Thaddeus Laugisch
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“With my experience in structural design, I understand the importance of referring to those with the proper education and experience in their fields of profession. With my experience, I will create the conversations to seek the knowledge of individuals in their fields that relate to the legislation.”
KEYWORDS: Experience, Predication, Reason
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?
“Protect what we need most, water being one of them. There have been new advancements and thoughts in how we can use alternate sources of energy and the use of our finite resources. We should invest in new ways to provide purpose and healthy competition as we find and use healthier means of our resources. As an endorsed candidate of the Friends of the Boundary Waters I will proudly protect our waters and rely on science over”
KEYWORDS: Essential, Impactful, Consequential
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?
“I propose we hold entities who contribute and cause the levels above regulation to be fiscally responsible to invest in ways to lower the levels while holding those who made the decisions, accountable for the choices they made. I’d also be open to working with the AG to create ways to compensate those also affected by the contamination.”
KEYWORDS: Law, Order, and Accountability
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?
“Remove NDAs and create a transparent list of all elected officials on all levels of government who have signed one to approve the building of these facilities without public approval. Create legislation that require neighboring communities and states to approve/disapprove the centers as resources do not stop at imaginary lines on the map.”
KEYWORDS: Transparency, Investigate, and Accountability
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 plan support all policies that focus on the advancement of our society on a fundamental level above all. We need to ensure proper access to food, water, and shelter, and we should be open to our advancements to get us there. This includes sound legislation that ensures quality over profit and pace. Like all structures built, we need to ensure all legislation and the choices made by a vote, come from a sound foundation that was researched and inspected prior to ensure it can handle the weight it can bear on the community. Being open to innovation and technology that can get us there but first we have to invest in it.”
KEYWORDS: Research, Invest, and Apply
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?
“I feel we should provide the resources needed to counter the reasons that lead to the use rather than control and punish those for the use. I also support efforts to educate and prevent using as we should properly label the risks of legal substances too. Alcohol is often ignored when it comes to drug usage as cannabis is becoming easily accessible and marketable to younger generations. We should continue to support the organizations who currently educate and do the good work to help those in need.”
KEYWORDS: Resources, Education, and Support