Statement on Supreme Court ruling on West Virginia v. EPA

Another horrible decision by a radicalized court highlights the urgency needed to enact laws to curb emissions and address the climate crisis.

Today the US Supreme Court announced another horrible decision when it ruled in favor of West Virginia and a conglomeration of coal companies that curtails the federal government’s authority to reduce power plant emissions. 

Jen Schultz, who is running to represent Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, issued the following statement regarding the West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency ruling:

“Today the radicalized Supreme Court made yet another horrible decision when it ruled in favor of coal companies and drastically curtailed the ability of federal agencies to implement meaningful policies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Climate change is real, it’s happening now. We feel its increasing effects in northern Minnesota: more extreme temperatures, more intense storms and droughts, more forest fires and floods. I share an urgency to take drastic action to reduce emissions with many people in northern and northeastern Minnesota. 

Today’s decision has broader implications for how the federal government functions. If the Supreme Court decides federal agencies cannot make rules based on laws passed by Congress, it will severely hinder the ability of our government to function.

Pete Stauber has done the bidding of his corporate backers that want to destroy our regulatory framework. This decision is a major step toward crippling our nation’s ability to protect its people from the corporate overreach he supports. As your next representative, I will prioritize smart solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilient infrastructure to adapt to our changing climate, and protect consumers and regular Americans from predatory business practices.”

Statement on Roe v. Wade being overturned by Supreme Court

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced a decision overturning Roe v. Wade and taking away the legal right to abortion in the United States.

Jen Schultz, candidate for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, released the following statement:

“This decision is wrong and will harm millions of people. It is a fundamental right of every person to make their own health decisions with their doctor, not politicians. In Congress, and as a private citizen, I will fight for our right to choose and to ensure that Minnesotans are able to make their own healthcare decisions. Abortion is on the ballot in November. Please join me in protecting our reproductive health and freedom at this time when more is at stake than ever.”

US Representative candidate Jen Schultz Joined Twin Ports Nurses Picket for Fair Contracts

Today, Jen Schultz joined nurses picketing in the Twin Ports. The informational picket comes as 15,000 nurses in the Twin Ports and Twin Cities seek new contracts which will put patients and workers before profits in Minnesota hospitals. Area nurses call on CEOs to put patients before profits and to approve fair contracts.

Jen Schultz released the following statement:

“Twin Ports nurses have sacrificed so much over the last two and a half years. Corporate healthcare prioritizes multi-million-dollar salaries for CEOs while leaving nurses to work in hospitals that are understaffed. I stand with Minnesota nurses and support their demands to receive fair and adequate compensation for the amazing work they do every day. Our nurses are overworked and underpaid. We need to put patients and community health before corporate profit margins.”

US Representative candidate Jen Schultz statement on the mass shootings and gun violence in America

The horrific massacre in Texas this week, in New York earlier this month, and the hundreds – more than 200 total in 2022 already – of mass shootings that preceded it just this year have left people full of grief and outrage. 

“I fear for the safety of my two boys. My youngest son had lock-down training at school this week. My son, our kids, shouldn’t have to do these drills and they shouldn’t have to worry about getting killed by people who have no business having access to firearms,” said Jen Schultz, the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. 

“I know parents everywhere share my fear. If I lost a child, part of me would die. Not only did we lose 19 children and two teachers on Tuesday, we lost a piece of their loved ones – their moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles.” 

Schultz supports the 2nd Amendment and understands hunting is part of our national and cultural heritage. But, like most Americans, she supports reasonable, common-sense laws that help keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill.

“It is common sense to treat gun violence as a public health issue and work toward solutions to protect our public safety,” said Schultz.

The shocking amount of gun violence in this country is unacceptable and must end. Laws need to be passed to make our communities safer. That includes preventing people with serious mental illnesses from purchasing guns, background checks for all gun purchases, and Red Flag laws, which prevent individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing guns.

The majority of Americans and households with guns support these solutions. The Minnesota House DFL passed bills that addressed those issues. Schultz voted for them as a state legislator. 

The US House passed H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446, bills that would expand and close loopholes for required background checks for firearm purchases. Once again, Pete Stauber voted against the interests of Minnesotans by voting against those bills. 

“Pete Stauber is funded and endorsed by the NRA. Time and time again, his record shows he does whatever the powerful special interests that support him tell him to do,” said Schultz. “I will be a representative who acts first and foremost for the people of the district, not the wealthy, and not powerful special interests.”

US Representative candidate Jen Schultz challenges Pete Stauber to a series of debates across Minnesota's 8th Congressional District

Fresh off earning a resounding endorsement of the Minnesota 8th District DFL, US Representative candidate Jen Schultz has challenged incumbent Pete Stauber to a series of debates across the 8th District before Election Day.

“There are different types of communities, economies and people across our vast district, and everyone deserves an opportunity to listen to our ideas to improve the 8th District and compare our records as legislators,” said Schultz, who is currently serving her fourth term as a state representative.

“Many people have told me that they are not happy with Stauber’s bad votes over the last four years. If he wants to continue to represent us, he should be willing to explain his actions and defend his record in communities across the district,” added Schultz.

Stauber has voted no on critical infrastructure investments, capping the price of insulin, expanding health care for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while serving, labor union protections, and fiercely opposed the appointment of Deb Haaland as US Secretary of Interior, who made history as the nation’s first Native American cabinet secretary in 2021. He also enthusiastically supported a massive tax cut for ultra-wealthy people and corporations and a Texas lawsuit attempting to overturn the presidential election.

Schultz is proposing a series of eight debates that travel to each region of the 8th District.

“I look forward to the opportunity to contrast my vision for the 8th District with the congressional representation it has received over the last four years and will keep everyone updated when Stauber responds and plans to move forward,” said Schultz.

Jen Schultz earns endorsement for US Representative from Minnesota's 8th Congressional District DFL

Today, Saturday, May 7, 2022, the Minnesota 8th Congressional District DFL endorsed Jen Schultz for US Representative at its convention in Eveleth.

“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of the 8th District DFL and deeply grateful for the support of people across the region,” said Schultz, a four-term legislator, health care economist, teacher, and mother of two. “The 8th District needs someone who listens, works hard, and seeks solutions to help working class people, instead of the ultra-wealthy and powerful special interests.”

Since announcing her bid for Congress in late March, Schultz has picked up numerous endorsements, including the DFL Rural Caucus, UFCW Local 1189, Stonewall DFL, Women Winning, and former 8th District Rep. Rick Nolan.

Delegates at the convention and people across the district have strongly criticized the lack of leadership and tangible results from current US Representative Pete Stauber. He’s voted no on critical infrastructure funding, voted no on capping the price of insulin, voted no on expanding health care for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while serving, voted no on labor union protections, and fiercely opposed the appointment of Deb Haaland as US Secretary of Interior, who made history as the nation’s first Native American cabinet secretary in 2021.

Stauber did vote yes on a historically large tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, as well as support the Texas lawsuit challenging the results of the presidential election.

As a state representative, Schultz delivered funding for many critical infrastructure upgrades in her district, negotiated important health care reforms and investments as chair of the House Human Services Finance Committee, and earned a 100% voting record with the AFL-CIO. Schultz also serves on the Great Lakes Commission and has worked to protect and clean up Lake Superior.

“Let’s get back to reasonable, competent, results-driven representation in Washington. That means finding solutions toward affordable health care for all, creating and protecting good jobs that pay a living wage across the district, investing in people and in infrastructure, and protecting and promoting our wonderful natural resources,” said Schultz.

Statement on report that US Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights

On May 2, a draft majority opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States was published indicating that the court has voted to strike down Roe v. Wade and overturn guaranteed federal constitutional protections of abortion rights.

Minnesota State Representative Jen Schultz, who is running to represent the people of Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, issued the following statement:

“The Supreme Court is on the verge of eliminating the fundamental right of every woman and person who can become pregnant to make their own health decisions. We must mobilize, organize and elect representatives who will fight for our right to choose and codify these long-held protections into law. Abortion is on the ballot in Minnesota, and I urge the people of the 8th District to join me in protecting our reproductive health and freedom.”

Duluth Representative Jen Schultz To Run For US House In The 8th Congressional District

Jen Schultz, current MN House 7A Representative, announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. She will be seeking endorsement from the district’s DFL Party this spring.

Schultz has been approached by many people throughout the Eighth District to run for Congress and represent them in Washington, D.C. Their message is clear: the Eighth needs someone who will work for everyone in the district and who will fight for those who have been struggling to make ends meet.

“I’m running because I believe in the Minnesota values of hard work, decency, and fairness,” said Schultz. “I believe everyone in our district deserves access to good jobs, affordable healthcare, the best education, and the ability to afford a good life for their family. We need someone in Congress to fight for all of us, not just some of us.”

Former Congressman Rick Nolan, who is endorsing Schultz, stated, “People need a clear choice this November, and Jen brings the passion, experience, and commitment that Minnesota needs. Stauber votes against everything we care about. He says no to investments our region relies on. Schultz will work hard so we all do better.”

Building on her legislative successes at the State Capitol, Schultz will work to make quality education more affordable and accessible, reduce the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, invest in broadband and other essential infrastructure projects, increase economic development and support jobs in our region, improve affordable housing and food security, and address the impacts of a changing climate. Above all, Schultz is interested in making sure Minnesota families are able to afford their lives and build a better future.

Beth McCuskey, President of the Duluth Central Labor Body, said, “Schultz has been a strong advocate for workers, with a 100% AFL-CIO voting record. Unlike Stauber, who votes against labor, Schultz has been fighting for workers her entire career. Schultz was instrumental in helping bring significant state and federal investments to northeast Minnesota, such as funding for the new Duluth medical district, University of Minnesota building projects, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and local projects for the City of Duluth. Equally important for a legislator, Schultz has a reputation of working across the aisle and with stakeholders to get things done.”

Schultz noted the frustration voiced by many in the district who criticize the lack of leadership and tangible results from our current U.S. Representative and his votes that run counter to our needs and undermine our Democracy.

“We can do better,” said Schultz. “I’ve spent eight years in the Minnesota House with a track record of getting results with members from both parties. I am a better choice for Congress than Pete Stauber who votes against us. Stauber has repeatedly voted no to jobs, families, workers, women, and kids. He voted against the infrastructure investments we need. It’s unacceptable.”

Schultz concluded by saying, “What we need in Washington are the type of Minnesota values that will get results for all of us. I look forward to earning the support of people across the 8th District.”

Schultz, who holds a Ph.D. in economics and is a professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, lives in Duluth with her husband and two sons. She is currently serving her fourth term representing District 7A in the MN House, where she’s known for her ability to find common ground to help improve the lives of her constituents and all Minnesotans.

During her legislative career, Schultz has championed and passed bills increasing access to affordable health coverage, closing corporate tax loopholes, protecting the elderly in long-term care facilities, increasing wages for personal care assistants, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, investing in home- and community-based services, expanding age-friendly communities, and funding historic health and human services bills with bipartisan support.

Schultz currently serves as Chair of House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee where she has advanced measures to improve access to affordable healthcare and reduce prescription drug prices. She is also a Commissioner on the Great Lakes Commission where she has advocated for the protection of the Great Lakes, climate resilience, restoration of habitat, and sensible economic development.

Star Tribune Highlights Rep. Schultz's Work On Groundbreaking Healthcare Fix

Rep. Jen Schultz was singled out for her leadership on “Family Glitch” healthcare bill passed at MN state legislature in 2021 and adopted as federal solution via Executive Order in 2022.

“Minnesota merits praise for leading the way on fixing the family glitch…with innovative leadership on this issue by Rep. Jennifer Schultz, DFL-Duluth.”

US House Candidate Jen Schultz Praises National ‘Family Glitch’ Healthcare Fix After Passing State Solution To Issue Last Year

Carefully crafted solution was created as national model, Executive Order signed this week will make quality healthcare more accessible for more than 5 million people

This week President Biden signed an Executive Order strengthening access to quality, affordable healthcare for people across America. Included in the order was a fix to the “Family Glitch,” a solution that will save hundreds of thousands of families hundreds of dollars each month.

Eighth District Congressional candidate and current state Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL-Duluth) championed a state-level fix to this problem that passed last year at the Minnesota legislature.

“This is a carefully researched solution we advocated for during the legislative session last year. The Family Glitch is a complicated, but common problem, and we crafted the Minnesota legislation as a model for the rest of the nation,” said Schultz, who chairs the House Human Services Committee. “It’s a perfect example of how I can apply my expertise, experience and track record of getting things done at the federal level.”

 The Glitch

The “Family Glitch” refers to IRS regulations from the Affordable Care Act that deem family members of people with “affordable” employer-based coverage ineligible for premium tax credits to buy their own coverage through the private marketplace. This applied to people even if they were not covered by their family member’s affordable coverage. Without these valuable tax credits, family coverage was often too expensive to afford.

In the US, an estimated 5.1 million people fall into the family glitch, of which approximately half are children. 

The Fix

In Minnesota, the fix was included as a provision in the omnibus HHS bill after two months of daily negotiations in the divided legislature. The provision expanded MinnesotaCare eligibility to include people unfairly left out by the Family Glitch.

Schultz, who holds a Ph.D. in health care economics, published a detailed breakdown of the Family Glitch problem and Minnesota solution last December in Health Affairs, a national peer-reviewed journal on health policy.