Tara Killen

“Science helps us understand what is happening, why, and what different choices may mean for people. I will consult scientists with relevant expertise when considering legislation involving healthcare, agriculture, water, energy, infrastructure, and emerging technology. I will seek input from researchers, state agency scientists, and other qualified experts through hearings and briefings. I will ask about evidence, methods, uncertainties, funding sources, and areas of agreement or disagreement. Different opinions deserve consideration in proportion to the evidence supporting them. My work in construction and compliance has taught me that the big picture and the details affect one another. I support protections where reliable scientific evidence establishes the need. I will also examine whether requirements are effective, practical, and affordable, especially for farmers, small businesses, and individuals. Protecting people includes considering unintended consequences and helping them meet necessary standards. I am responsible for my votes. I will consider affected communities’ experiences, explain my reasoning, and remain willing to change my position when reliable new evidence warrants it.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Balance, Accountability

“Minnesota needs good jobs, essential minerals, and clean water. Mining decisions must consider all three, including consequences that can last long after a mine closes. I oppose weakening protections for the Boundary Waters watershed. I would not support a mining project there unless rigorous scientific review demonstrates that it can meet protective standards without unacceptable long-term harm. A company’s assurances alone are not enough. As a state senator, I support strong water quality standards, thorough environmental review, independent monitoring, public findings, and meaningful government-to-government consultation with affected Tribal Nations. Review must address cumulative impacts, waste storage, accidents, and conditions after closure. I support requiring project owners to fund independent inspection and monitoring throughout the project and maintain financial assurance for reasonably foreseeable damage, cleanup, closure, and long-term care. Those requirements need regular review as risks and costs change, protecting taxpayers if an operator cannot meet its obligations. Requirements must be clear, proportionate to risk, and consistently enforced. Protecting this watershed also protects recreation and tourism livelihoods. If a project cannot meet protective standards, I would oppose its approval.”

KEYWORDS: Water, Evidence, Responsibility

“Safe drinking water is a basic need. Families deserve clear information about their water and practical help when contamination is found. I support continued PFAS testing, understandable public reporting, and enforceable drinking water protections informed by current science. I support funding and technical assistance for effective treatment, especially for small rural systems with limited resources. Private well owners also need testing, guidance, and assistance based on risk and need. Preventing contamination is essential. I support implementing Minnesota’s PFAS prevention law, known as Amara’s Law, with clear guidance, practical timelines, and assistance for businesses transitioning to safer alternatives. I will consider the availability, effectiveness, and cost of replacements. Exceptions for currently unavoidable uses need scientific justification and regular review. I support holding responsible polluters accountable for cleanup costs and pursuing available federal funding. Protecting health and keeping water affordable belong in the same conversation. Farmers, small businesses, and individuals need workable ways to meet necessary protections. Residents cannot be left to carry this burden alone.”

KEYWORDS: Prevention, Affordability, Accountability

“Data centers can bring investment, but communities need to understand their benefits, demands, and long-term costs before decisions are made. I support thorough environmental review of large data centers, including water use, electricity demand, backup generator emissions, noise, and cumulative effects. Review must consider drought conditions, grid reliability, and competing needs for water and energy. I support enforceable safeguards proportionate to demonstrated risks, including efficient water and energy use, ongoing monitoring, and public reporting. Residents and affected Tribal Nations need meaningful participation before commitments are finalized. Communities and businesses also need predictable rules and a permitting process that is thorough and timely. Data center owners must pay the costs attributable to serving their facilities, including necessary utility upgrades, with safeguards against shifting those costs to households and other businesses. I would evaluate tax incentives against measurable public benefits, including lasting jobs, local revenue, and infrastructure costs. Agreements need clear obligations and consequences when commitments are not met. Growth works best when communities share in its benefits and their essential resources remain protected.”

KEYWORDS: Resources, Transparency, Fairness

“Scientific research is an investment in people’s health, our workforce, and our ability to solve problems. Its value includes discoveries whose practical benefits may take years to emerge. As a state senator, I support stable funding for research and education at Minnesota’s public universities, including research infrastructure, training, and competitive grants with independent scientific review. I would consider both basic research and work addressing Minnesota’s needs, including rural healthcare, agriculture, clean water, and energy. I would advocate with our congressional delegation for reliable NIH and other federal research funding. State government cannot replace the federal research budget, but it can be a strong partner and voice for Minnesota. Public funding requires accountability through clear reporting, sound research practices, and evaluation appropriate to the work. Funding decisions need scientific merit and public benefit at their center, with protection from political interference. I also want research findings to reach communities, patients, farmers, and businesses, including practical solutions that help them protect health and natural resources while managing costs.”

KEYWORDS: Research, Investment, Independence

“Every overdose death is someone’s family member, friend, or neighbor. Progress matters, but it must reach communities experiencing the greatest losses. I support accessible naloxone and overdose response training, medications for opioid use disorder, timely treatment, and sustained recovery support. Rural residents need care they can reach and afford, including transportation and appropriate telehealth services. I support prevention education and services that connect people to care after an overdose, during hospital discharge, and when leaving incarceration. Housing and mental healthcare also affect a person’s ability to recover. I would work with Tribal Nations, Native-led organizations, Black community organizations, healthcare providers, and people with lived experience to fund and evaluate services designed around their communities’ needs. Tribal sovereignty and culturally responsive care belong at the center of those partnerships. I support transparent use of opioid settlement funds and public reporting on results, including whether disparities are narrowing. Funding and implementation need to account for rural providers’ limited staffing and resources. People need a path to safety and recovery, with dignity throughout that process.”

KEYWORDS: Prevention, Treatment, Dignity