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What is your vision for Minnesota's transportation system and how will we pay for it?
Larry Hosch - Maintaining our existing infrastructure is absolutely imperative while also expanding capacity for future demands. The gas tax is only a short-term funding solution. We need to look at future funding streams because the gas tax will be unsustainable.
Jim Stauber - Did not respond to the Times' request for information.
What should the Legislature do to eliminate the next state budget's projected $1 billion - $2 billion deficit?
Larry Hosch - If there's a deficit we need to use a balanced approach that makes smart cuts that do not create future costs through lost opportunity costs. We can use fund reserves and also look at revenues that doesn't impact property taxes and middle income earners.
Jim Stauber - Did not respond to the Times' request for information.
Is quality healthcare a universal right, and if so, what should the state do to ensure it?
Larry Hosch - I believe that we need to work towards universal health in Minnesota (especially for our children). This should be a common goal, across party lines. We must also work on reducing costs and encouraging greater efficiencies in our health care system.
Jim Stauber - Did not respond to the Times' request for information.
Does the state education system need tweaking or an overhaul and what would that entail?
Larry Hosch - Reforms need to happen at all levels, financially and operationally. We need funding reforms to bring greater transparency to the system and to provide greater equalization throughout the state. We also need to pay 100% of mandated special ed costs.
Jim Stauber - Did not respond to the Times' request for information.