Paul Torkelson Protecting our Rural Way of Life
Discover Paul's Story
Paul and his wife, Cindy, celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in July. They have two adult daughters, Annika and Britta. Britta is married to Andrew Wilson and they are the parents of Paul and Cindy’s first grandson, Soren.
Paul is actively engaged in the operation of his family farm where he raises corn, soybeans and hogs on the farm first established by his great-grandfather in 1878.
Cindy is a retired grade school teacher. She and Paul live on Lake Hanska in Brown County.
Paul is a life-long resident of Minnesota, graduate of St. James High School and Gustavus Adolphus College. He and Cindy are active members of East Sveadahl Lutheran Church in rural Watonwan County where Paul was baptized and confirmed.
Paul was re-elected in November of 2020 and returned to the Minnesota House of Representatives to serve his seventh term as a member of the Republican Caucus.
Paul’s committee assignments for the 2021-2022 Session include serving as GOP Lead of the House Redistricting Committee. Paul also serves on the Transportation, Property Tax, and Ethics Committees.
In addition to committee assignments Paul serves on the Great Lakes Commission, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles, and as a member of the Legislative Subcommittee on Minnesota Water Policy. Paul has authored legislation directly related to his home district and a number of bills related to transportation, environment, taxes and clean water issues in Minnesota.
My Stance On the Issues
The Economy
Jobs in the private sector are the backbone of our economy. Our government must maintain an economic and regulatory climate where businesses large and small are allowed to thrive. Unchecked growth of government and government spending is ultimately unsustainable. The state’s role in regulation should focus on helping our job-providers thrive while operating within environmental and economic regulations.
Education
As a former teacher and husband of a retired teacher, Paul has a solid background regarding education issues. Paul firmly believes that what is best for the students should be our priority and that local control is an important ingredient for success. Overloading our schools with excessive mandates takes resources away from students.
Agriculture
Paul is one of a handful of active farmers serving in the Minnesota Legislature. He understands that the strong ag economy is critical in supporting our state and local economies. Agriculture is especially important to Greater Minnesota and Paul is actively engaged in policies that will support producers large and small.
Life
Paul has consistently supported the pro-life agenda by cosponsoring and voting for legislation that would strengthen protection of the unborn and other vulnerable members of our society. He will support reinstating protections that had received bipartisan support but were recently eliminated by a judge’s decision.
Public Safety
Paul supports law enforcement and opposes efforts to defund it. The citizens of Minnesota want to feel safe everywhere across our great state and the professionals in our emergency services work every day to accomplish that. Paul also supports efforts to strengthen the emergency response network throughout Greater Minnesota.
Tax Relief
Paul believes Minnesotans should keep more of what they earn, and he prioritizes Social Security tax relief for all senior citizens. Tax reform will be a priority in the upcoming negotiations. The current surplus indicates that the State of Minnesota has been collecting too many of it’s citizens hard earned dollars.
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The Torkelson for State Representative campaign welcomes any feedback or suggestions you have. Please fill out the form or contact us directly via the links below. Thank you!
Torkelson for State Representative
PO Box 132
Hanska, MN 56041