Kristy Janigo

“I would consult scientists throughout the legislative process, especially when evaluating policies involving public health, environmental protection, emerging technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development. I would look to peer-reviewed research, testimony from subject-matter experts, Minnesota’s public universities, state agency scientists, and professionals working directly in affected fields. I would also ask experts to explain the strength of the evidence, areas of uncertainty, potential unintended consequences, and how proposed policies could be measured over time. My Ph.D. in design and sustainability, experience in global manufacturing, and service in higher education taught me to value rigorous research while also asking practical questions about implementation. Science should not be treated as partisan. It should help lawmakers understand risks, compare options, and make decisions that improve people’s lives. I would combine scientific evidence with community input, fiscal analysis, and ethical considerations, while remaining willing to update my position when stronger evidence becomes available.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Expertise, Accountability

“I have committed to supporting a ban on mining within the Boundary Waters watershed. This is a uniquely sensitive and valuable natural area, and protecting its water quality must come before mining proposals that could create long-term environmental risks. I would support reinstating the 20-year ban on new mining in the watershed and working toward permanent protections. I would also support rigorous environmental review, consultation with Tribal nations, strong water-quality protections, ongoing monitoring, and financial-assurance requirements so taxpayers are never left responsible for cleanup. In this region, the potential consequences of pollution are too serious and too lasting. We have a responsibility to protect this resource for future generations.”

KEYWORDS: Science, Stewardship, Future

“Every Minnesotan deserves safe drinking water. I would support a comprehensive PFAS strategy focused on prevention, testing, treatment, and accountability. Minnesota should continue phasing out nonessential PFAS uses under Amara’s Law and avoid loopholes that allow preventable contamination to continue. Stopping PFAS at the source is more effective and affordable than relying on communities to remove it later. I would expand monitoring of public water systems and private wells, require clear public notification, and provide state grants, bonding, and technical assistance for filtration systems, replacement wells, and other remediation. Communities should not have to choose between safe water and unaffordable utility bills. Because drinking water is only one source of PFAS exposure, treatment must be paired with broader pollution-prevention policies. I also support strong discharge standards and polluter-pays policies so responsible companies, rather than residents and taxpayers, bear cleanup costs. As a city council member, I understand the infrastructure burdens PFAS creates for local governments, and my Ph.D. in design and sustainability taught me to evaluate environmental decisions across their full life cycle.”

KEYWORDS: Prevention, Safety, Accountability

“Hyperscale data centers can bring investment and jobs, but their impacts on electricity demand, water use, infrastructure, land use, and utility costs must be fully understood before local or state approvals are granted. I support requiring independent environmental and infrastructure reviews, public disclosure of projected energy and water use, and clear plans for managing emissions, backup generators, wastewater, and emergency response. I also support banning nondisclosure agreements between data center companies and local elected officials or public employees when those agreements prevent residents from understanding proposals that may affect their community. Public decisions involving major tax incentives, land use changes, or infrastructure commitments should be made transparently, with meaningful opportunities for public input. Developers should pay their fair share of required infrastructure upgrades so residents and other ratepayers are not left covering the costs. Minnesota should also establish enforceable efficiency standards, encourage renewable energy use, protect local water supplies, and require regular reporting after facilities begin operating. I believe innovation must be paired with transparency, accountability, and responsible long-term planning.”

KEYWORDS: Transparency, Sustainability, Oversight

“Scientific research strengthens Minnesota’s economy, improves public health, and creates high-quality jobs. As a state senator, I would support sustained state investment in the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State institutions, public-private research partnerships, and competitive grant programs that help researchers secure and leverage federal funding. I would also work with Minnesota’s congressional delegation to advocate for stable NIH and other federal research appropriations. Minnesota should prioritize research that addresses major public needs, including disease prevention and treatment, mental health, environmental contamination, clean water, agricultural resilience, medical technology, and emerging technologies. I would support investments in laboratories, research infrastructure, and education programs that prepare students for careers in science, engineering, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Funding decisions should be transparent, competitive, and guided by scientific merit and measurable public benefit. As a University of Minnesota Ph.D. graduate and former higher education department chair, I understand that research funding is both an investment in discovery and an important economic-development strategy for Minnesota.”

KEYWORDS: Research, Innovation, Investment

“I support a comprehensive public health approach that combines prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and accountability. Minnesota should expand access to naloxone, including through schools, libraries, first responders, community organizations, and treatment providers, while ensuring people know how to use it. We should also strengthen access to medication-assisted treatment, mental health care, recovery housing, and peer support, especially in rural and underserved communities. The severe disparities affecting Indigenous and Black Minnesotans require targeted action. I would support culturally responsive programs developed in partnership with Tribal nations, Black-led organizations, local public health departments, and people with lived experience. Funding should follow the data and support all people who struggle with substance use. I also support stronger efforts to disrupt fentanyl trafficking, improve prescription monitoring, and expand early intervention and substance-use education. As someone who has worked with justice-involved veterans experiencing mental health and substance-use challenges, I understand that punishment alone does not solve addiction. Minnesota should focus on saving lives, removing barriers to treatment, and helping people achieve long-term recovery.”

KEYWORDS: Prevention, Treatment, Equity