In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Grant Hauschild, the Assistant Majority Leader in the Minnesota Senate in the midst of an exceptionally challenging time in his state. They talk about the tragedies and ongoing fallout from last week's killing of Renee Good, as well as last summer's assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman. In addition, Hauschild talks about his experience as the last Democrat standing in rural Northeast Minnesota, along with his focus on the affordability issues his constituents are facing and how to address them. The conversation ends on notes of optimism, however, as Hauschild discusses how Democrats can win back rural voters and his work on the Civility Caucus. Tune in to learn more from this engaging discussion, including about Hauschild's path to public service.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Introduction and welcome to today's guest.

• [02:27] How Minnesotans currently feel amid the repeated political violence.

• [04:40] Explore why Minnesota's identity is under pressure.

• [06:59] Learn what the Minnesota Civility Caucus does and about its overall mission.

• [08:46] Hear what got Grant interested in politics and to step up as a candidate.

• [10:45] Who he replaced and how the shift created new political hurdles.

• [11:52] Discover how backing rural jobs and unions helped Grant win the election.

• [13:38] Find out what Democrats get wrong about rural communities and towns.

• [15:29] What people in his district are most concerned about and why.

• [17:28] Unpack solutions for affordability issues and what needs to change.

• [19:29] Examine why program and subsidy cuts would hit rural hospitals and families harder.

• [22:42] Why failure to address the concerns of communities may cause a political shift.

• [24:39] He breaks down the different types of industry in his district.

• [25:31] Grant shares what he is looking forward to in his role as assistant majority leader.

• [27:19] His thoughts on the Democrats' chances of winning the next election.

• [27:52] Final takeaways and closing comments.

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