John Marty

John Marty lives in Roseville, Minnesota. Marty earned his bachelor's degree in ethics and society from St. Olaf College in 1978. His professional experience includes working in the Minnesota House of Representatives as an administrator/researcher for the Minnesota House criminal justice committee from 1983 to 1984, and for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party as the communications director's aide from 1979 to 1980.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Ethics and Society and moved to the Twin Cities afterwards. I am honored to serve in the Minnesota Senate, where I chair the Senate Finance Committee. Government ethics and campaign finance reform has been a high priority; I have authored legislation prohibited lobbyists and interest groups from giving gifts to public officials and sharply limiting the size of campaign contributions. I personally reject all special interest campaign contributions and fight the corrupting influence of big money in politics. I have been working for universal health care, because we need health care for all, not health insurance for some. We need a democracy where policies should be decided on the merits of the issues, not the amount of money spent by various interest groups. My hope, in my personal life and work as Senator, is to serve others, recognizing that our communities thrive when we work to help each other.

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?

We can reshape our government in a manner that makes life better for people. Government is nothing less than the way a society determines how its people and institutions relate to each other. Unlike our current government, a good government ensures that all people are treated fairly - with respect and dignity, that the economy runs smoothly, and that the interests of future generations are not ignored.

We can serve the public interest and help build safe, clean, healthy communities where all people can thrive and achieve a better future for themselves and their future generations.I am working for a fair economy. Minnesotans face growing challenges paying for housing, health, food, and transportation. It is unacceptable to have people who cannot afford basic living expenses in the wealthiest country in the world. I continue fighting against corporate subsidies because it is wrong to give billionaires more when many people can’t afford food, healthcare, or housing. I work for fair, progressive tax policies, higher wages, and affordable housing. And, I continue pushing to fix the dysfunctional healthcare system, so all people get comprehensive care, not insurance plans that deny care.Record droughts, torrential floods, dangerous heat waves, more tornadoes and hurricanes, ever increasing forest fires – climate change already has massive impacts on our health and economy. Despite the destruction, the Trump Administration is pushing increased use of fossil fuels, pumping ever-more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This threat to the very survival of our children and their children is being mocked by some politicians and ignored by others. I continue working to shift Minnesota to a clean energy economy at a much faster pace and ensure that our infrastructure is able to withstand storms of a severity we haven’t yet seen.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Human rights - policies that respect the dignity of all people.

Restoring democracy; fighting corruption & the power of monied interests.

Adopting fair economic policies so all workers receive a decent wage, and no one lacks housing, healthcare, or other essentials.

Keeping communities safe from crime & gun violence.

Fighting climate change; building a sustainable economy.

Building a more ethical, efficient, & effective government that protects the public interest and that of future generations.

Replacing the dysfunctional health insurance system with a Minnesota Health Plan to cover all people for all their medical needs; allow patients & their doctors to determine appropriate care without insurance company interference.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Sierra Club,

Our Revolution,

MN350.org,

MN AFL-CIO,

Planned Parenthood,

AFSCME.

LiUNA,

Friends of the Boundary Waters,

MAPE, Mom's Demand Action - Gunsense Candidate,

MN - NOW,

Stonewall DFL,

Boundary Waters Action,

Clean Water Action,

Minnesota Nurses,

Education Minnesota

Democratic Farmer Labor Party

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

John Marty was raised by parents who taught him deeply-rooted values – respecting the dignity of each person, the value of hard work and fair play, and the importance of taking responsibility to bring change when confronting injustice.

He received a B.A. in Ethics from St. Olaf College in 1978, then worked as a researcher and foundation grant administrator.

John won an upset victory for state Senate, and quickly became known for his work in ethics and campaign finance reform, authoring legislation to reduce the impact of special interest money including a ban on gifts from lobbyists and interest groups to public officials. Marty has been a tireless voice for government reform.

Senator Marty is a strong advocate for public investments in education to help children succeed. He co-chaired the Legislative Commission to End Poverty and works for legislation to ensure that all workers receive a living wage, and families can afford basic necessities.

John is minority lead on the Senate Finance Committee and is author of the Minnesota Health Plan, a bold single-payer health plan to cover all people for all their medical needs.

Senator Marty is former chair of the Environment and Energy Committee and an outspoken leader on environmental protection, pushing for aggressive action to address climate change.

John & his wife Connie live in Roseville, MN and have two adult children.

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?

We must address climate change--human-generated impacts on climate are causing more frequent and severe tornados, droughts, floods, and fires. Despite the destruction, we continue pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, making the problem worse. I am pushing for bold action; we cannot afford to continue tinkering when this is a crisis that can destroy our children’s future. If we don't address this issue with the urgency required, no other issue will matter for future generations. I authored legislation that jumpstarted Minnesota’s solar industry, and am pushing for a stakeholder process to develop a transition plan to a carbon neutral economy, as well as legislation that would bring in market incentives to speed up progress.Americans pay twice as much for healthcare as other countries but have worse health outcomes. Most people have insurance, but coverage has gaps, and often fails to cover needed care. High out-of-pocket costs make care unaffordable and drive many into debt. I have taken on powerful special interests with a health reform bill that would focus on keeping people healthy and getting the care they need – it prioritizes patients, not profits. My proposal would create a Minnesota Health Plan, which would deliver healthcare for everyone, with no exceptions, providing comprehensive benefits. People would choose their medical providers, without concern about networks. And, importantly, it saves money & would be affordable to all.Many hardworking Minnesotans are unable to make ends meet despite full-time jobs. I believe that all workers deserve paid family and medical leave. I have authored legislation to provide a living wage, access to affordable childcare, and boost the earned income tax credit, so all workers can support their families. I work for tax reform, so those who are most fortunate economically pay their fair share, and those who struggle, get a fair shake.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about protecting our democracy and giving people a voice. If we work together, we can build a better future for all. I know we can make our communities safer so people don't need to worry about violent crime; I know that we can provide healthcare for all, a clean environment, and a fair shake for those who have been left behind. Yes, there are serious threats to our democracy, but together, we can defeat those threats, and strengthen and preserve our democracy.

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

Marty's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[10]

Balancing the Budget

Excerpt: "To get Minnesota back on track, we need to put the long-term interests of the state ahead of short-term political gains and engage in an honest conversation about what is required to reclaim a healthy budget process."

Investing in Jobs and the Economy

Excerpt: "John Marty will work to create jobs immediately, and will focus on investment. There are many opportunities to invest in Minnesota that will stimulate employment and the economy."

Investing in Minnesota's Health

Excerpt: "It is time for Minnesota to lead the nation in real health reform -- universal, single-payer health care that will make Minnesotans healthier, save money, and stimulate the economy."

Investing in Democracy: Clean Elections and Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)

Excerpt: "Democracy is a delicate thing. It requires constant vigilance, maintenance, and improvement."

Investing in Education

Excerpt: "To John Marty, one of the most important responsibilities of the state is to provide all students with access to quality education. Minnesota does best when students have the opportunity to graduate ready for 21st Century success – whether they go on to a college, university or technical school or head straight to the workforce."