Dan Rogers
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Issues such as climate change rely upon solid research and years of collected data that when analyzed can help formulate responses to challenges.”
KEYWORDS: Essential, consensus, nonbiased
Q2 Recently H.J. Res 140 passed, overturning a 20-year mining ban in the National Forest System land surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. What is your position on mining projects in this region and what policies, if any, would you support to protect the surrounding watershed?
“Mining in the BWCA watershed should not be allowed. This BWCA is such a unique place that it is imperative that we protect for countless generations that will follow us. This means we need policies that will enshrine this.”
KEYWORDS: Biodiversity, essential, interconnected
Q3 Contamination from PFAS and other “forever chemicals” in 21 community water systems in Minnesota exceed national regulations, putting residents at risk of negative health impacts. What policies, if any, do you propose to protect Minnesota residents from the potential impacts of PFAS?
“Moving forward Minnesota must work with communities across the state to ensure that exposure to PFAS chemicals are reduced to the extent possible given our current understanding and technology.”
KEYWORDS: Minimize, reduction, health
Q4 There have been multiple hyperscale data centers proposed throughout the state, including one currently under construction. What policies and regulations, if any, do you support to assess and act on the potential impacts of these data centers?
“Moratorium on data centers until the state government develops guidelines. These companies should not be given reduced tax rates or other public subsidies. Communications should be transparent and open to public scrutiny. NDAs should not be allowed. Energy and water edemands need to be clearly articulated. Costs to communities and number of jobs created need to be clearly laid out.”
KEYWORDS: Moratorium, energy, water
Q5 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $700 million for research grants and contracts to Minnesota universities, which directly supported over 7,000 jobs and $1.79 billion of economic activity in Minnesota. What policies, if any, do you plan to implement or support regarding funding for continued science research either at the state or federal level?
“As a state senator I would advocate to the best of my ability for NIH funding to be fully restored. Research is critical on so many problems we are facing.”
KEYWORDS: Restore, science, critical
Q6 Fatal drug overdoses in Minnesota have significantly declined in recent years, representing a 28% drop from a record peak of 1,392 overdose deaths in 2022. However, compared to White Minnesotans, Indigenous Minnesotans are 7 to 15 times more likely to experience a fatal drug overdose, while Black Minnesotans are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from a drug-related overdose. What policies, if any, do you support to continue the downward trend of overdose deaths for Minnesotans?
“Drug use and poverty are intertwined. Helping people get education, jobs and better futures would be a long term strategy for reducing addictions. It is important to help youth from getting into addictive cycles.”
KEYWORDS: Poverty, education, youth