As I run to represent District 7B in the Minnesota House, I am grateful for the widespread support I’ve received from community leaders, and proud of the endorsements from over 30 civic organizations, the majority from labor unions. I am honored that working people have put their trust in me and am proud to have the support of current Rep. Dave Lislegard. I plan to follow in his footsteps and deliver on the issues that matter. This election makes a difference, and it presents a clear choice between moving the Iron Range forward or getting stuck in divisiveness. 
I am the candidate with the experience and education necessary to ensure Ranger power in St. Paul. In their endorsement of me, the Duluth News Tribune stated, “If you were to build an Iron Range lawmaker from scratch, you could start with Lorrie Janatopoulos’ rich and relevant career and educational qualifications.” I bring over 35 years of community, workforce, and economic development experience to this role.
I’m running on an Iron Range Strong message including support for precious metal mining, reproductive freedom and public dollars for public schools. I own a gun and support Second Amendment rights. I am pro-law enforcement and will work to ensure funding for fire departments and EMS. I will ensure that our key economic drivers are healthy mining, logging, tourism, and agriculture. I believe in fiscal responsibility. Balancing the state budget and spending tax dollars wisely and efficiently on education, safety, health, and families is a priority for me. 

Mining
I support mining including copper-nickel mining. Northeastern Minnesota’s minerals are the lifeblood of our infrastructure and energy sectors. The men and women who labor in the mines are the heart and soul of the industry.  As your representative, I will be deeply committed to honoring this proud heritage of iron mining and adding onto it with our copper and nickel resources.
Climate change is not a hoax and burying our heads in the sand is not the answer. We are currently on the cusp of a new era — one of clean, sustainable energy. The copper and nickel we could be mining right here in northeastern Minnesota are essential for the development of these renewable energy technologies. Our region can become a contributor to the global clean energy supply chain. 
Science and technology exist to do copper-nickel extraction safely. We have regulations in place to ensure that these best practices are implemented. With Sen. Hauschild, I will continue the work that he and Rep. Lislegard did in permitting reform. As your representative, I will work to assure a maximum level of local ownership and control in these projects. I would coordinate with companies in planning for the housing, training and other needs of their anticipated workforce. 

Reproductive Freedom
Reproductive health care is essential, so women don’t die. I don’t believe that the government and politicians should dictate what decisions a woman makes — I believe that decision should stay firmly with the woman, her family and her doctor. Up to one-third of all conceptions end in miscarriage and women often need a D and C procedure to avoid bleeding and infection.  Minnesota should not become like states that are creating confusion about the legality of performing such necessary health care procedures. It is unconscionable that Republicans are suggesting that new Minnesota law is purposefully allowing babies to die. That is simply not true. A third trimester abortion is extremely rare (six in Minnesota in the last 15 years) and performed to save the life of the mother, or when a fetus is incapable of surviving outside of the womb. When a woman has carried a child to the third trimester, it is a tragedy when she needs an abortion. When a third trimester abortion is performed to save the mother’s life, the child is delivered and provided neonatal intensive care. When the fetus has an anomaly incompatible with life, the child is allowed to die in the embrace of their mother without traumatic life-saving measures being performed. The intentional killing of a living child is and always should be illegal. 

Public Education
I am proud to be endorsed by Education Minnesota. Public education helps ensure that every student has the chance to excel in school and in life. I support public education from pre-K through post-secondary. Taxpayer dollars need to support educational systems available for all.  
We need to look past referendums to fund our schools. At the Legislature, I will advocate for a rural disparity tier within the equalization formula to direct more state funding toward our rural schools here on the Iron Range. I will work with Sen. Hauschild to direct seasonal recreation property taxes towards local schools rather than the state general fund. I want to help our schools get the resources they need for capital improvements so that doesn’t fall on local property owners. 

Full Time Legislator
In closing, Rangers expect their Representative to deliver on mainstream bread-and-butter issues, just as Rep. Lislegard did. I’ve heard voter frustration with the extreme issues that divide us, and political rhetoric that stretches the truth. I commit to transparency, truth, and accessibility to the people I serve. I’ll work across the aisle to get things done, and fight for our ways of life. I will be a full-time legislator, and my only job will be serving you. I would be proud to earn your vote and represent you in St. Paul. If you have any questions, email me at info@lorrieforhouse.com or text/call me at 218-780-7890. 
Lorrie Janatopoulos
Eveleth