John Hoffman

John Hoffman was born in Casper, Wyoming. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in 1988. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 2014.

His career experience includes working as an executive director.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Throughout my career, I have been afforded many opportunities to assume progressive management roles, which have allowed me to gain and implement a unique set of expertise. With more than 25 years’ successful experience in business, education, facilitation, and legislation across various industries as well as Local, State, and Federal I have developed a proven record of dedicated leadership. My professional experiences have also presented me with many opportunities to join forces with other community, local, state and National leaders to develop impactful and tactical strategies and solutions for individuals, groups, and the community at large.

I have always believed in the common good and ground. Do we agree all the time? No, but working from a place where we CAN agree is progress. It is the Minnesota Way.

This last session 94% of all my bills were bipartisan. Matter of fact 100% of all the bills I have that were signed into law were bipartisan. I listened to you and because of that I have been able to deliver historic investments in our region. More over, because of that commitment to you I have been able to produce that same historical investment in services and supports to those in human services world that need our collective support.

Together, we must roll up our sleeves. We can do this. Our work together is too important, your voice is too important.

Senator John Hoffman

www.johnhoffmanmn.com

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

An Economy that Works for Minnesotans. I will press for an economic plan to accelerate our recovery and strengthen our state’s prosperity.A Safer Minnesota with Thriving Neighborhoods and Communities. Minnesotans want safe and thriving neighborhoods and communities where they can live, work and raise their family.A Focus on Health, Wellbeing and Quality of Life. Minnesota is known for its economic innovation and opportunity, some of the best healthcare in the world, strong public schools and a rich outdoor heritage.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want to extend a warm welcome to the new communities of Dayton and Rogers and thank the cities of Champlin, Brooklyn Park, and Coon Rapid’s for supporting me so I can protect your priorities at the Capitol—supporting small businesses and the economy, safe neighborhoods, good schools, quality roads, compassionate care for our elderly and people with disabilities, fair tax policy, and good-paying jobs are values we all care about.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have always believed in the common good and ground. Do we agree all the time? No, but working from a place where we CAN agree is progress. It is the Minnesota Way.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Even though our Constitution establishes that the legislature is one of three branches of state government established by the constitution. The constitution says: "The powers of government shall be divided into three distinct departments: legislative, executive, and judicial." The constitution puts each branch under the control of officials elected directly by the people—legislators, the governor, and four other executive branch officers, and judges.

Having said that, we should all be driving toward the reality of "what is good for Minnesota." Together we can. Do we agree all the time on everything? No. but by coming together to set aside the personalities and work toward solutions is the best way. It is the Minnesota way.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

An Economy that Works for Minnesotans. I will press for an economic plan to accelerate our recovery and strengthen our state's prosperity. A safer Minnesota with thriving neighborhoods and communities and a focus on the health and well being to make Minnesota a great place to live.

We need to focus on the following:

Prioritizing crime prevention and

reduction by ensuring law enforcement

officers have the funding they need

to serve communities and keep

Minnesotans safe

Enacting proven prevention strategies

that disrupt criminal activity, stop

violence and improve overall public safety,

including support and early intervention

for teenagers, families, neighborhoods

and communities

Increasing mental health supports

and programming.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

You can actually get work done the benefits everyone involved if you are willing to set aside your personalization and ego. I believe in Common Good and Common Ground.

A news article summed up the following:

Sens. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, and John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, received the Outstanding Community Partners Award from the Spring Lake Park-based nonprofit Rise, the Legislator of the Year Award from the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health, and the Legislative Champion Award from Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge.

Abeler serves as the chair of the Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee, where Hoffman is the ranking Democrat, and the awards stemmed from their work on bills related to human services.

“We have a history of working together on these human services matters, because we just think that these should not be political, and so we’ve engaged heavily, and we’re trying to work on the work, ”Abeler said.

Lynn Noren, president of Rise, said that during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Minnesota, the organization was forced to shut down its day services for people with disabilities, which meant it lost a lot of revenue. Abeler and Hoffman fought to get “retention payments” for groups like Rise to help ensure services would still be available after the pandemic. “Because Sen. Abeler and Sen. Hoffman had made such a significant difference to not only our organization but all organizations that support people with disabilities in the community this past year and a half, we wanted to recognize their leadership,” Noren said.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Congressman Jim Ramstad

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I have always believed in the common good and ground. Do we agree all the time? No, but working from a place where we CAN agree is progress. It is the Minnesota Way.

This last session over 90% of all my bills were bipartisan. Matter of fact 100% of all the bills I have that were signed into law were bipartisan.

John Hoffman did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Hoffman's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[8]

Budget (State)

Excerpt: "We need long term structural stability in our budgeting policy, not bogus “budget balancing” with one time quick fixes we have seen in recent Legislatures."

Constitutional Amendments

Excerpt: "To constitutionally limit civil rights through an amendment is unprecedented and wrong. The amendment proposal passed last year and those to be heard this session have no merit. John opposes them."

Education

Excerpt: "John will fight against any more unfunded mandates and will continue to insist on local control of our schools through elected school boards. Education is a civil right, it creates equal access and equal opportunity for every student."

Paying Back the School Shifts

Excerpt: "Billions of dollars have been borrowed from our schools. This debt needs to be paid back honestly."

Jobs

Excerpt: "I call for real efforts to create good-paying and sustainable jobs for the hard working people of Minnesota."