Denise Slipy
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“When elected, I would rely on subject matter experts whenever legislation involves areas where scientific evidence can help us understand the consequences of our decisions. Good government requires more than political talking points. At the same time, scientists inform policy; they do not replace the voices of the people I represent. My responsibility as a Senator would be bring the best available evidence to the table alongside economic realities, local knowledge and lived experiences of SD6.”
KEYWORDS: Listen to the experts, follow the evidence, make decisions on facts not political party pressure
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?
“MInnesota can support responsible mining and good paying Union jobs, while recognizing some areas require an exceptionally high level of protection. Each proposal must undergo rigorous, independent, science based environmental review and demonstrate it will protect our water, not just meet minimum requirements. I would support strong groundwater and surface water monitoring with meaningful consultation with our Tribal Nations, transparent public participation and strict financial assurance requirements so the taxpayers are not ever left with the clean up if there were environmental issues. Mining has an important history in Minnesota, but our lakes, rivers, forests, tourism economy and clean water are also part of that heritage.”
KEYWORDS: Jobs matter, clean water matters, and we should never sacrifice one because politicians tell us to choose!
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?
“Clean, safe drinking water should never depend on your zip code or size of your community. I would support aggressive testing and transparent reporting so Minnesotans know what is in the drinking water. When contamination is discovered, communities need to install effective treatment systems without placing the burden on local taxpayers. We cannot simply clean up PFAS after contamination occurs. We must continue reducing unnecessary PFAS at the source. Amara’s Law is already moving towards eliminating avoidable uses of intentionally added PFAS by 2032.”
KEYWORDS: Test early, prevent contamination, and protect taxpayers.
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?
“I would support requiring comprehensive independent assessments before projects move forward. I would want to know the infrastructure needs which include transmission/generation/use of electricity as well as water usage. I would want to know the cumulative impacts lights and noise. Minnesota families should not subsidize the enormous energy demands of multinational corporations. Communities, Tribal Nations should have meaningful opportunities to participate before decisions are made.”
KEYWORDS: Responsible development with accountability. No NDAs. No subsidies.
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?
“I would support stable state and federal funding. We have some of the finest universities, medical institutions, researchers, and innovators in the world. I would support competitive peer reviewed grants based on merit, partnerships with universities, healthcare systems, businesses and state agencies, and investments that help turn the research into new treatments, technologies, businesses and good paying jobs. I would also prioritize research addressing issues important to Greater Minnesota. Those would include mining, forestry, healthcare, agriculture and other environmental protections.”
KEYWORDS: Science gives us knowledge. Innovation turns knowledge into solutions. Smart investment ensures those solutions improve Minnesotans lives.
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?
“As Senator and a First Responder, I would support continued access to naloxone for families, schools, first responders and community organizations, particularly in rural Minnesota where emergency response and treatment is farther away. I would support expanding evidence based treatment for substance abuse disorder, while improving access to mental health and recovery programs. Prevention also matters. We need to strengthen education about dangerous substances such as fentanyl, giving the tools to communities to identify emerging overdose trends and prevention methods. I would insist the use of opioid settlement dollars are used for their intended purpose. Rural Minnesota cannot be an afterthought. Treatment and recovery services must be accessible regardless of Zip code.”
KEYWORDS: We should measure success by lives saved, people entering recovery and families kept whole.