Rita C. Albrecht

Economy

When I’m in St. Paul, I will stand up for small businesses, the people they employ, and the self-employed who create their own jobs. They are the industrious, resourceful folks who help power our state. Working together, we can foster opportunity and attract investments to northern Minnesota. Our goal is to sustain a resilient and robust economy throughout Greater Minnesota, even in the wake of this pandemic. Learn more

Education

Our public schools are our promise to do good for our children. Unfortunately, many of our students in Senate District 5 are at a funding disadvantage. They depend on their communities to pass referendums to fund basic needs. Our teachers, too, are often asked to do more for less pay than teachers in other parts of the state.  Eliminating school funding disparities is a priority for me. Learn more

Funding for higher education is also critical. As a graduate of Bemidji State University and lifelong resident of the region, I see how higher education and post-secondary job training are essential to our region’s economic viability. Fully funded, public schools and access to post-secondary education and job training will help us close the opportunity gap and build a resilient, well-prepared workforce. Learn more

Environment / Energy

As your senator, I will help lead the transition from coal to carbon-free energy sources like woody biomass, wind, and solar. Our children are counting on us to support clean, renewable energy sources. Learn more

I support clean, responsible practices that create jobs and protect the Minnesota we love. That includes iron mining and timber production, both important to our region’s history and economy. We also need to be attentive to concerns about building a new pipeline, but if we are going to transport oil, a pipeline is the safest way to do it. We should expect that all companies doing business in Minnesota follow our permitting processes and meet the environmental laws that we depend on. Learn more

Healthcare

All Minnesotans should have the care they need. We can start with expanded access to Minnesota Care for more working, middle-class families. We need lower costs, higher quality care, and broader coverage. That includes coverage for dental care and mental health. The coronavirus has made us all acutely aware of the importance of health care for everyone. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

We need state bonding and other sustainable funding to make meaningful investments in infrastructure, including utility and transportation systems. Investing in infrastructure and transportation now will put people back to work and provide needed economic stimulus in Minnesota and Senate District 5. Learn more

Cities across Minnesota need upgrades for aging streets, water utilities, wastewater management, and storm sewer systems. We face crumbling roads, failing bridges and long-term transportation needs that aren’t being addressed. The costs can be daunting for cities and their residents. Yet infrastructure investments are essential for functional communities and thriving businesses. Learn more

Universal broadband access is the great equalizer of the 21st century. Unfortunately, hundreds of small businesses and many families across our region have insufficient access. That limits their ability to do business and gain and share knowledge. School children, too, are also handicapped by the lack of broadband access. This is especially true during this pandemic when schools and universities are all teaching online. In today’s economy, broadband access is a matter of equality in education and economic opportunity. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

Raising the minimum wage is one way to make sure workers earn enough to pay their bills. This pandemic reminds us that all workers deserve a wage that allows them to take care of themselves and their families. Learn more