Adam Jennings for Auditor on the People’s Agenda

Adam fully supports the mission of the People’s Agenda to build an inclusive and just Minnesota. A big part of running for state office as a DFL candidate is showing the party and the state that you can be a leader for our shared values.  Now is the time for those leaders to step up and build an inclusive and just Minnesota for every one of our neighbors.  Through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to equity, Adam will champion the People’s Agenda.

We are building more than a campaign.  We’re building a movement that is inclusive and welcoming to all Minnesotans.  A movement that is committed to full democracy.  An inclusive movement that will fight against Islamaphobia, antisemitism, and all religious discrimination.  A movement that welcomes immigrants as our newest neighbors and fights against those that would harass or demonize them.  And most importantly, a movement that will lead by example and lead with our values.

Building a Minnesota that supports all families and their ability to care for one another starts with one thing for the State Auditor: good governance.  It is up to the Auditor to work with our partners in local and municipal governments to make sure our tax dollars are spent properly and transparently on our priorities.  Priorities like a public education system committed to equity, accessible and affordable childcare for all, and affordable housing for everyone in our communities.

In the day to day work, the Minnesota State Auditor also sits on the Minnesota State Board of Investment and the state Executive Council.  On the Board of Investment, Adam has the experience to make our state’s investment match our principles.  While at Allianz he was part of a team who worked to divest the company’s portfolio from weapons manufacturers.  He will bring that experience to divesting Minnesotans’ money from the State of Israel, which is currently committing a genocide. Adam will use his position on the Executive Council to make it clear that copper sulfide mining has no place in Minnesota, especially near the Boundary Waters.

My vision for enacting the People’s Agenda:

A MULTI-RACIAL DEMOCRACY THAT HONORS EVERY PERSON’S DIGNITY

1. A respect for the full humanity of people across race and backgrounds through full democracy and restorative investment
   
   Access to the ballot box is at the very core of American democracy.  In an era in which our opponents are doing everything they can to stop our neighbors from voting, it is important for all of us to stand up and do everything we can to help as many Americans as possible vote.
   

2. A justice system that shifts from punishment to restoration and redemption
   
   In the United States, we imprison more of our population than anyone else in the world.  We cannot continue to criminalize behavior that does not put our neighbors at risk and instead seek a much broader restorative justice approach.
   

3. A commitment to protect the rights of people from all religions and to end Islamophobia and antisemitism
   
   Every Minnesota has the right to worship as they wish.  But that’s not enough.  We must guarantee that every Minnesotan feels comfortable, safe, and secure expressing their faith however they choose.  That starts with our leaders setting an example and saying that religious discrimination has no place in our state.  We cannot allow this office, or any other statewide office, to fall into the hands of the conservative zealots who will use their platform to divide us.
   

4. A recognition that we are an interconnected community that welcomes immigrants
   
   The Trump Administration invaded our communities, harassed our neighbors, and killed two peaceful protestors.  They have no place in our state.  As political leaders, we have to make it very clear that immigrants are welcome in every part of our public life.  As State Auditor, I can ensure that our local governments, who are the last line of defense in our neighborhoods, have the resources to do the more boring parts of their jobs more easily so they can focus on protecting every Minnesotan from the Trump Administration
   

5. A public education system that is fully funded and achieves education equity
   
   Every child in Minnesota deserves a top-notch education that is culturally relevant and helps them learn in the best way possible.  The auditor’s office works with partners in local school boards.  I will use the office in any way that I can to make sure that those school boards are governed as well as possible to ensure they can devote as much of their resources as possible to educating all of our children in an equitable way.

A CARING ECONOMY THAT ALLOWS EVERYONE TO THRIVE

1. A state that supports all types of families & their ability to care for each other
   
   At their core, Minnesotans simply care about each other.  We believe that our neighbors, families, and chosen families are what make our communities strong.  As a leader in the state, I will never miss a chance to make it clear that our state policy should reflect those priorities by providing affordable, accessible healthcare for all, a living wage for all of our workers, an equitable education for all our kids, and clean air and water for generations to come.
   

2. Affordable, dignified places to live, work, retire and play
   
   Every Minnesotan deserves a fair wage for a fair day’s work.  Every Minnesotan deserves quality, affordable housing in their community.  Every Minnesota deserves to retire with dignity when their working life is over.  And every Minnesota deserves access to high quality public spaces and world class amenities.  I will do everything in the power of the auditor’s office to guarantee that to every Minnesotan.  That starts with the auditor’s role on the Minnesota Housing Board, where I will work to improve the stability of housing across the state and increase access to homeownership for all Minnesotans. I have come to believe that we must try anything we can to guarantee affordable housing for everyone. 
   

3. A guaranteed healthcare system that creates health and provides ongoing support for all
   
   Healthcare is a human right and every Minnesotan must have access to accessible affordable care.  That’s why, as a small business owner, I made sure that none of my employees ever paid a single cent for their insurance.  But private health insurance is not enough.  I will work to address the healthcare crisis by using the platform of the State Auditor to promote Medicare for All and good health benefits for public employees.
   

4. A system of finance, both public and private, that prioritizes needs where everyone can access wealth
   
   Our current economic system contains so many inequities and barriers to generational wealth that it can be daunting just to begin addressing the problem.  For me, the process of guaranteeing the economic needs of all Minnesotans starts with ensuring proper use of public funds.  The auditor’s office can build the trust in a public system that allows all levels of government to prioritize the wellbeing of our neighbors with their resources.

5. Clean air and water and responsible stewardship of the land
   
   Minnesota has a long, proud tradition of protecting our natural resources from the Boundary Waters, to Lake Superior, to our vast public forest lands and the auditor’s office is charged with upholding that on the Executive Council.  I will follow our regulations and follow the science in evaluating mineral leases and timber rights.  But I want to make one thing very clear: copper sulfide mining has no place in this state.  I have seen no proof that we can protect our wetlands, rivers, and groundwater from the effects of this type of mining.  
   

6. A just and equitable clean energy transition
   
   While clean energy projects are under attack from the Trump administration, Minnesota must continue to be a beacon for clean energy technology. That’s why I’ll use the auditor’s position on the Investment Board to divest state funds from fossil fuel companies. And that is why I will never waiver on my commitment to protecting our environment. We simply don’t have to pollute to secure our energy future. 
   

7. Fully-funded accessible, affordable childcare that honors the essential work of childcare professionals with dignified wages
   
   Minnesota has a childcare capacity crisis. We can’t solve it by loosening regulations or throwing low-wage workers at the problem. We need to reimagine our economy so it works for everyone. We can raise wages for every Minnesotan so parents can afford to pursue the career of their choice and those caring for our children can make a living wage. Whether it’s minimum wage increases, encouraging large employers to offer on-site childcare, or expanded subsidies for childcare and pre-k, we all have a responsibility to do right by the youngest Minnesotans.