. Peaceful civil disobedience has often been the catalyst that moves society toward justice. We don't need additional penalties or threats to those
who step forward to make change. The right to protest--and sometimes even to get arrested for it--strengthens our democracy.The well-publicized police killings of African American people and the killings of police officers have torn the bandage off
an old and festering wound. We must create a culture and system that allow for fair and just treatment of all Minnesotans. Law enforcement officers have a tough job, but they must always be held to high and clear standards and accountable to the public.
We need a new standard for law enforcement's use of force--as exists in some other countries. Officers should be expected to control a situation without using deadly force except as a last resort.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Crime:
More treatment courts; lower barriers to re-entry after jail
Too many inmates have substance abuse disorder or other mental health issues that would be better treated in another setting. Treatment courts are a step in the right direction, and we must encourage and fund these initiatives.
We also need to make sure that people who have been through the justice system can find a path back to a productive life. Lack of housing, lack of needed treatment, and lack of employment are barriers to reentry that must be addressed.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Drugs:
War on drugs failed; end prohibition & use pot responsibly
The war on drugs has failed--costing Minnesota taxpayers too much and destroying too many lives. It's time to remove the prohibition on personal use of cannabis and treat addiction as an illness, not a crime.Cannabis is not harmless, but prohibition
of cannabis has not worked and has also caused many unintended, harmful consequences. Minnesotans spend perhaps $700 million per year on illegal cannabis, which they buy without knowing the purity of what they buy. Cannabis prohibition also contributes
to racial disparities in our state as it fills expensive prison beds with people who do not belong there. Without prohibition we could do a better job keeping cannabis away from children and educating our population on how to use it responsibly and with
regard to the rights of others.
Minnesotans should have the opportunity to decide whether to legalize personal use of cannabis under a careful system of regulation and taxation. Law enforcement should have a voice on drug policy, but never a veto.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Education:
Fully fund our public education system at the state level
Funding for Minnesota's public schools has not kept up with inflation, and this is shortchanging our students. As state support has fallen, school districts must try to get more funding from local property taxes, which means communities without a big
tax base have schools that don't have enough resources for their students. Fully and appropriately funding our public education system at the state level will help all students succeed. Adequate school counselors and other support professionals are
also needed to help students make sound education and career decisions based on their interests and talents and remove barriers that keep students from achieving their dreams.Minnesota's constitution says: "It is the duty of the legislature to
establish a general and uniform system of public schools. The legislature shall make such provisions by taxation or otherwise as will secure a thorough and efficient system of public schools." Minnesota must live up to this promise.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Education:
Free college credits via Post-Secondary Education Options
In the 21st century, careers that can sustain a family require education beyond high school. Though we spend millions helping students get free college credits through the Post-Secondary Education Options program most students don't use the program.
All Minnesota students deserve the opportunity to go to college or get career skills. Making the first two years of post-high school education at a public college or university
FREE to Minnesota students would take pressure off struggling families while ensuring our workforce is well trained for the needs of the economy.In connection with free college, we should establish a "Minnesota Peace Corps" where young people could
work in an area of need for one or two years after finishing college. Other students could earn loan forgiveness to reduce educational debt. This could ease our workforce shortage in critical areas, while giving young people valuable job experience.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
25% renewable energy by 2025
As energy production evolves so must Minnesota. In 2007, Minnesota passed a renewable energy standard of 25% by 2025. Many utilities are close to achieving the goal, but we must do even better. I support the proposal for 50% of our energy to come
from renewables by 2030. This is not only better for our environment and Minnesotans' wallets, it creates good paying jobs. Clean energy jobs grew 78% from 2000 to 2014, compared to total 11% for total employment. And climate change MUST be contained.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Environment:
Those who exploit resources should pay for any cleanup
We need not choose between jobs and protecting our environment. Minnesota cannot let corporate greed steal our children's inheritance.Before we allow corporations to exploit our natural resources, we must make sure the environment is protected and
that sufficient financial guarantees are in place to pay for any cleanup. After the fact, we must hold them accountable for any harm they caused. Too often, polluters have made their money and left the cleanup to the taxpayer.
We Minnesotans love our natural resources and will have to stay vigilant to make sure we keep them.
Our children deserve to grow up in a healthy environment, whether they live in the city,
the country, or somewhere in between. Clean water, clean food, and clean air should be their birthright.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Families & Children:
High quality child care is essential for work
Every Minnesota child--without exception--deserves the best possible start in life. High quality child care is essential for many Minnesota families. Parents can't focus on work or school unless they know their children are in a safe and supportive
place, but high quality child care is in short supply and too often unaffordable.We must support many models of child care--from home day care to Head Start--so families have convenient and high quality options.
Minnesota has a Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to help more working parents afford the cost, but it is underfunded and leaves many struggling families without help.
Building an excellent, affordable system of day care and support for our youngest kids is one of the most important things Minnesota can do for our future.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Government Reform:
Require disclosure of state legislature perks
We must promote high ethical standards and transparency for all who have the honor to serve the public.Our laws permit public officials to take trips--junkets--that are paid for by foundations or other organizations (but not by lobbyists). These
organizations include ALEC, an organization of large corporations that writes corporate-friendly legislation for legislators (almost always Republicans) to introduce in their states. My amendment to require disclosure of these trips by members of the
Minnesota House was voted down by Republicans.
Not all sponsored trips are bad, but the recipient should be required to disclose these perks to the public. We must make sure that the wealthy and well connected play by the same rules as everyone else.
Public money should be invested only where the public--not billionaire owners or another special interest group--will reap the benefits commensurate with the investment. This is why I voted "no" on the Vikings and Twins stadium deals.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Health Care:
ObamaCare was a valiant attempt but did not go far enough
Too many Minnesotans can't get the care they need when they need it. People should not have to worry about getting the health care they need because of the cost.The Affordable Care Act was a valiant attempt to improve a failing insurance system.
While it has done a lot of good, it did not go far enough. A system based on insurance will always be costly, complicated, and wasteful for patients, doctors, and employers. "Preserving the market" for insurance is the wrong goal. Our goal must be
making sure that every Minnesotan can access quality health care at a price they can afford.
We waste billions of dollars deciding who gets care, how much, and at what price--instead of paying for the care we need. Minnesota can lead the nation in
moving toward a system where people can choose who provides their health care but don't have to deal with insurance companies. Some call this "single payer." Whatever we call it, we need to remove the barriers between Minnesotans and health care.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Jobs:
Don't permit employers to pay non-sustaining wages
A person who works full time should be able to meet the basic needs of her family, but many can not. When employers are permitted to pay non-sustaining wages, taxpayers must fill the gap with food support, housing support, and other needs.
This is a subsidy for employers and undermines the dignity of the worker.
I'm proud to have voted to raise Minnesota's minimum wage and to have it apply equally to tipped employees, but we must continue to raise the minimum wage until all full-time work in Minnesota pays a living wage. We must also strengthen other
workplace rights, such as earned sick time and paid family leave. Let's allow everyone the dignity and security to get better at home or have the time to visit a physician then return to work healthy and productive.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Jobs:
Defend the right to organize and bargain collectively
Unions created the middle class by organizing for better wages and working conditions, but union membership has eroded.
I support and defend the right to organize and bargain collectively, because this is one of the best tools we have to raise work standards and give Minnesotans a chance at a better future.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Progressives taxation with a 4th tier for wealthiest
Tina believes that a fair tax system is "progressive," meaning those who earn more pay a larger percentage of their income. Minnesotans who are doing well must pay their fair share of taxes. Then Minnesota can afford to give everyone opportunities to
succeed.Adding a "fourth tier" higher income tax rate for the wealthiest Minnesotans was a good start. The next step should be to examine Minnesota's tax code for outdated, unfair tax breaks that favor the wealthy and don't move our economy forward.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Page last updated: Dec 11, 2018