LaurieBeth Hager

I am seeking re-election to the ND House of Representatives to continue to serve our District 21 residents and in order to address and advocate for the needs of all North Dakotans. I believe my experience with both higher education and public education can provide valuable insight for developing policy and procedures for North Dakota educators and for North Dakota students. I want North Dakota to have outstanding educational programs because our state's future depends on the education of today's youth.

My educational background and experience in higher education has instilled a problem solving approach and a collaborative leadership style which is extremely useful for working in our state's legislature. Listening to constituents is the most important aspect of being an elected and effective public servant, my training and work as a counselor enables me to understand their concerns and needs and to address these needs through public policy.

This summer I have listened to our constituents and the three primary concerns of the residents of District 21 are economic issues, security/safety issues related to increased crime, and human rights issues. I have been addressing economic issues by advocating for our state to increase the minimum wage and to enhance state programs to decrease poverty and food insecurity, I will be working in collaboration with city officials and local residents to address crime in their neighborhoods. I will always advocate and fight for human rights issues.

Education Increasing Minimum Wage and Reducing Food insecurity and homelessness.

As a member of the House Education Committee, I am in a position to advocate and shape educational policies that will address people's ability to receive adequate training and education to achieve their employment and career goals. I strongly believe that our state's low minimum wage is a factor behind the workforce issues in our state. I support increasing our minimum wage so that it is competitive with states adjacent to ND. It is important for North Dakota to be able to attract workers and college students to our state and that increasing efforts to recruit and retain workers is directly tied to wages and benefits. Prioritizing the childcare needs of families is also an important strategy to address the high need for employees in our state.

Childcare, wages and benefits and the keys or tools for economic development in our region. Specifically in the FMWF area, our colleges are a valuable resource for economic and job growth and investment.