Stephanie Stuve Bodeen

Stephanie Stuve Bodeen earned a high school diploma from Lincoln High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1989, and a graduate degree from Spalding University in 2003. Her career experience includes working as a writer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up on a dairy farm, attended a small K-12 public school in Jackson County, and graduated from UW-River Falls with a degree in Secondary Education. After serving in Peace Corps Tanzania with my husband, a Navy veteran, I taught senior high social studies before becoming a stay-at-home mother to our two daughters. My first children's book was published in 1998, followed by over a dozen more, and I've spent the last twenty years giving public presentations and running writing workshops at schools and libraries in the US as well as over a dozen countries worldwide. My decision to run for office happened soon after the death of my father in March.

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?

Education. Public dollars belong in public schools. Schools are the lifeblood of small communities, and I will fight to fully fund them, as well as to raise the reimbursement rate for special education.Healthcare. In March, I had a front-row seat to the broken healthcare system when my elderly father was hospitalized. People should not have to choose between food and medicine, nor should they have to wait weeks to get appointments with specialists. Nursing homes are understaffed and underfunded. People are paying a fortune for insurance that does not cover their healthcare expenses. I will fight for legislation that addresses these challenges and actually provides solutions.Affordability. Rents are too high and income needs to keep pace. The minimum wage needs to be raised. Corporate tax loopholes need to be closed, and a wealth tax should be imposed in order to ease the burden on the middle class. People matter more than profits.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Healthcare, and Environment.