Name: Dan Bye.
Party affiliation: DFL.
Qualifications: I attended Pequot Lakes High School, earned my associate's degree from Central Lakes College, Brainerd, served one year Americorps in Duluth Schools, and studied biology at the University of Wisconsin.
I live with my wife and two children in Cass County. My work history has mostly been in food service.
What do you want to accomplish if elected?: It is vital for those of us in greater Minnesota to have a strong voice in St. Paul advocating for our interests. Advancing the social and economic conditions of rural Minnesota is vital to the success of our children and the survival of our communities. We can do this through responsible investment in rural infrastructure, equitable funding for our school districts, accessible higher education beyond the metro area, and a health care system that provides for the needs of all Minnesotans. Encouraging small business, family based agriculture, Minnesota based energy production, and investment in rural schools will be my priorities.
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Specifically, how would you accomplish your goals?: Examples include: PACE (property assessed clean energy) funding mechanisms can be opened up to private investors statewide for Minnesota Generated power projects as well as residential projects. If encouraged effectively this would be a boon to rural business while offering long-term savings on the costs of doing business.
The state can partner with providers to deliver broadband internet capabilities to rural residents.
Whenever possible healthcare "pools" should be opened up to include greater numbers of workers to reduce costs. I would support SF 118/HF 135 in seeking a waiver from the Affordable Care Act to administer healthcare for all Minnesotans.
