Latonya Reeves
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“As a union president, I know that it is imperative that we reach out to subject matter experts, especially when it comes to matters of great importance. It would be a pleasure to work with all to get pertinent information in regards to Policy and issues.”
KEYWORDS: Pleasure to work with all
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?
“Overturning the 20 year mining band was a significant blow to this beautiful area. Twin Metals which is a subsidiary of a Chilean mining company, is looking for profits over environmental protections. While I want good paying jobs in the region, we also need to look at protecting our most valuable resource here in Minnesota: our water. I was support legislation to protect the watershed and to ban mining in the Boundary Waters.”
KEYWORDS: Valuable resource
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?
“PFAS have major health risks associated with exposure. The chemicals travel from industrial processes up and down the region. The way that the legislation was written was that there could be no future bans on mining. This is unacceptable. We must regulate significantly around environmental protections and mining in the boundary waters.”
KEYWORDS: Environmental harm
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?
“Data centers must be regulated in order to protect Community. They have been significant environmental impacts as well as an impact on jobs. I have talked to several union members about artificial intelligence and how it can impact their employment. Many want technological advances, but they don’t want it at the expense of the environment. We must explore options such as cold water input into data centers and an increase in environmental legislation/ordinances from the city government all the way up to the Federal level”
KEYWORDS: Cold water input
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?
“Research in science is how we move communities. We must allow our skilled scientists to be able to research their areas of interest and discuss legislation to policy makers in orderto make informed decisions.”
KEYWORDS: Skilled workers
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 a probation officer, I see firsthand how our in action harms the most vulnerable. We need to invest in chemical dependency treatment, sober housing, alternatives to Policing, mental health initiatives, and housing programs that will allow people the time to work on their sobriety. This is very hard to do if you’re homeless. We need to look at the programs being realized and ensuring quality assurance, accountability and oversight. This is a public health crisis not just a public safety one.”
KEYWORDS: Public health crisis