Issues

Our rich Minnesota history is marked by leaders who knew our community had a responsibility to invest time, resources, faith, and hard work in Minnesota's people. My grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles taught me that hard work and investments up front are essential to create a solid foundation for the future. For the last 40 years, Minnesota has led the nation in education, economic opportunities, business innovation, and health care. It is no secret how Minnesota became such a national leader: our state leaders - some Democratic and some Republican - challenged us to make our State a great community, and they followed through on that vision with hard work, time, and investments in our people.

Minnesota deserves a Governor who shares our ancestors' vision of a great community working together to promote our citizens' health, welfare, and happiness.We need a Governor who knows that investing resources today will ensure that Minnesota's future is stable, secure, and prospering in the hands of our children and grandchildren.

Minnesota's 2010 gubernatorial election is about choosing a Governor with a vision and who can motivate our state to achieve more. Minnesota needs a Governor who knows that Minnesota's people - and their renowned work ethic - are our greatest resource. This election is about the issues of the future: jobs, education, health care, energy and the environment. Every issue that matters in this election is related to decisions about how the next Governor we will invest time and resources into Minnesota communities and families.

I am Tom Rukavina and I am running for Governor to help Minnesotans once again achieve their goals.

A Stable Budget and Fair Taxes for Minnesotans

Modernize Our Tax System

Minnesota has a budget imbalance that goes back to 2001.  At that time, due to a  strong national and state economy, Minnesota leaders decided to cut taxes at the same time that we increased the  State’s portion of K-12 spending.  As we now know, the level of growth taking place in 2000 [...]

Fair and Honorable Treatment of our Veterans

Any veteran who puts his or her life on the line for this country deserves to be taken care of upon return.  In partnership with the federal government, Minnesota must ensure that any medical and educational needs that veterans have are met and that their ability to reintegrate as productive citizens of the state [...]

Fun in the Lakes and Woods with Plentiful Jobs and Energy

Minnesota is a beautiful state and we should treasure the lakes, streams, wood, wetlands, and prairies that we are blessed with.  We need to clean up and protect those vital resources that set us apart from most other states.  I’ve been an organic gardener for most of my adult life (60+ tomato plants and sweet [...]

Quality, Affordable Health Care for Everyone

The cost of health insurance is creating an unmanageable burden for businesses and a nightmare for families who can’t afford to get sick.  We can’t afford the “cost savings” that managed care and insurance conglomerates provide from their skyscrapers and elegant offices.  It’s time to step in and make sure everyone has health care that [...]

An Accessible College Education and a Good Job

Not too long ago, states across the nation pointed to Minnesota as a model in education. We were consistently ranked as one of the top states in the nation for educating our children. What happened? We stopped encouraging real education and began falling in the trap of testing, testing, testing. We absolutely must [...]

Agriculture

Minnesota’s strong economy, historically, has been dependent on our rural farmers, farm communities, and agri-businesses. Today, agriculture accounts for over 20% of Minnesota’s Gross Domestic Product. One of every five Minnesota jobs is related to agriculture. I am from rural Minnesota and I’m dedicated to supporting rural communities and the farm economy.
Farmers: Minnesota’s rural backbone
I [...]