Michelle Benson in State of Minnesota Archives
On Abortion:
Put an end to the destruction of human life
Michelle is also very active in her community. Her passion for education led her to serve as a board member for the Challenger Learning Center of Minnesota and
The Way of the Shepherd Montessori School. Her belief that all children deserve the right to life led her to volunteer at Birthright, an organization dedicated to giving women support through difficult pregnancies.
Protecting Human Life: We need to foster a culture of life in our state. All Minnesotans from conception to natural death deserve to be treated with dignity.
Let's work together to put an end to the destruction of human life.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Abortion:
Require exposure of abortion clinic employees for licensure
Legislative Summary: SF704/HF812: Abortion facilities licensure requirementAnalysis by Planned Parenthood: This bill compromises patient and provider privacy, putting their safety at risk. This bill requires that abortion
clinics report the names and license numbers of all "health care professionals" who work at the clinic in their applications for licensure. A politically motivated Commissioner of Health could use this legislation to target abortion providers for
harassment.
Veto Message: House File 809 infringes upon women's basic right to health and safety--a right of every woman, regardless of the type of health insurance she has. This bill would interfere with critical medical decisions that
should be made between a woman and her doctor.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 79-53-0 on April 24, 2017; Passed Senate 38-7 on May 4; State Senator Michelle Benson co-sponsored and voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May 10
Source: Planned Parenthood on Minnesota voting record SF704 / HF812
May 4, 2017
On Abortion:
Stricter licensure requirements for abortion facilities
Legislative Summary: SF1921 would:- Impose new licensure requirements upon facilities which perform 10 or more abortions per month
- Apply existing rules for outpatient surgical centers to targeted clinics.
Veto letter
excerpts:
- [Regarding surgery rules]: Clinics are very different from surgical centers. For example, under surgery center rules, clinics would be prevented from offering other services such as primary and preventive care.
- There are six
abortion clinics in Minnesota which would be affected by the legislation. All are members of the National Abortion Federation which sets clinical policy standards and inspects every member.
- There is sufficient oversight of clinics, and there is no
evidence of poor quality or unsafe procedures being performed.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 80-47 on April 20, 2017; passed Senate 43-23 on April 18; State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May 22.
Source: PlanBillTrack50/Minnesota legislative voting records: SF1921
Apr 18, 2012
On Budget & Economy:
Crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse
State government needs to be responsive and responsible to Minnesotans.
We can achieve these goals by paying state employees based on performance, streamlining state agencies, and cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse.
Family Budgets First: Supporting hard-working Minnesota families should always be a top priority. If you can balance your family budget, then the state should balance its budget. Government should focus on its core functions like improving
roads and building critical infrastructure, making it easier to own a home, and creating a business culture that encourages private-sector jobs.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Civil Rights:
No state authorization of same-sex marriage
State Sen. Michelle Benson voted NO on passage of SF 925. Legislative outcome: Bill HF.1054 passed House, 75-59 on 05/09/2013; corresponding bill SF 925 passed Senate 35-31 on 03/13/2013.
Legislative Summary: An act relating to marriage; providing for civil marriage between two persons (replacing the current definition of "a man and a woman"); providing for exemptions and protections based on religious association.
Source: Minnesota House voting records on SF.925/HF.1054
Mar 13, 2013
On Crime:
Defunding the police would make us less safe
Prioritize Public Safety: Every single Minnesotan deserves to feel safe in their community. Defunding the police would make us less safe.
Properly funded public safety officials, prosecutors holding criminals accountable, and judges who follow sentencing guidelines must work together to protect our families.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Crime:
Increase penalties for blocking highways, airports, transit
HF390: Penalties for obstructing trunk highway, airport, or transit traffic increased.ACLU summary and recommendations for voting NO:
- Introduced in direct response to Black Lives Matter protests
- Would have a chilling effect
on speech
- Creates punishments that are disproportionate to the offense
- Minnesota already has ample laws to address this issue
Veto message by Governor Mark Dayton: do not support the broad transit provisions in this bill.
The language does not provide clarity regarding the actual crimes, for which it creates stiffer penalties. I believe that the Statute's existing language: "tends to...." is unacceptably vague and subjective. Current law gives law enforcement the
authority and tools needed to protect public safety.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 83-44-7 on May/8/18; Passed Senate 40-27-0 on May/14/18; State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/19/18.
Source: ACLU recommendation on Minnesota voting record HF390
May 14, 2018
On Drugs:
Establish rules for medical marijuana
Legislative Summary: A bill providing for medical cannabis registry program; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical
cannabis therapeutic research.- "Disqualifying felony offense" means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota.
- "Health care practitioner" means a licensed doctor or advanced
practice registered nurse, who has the primary responsibility for the treatment of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- "Medical cannabis" means any species of the cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including
resins, liquids, oils, pills, or vaporized delivery method.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 46-16-5, April 24; State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; passed House 89-40-5, May 9; signed by Gov. Dayton, May 29
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on SF 2470
Apr 24, 2014
On Education:
Provide families with more choice and flexibility
Education that Puts Parents in Charge and Meets the Needs of our Children: Funding follows each child providing families with more choice and flexibility.
Minnesota has a nation leading opportunity gap. It is immoral to leave some of our children behind. When we commit to change, Minnesota can be a world leader in educating our children.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Energy & Oil:
Minnesota needs an all-of-the-above energy policy
Keeping Minnesota Moving: Minnesota needs an all-of-the-above energy policy so families and businesses have reliable, resilient, and reasonably-priced energy options
that are respectful of the environment. Common-sense energy policy means no new gas taxes, pipelines to safely and efficiently transport fuel, as well as market-driven renewable energy.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Energy & Oil:
Remove CO2 emissions ban; authorize new coal plant
Legislative Summary: Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition: - Authorizes 1,500 megawatts of energy to be imported from out of state facilities if they meet the following requirements:
- The facilities are fueled by feedstock
coal; and
- The facilities began construction after 2007.
- Repeals exemption based on a project contributing a specified fee per ton of CO2 emissions emitted annually by the project, to fund permanent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Veto Message: I vetoed & am returning SF 86, a bill that significantly rolls back Minnesota's restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions by energy utilities. Minnesota does not now need any new coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired electricity
poses unacceptable risks to human health and to our climate.
Legislative Outcome: Bill Passed House 76-54 on May/11/2011; bill passed Senate 44-22 on 5/21/2011; Benson co-sponsored and voted YES; vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/22/2011.
Source: Minnesota House voting records SF86
May 21, 2011
On Environment:
Protect environment without over-regulating our economy
10,000 Lakes and More: We are blessed in Minnesota to be home to some of the greatest natural resources in the world. We can protect our environment without destroying our energy
supply and over-regulating our economy. Projects that pass Minnesota's environmental review process should move forward and not get bogged down by politics.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Families & Children:
Define marriage as one-man-one-woman
Legislative Summary: Constitutional amendment to recognize marriage solely between one man and one womanAn section shall be added to the Minnesota Constitution article XIII, to read:-
Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota.
- The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2012 general election as: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide
that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?"
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-62-2 on May 21, 2011; passed Senate 38-27-2 on May 11, 2011;
State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; Gov. Dayton spoke at "Vote No" rallies; "Amendment 1" failed to pass in general election on Nov. 6, 2012, by a vote of 52% to 48%.
Source: BillTrack50 on Minnesota legislative voting records SF1308
May 11, 2011
On Government Reform:
Outlaw abusive practices like ballot harvesting
Easy to Vote. Hard to Cheat. Ensuring the integrity of our elections through common-sense approaches should not be controversial.
Minnesota needs to outlaw abusive practices like ballot harvesting and catch up to the rest of the country when it comes to voter verification.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Government Reform:
The more we watch the polls, the less they cheat
HUGH HEWITT, DEBATE MODERATOR: In your opinion, did President Biden win the constitutional majority of the electoral college?
DR. SCOTT JENSEN: I can`t know what I don`t know. And I think we have to take that attitude towards 2020.
MAYOR MIKE MURPHY: I do believe there was voter fraud at a massive scale across this country.
STATE SEN. PAUL GAZELKA: I don`t think the election was fair, but I do think we have the results that we have. The electoral college is the way that we determine the election.
STATE SEN. MICHELLE BENSON: The more we watch, the less they cheat.
Source: MSNBC on 2022 Minnesota Gubernatorial debate
Sep 21, 2021
On Gun Control:
Gun control laws punish law-abiding gun owners
2nd Amendment: Every Minnesotan has a fundamental right to protect themselves. We must never waver on defending our Second Amendment rights.
Gun control laws punish law-abiding gun owners while doing nothing to keep people safe.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Gun Control:
Convicted felons can get firearm license reinstated
Legislative Summary: SF 878: License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor.- A person who is convicted of a [felony] and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for
five years from the date of conviction.
- Certain convicted felons ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.
- The discharge [from prison] must provide that a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence is not entitled to ship,
transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition for the remainder of the person's lifetime.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 39-22-6, April 23, 2015 (State Sen. Michelle Benson voted NO); passed House 115-19-0, April 28, 2015; signed by Governor Dayton, April 28, 2015
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 2738
Apr 23, 2015
On Government Reform:
Make it easy to vote and hard to cheat
All five Republican gubernatorial hopefuls were asked the same first question during the debate: "In your opinion, did President Biden win a constitutional majority in the electoral college?" Not a single candidate expressed confidence in the
long-certified results. Benson initially did not answer Hewitt's question directly, saying only that "our job" is "to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat," later adding: "The more we watch, the less we cheat."
Asked specifically in a follow-up if Biden won, she replied: "He was certified by Congress as having won the electoral college."
Benson also won re-election in 2020 and has not questioned the results. None of the candidates specifically explained which states' results they believe weren't valid.
Source: Bring Me the News blog on 2022 Minnesota Gubernatorial race
Dec 16, 2021
On Health Care:
Opposes government run health care
Patient Centered Healthcare: A truly competitive health care market is beneficial to all Minnesotans. Competition and innovation are key to making health care more accessible and affordable. Government-run one-size-fits-all health care puts bureaucrats,
not patients, at the center of health care. You should be in control of your health care and your children's health care. Any medical procedure requires your voluntary, informed consent.
Your Data. Your Privacy. Your Rights.
Government data should be public and transparent. Your personal data is private and protected. Private medical information and health status are your most private data and must be protected.
Let's stand up together against big government and big tech who both want our private data.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Immigration:
Require compliance with federal REAL ID
Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards:- a valid, unexpired US passport
- a certified copy of a birth certificate
- a valid, unexpired permanent
resident card, certificate of naturalization, or unexpired employment authorization document
- a valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country and a valid, unexpired US visa accompanied by documentation of lawful admittance into the US
Wikipedia Background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's
licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; State Sen. Michelle Benson voted YES; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3
May 18, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Get Minnesota out of the top 10 in taxes
It is Your Money. You Should Keep It.Years of state government budget surpluses make it clear that Minnesotans are overtaxed. Your budget should come before state surpluses.
Minnesota is one of the top 5 highest tax states in the U.S. Protecting your family budget and attracting employers means getting Minnesota out of the top 10 in taxes.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
On Government Reform:
Require photo ID to vote
Legislative Summary: Voters required to present photographic identification. An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If adopted, it would read [for the relevant part]:All voters must be subject to identical
standards of eligibility verification before voting and the state must make photographic identification available to eligible voters at no cost to them. The following persons shall not be permitted to vote at any election: A person not meeting the above
requirements [for photo ID]; a person who has been convicted of a felony, unless restored to civil rights; a person under guardianship, or a person who is not mentally competent.
Legislative Outcome:Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on April 4,
2011 and hence reintroduced as constitutional ballot initiative; passed House 72-62 on March 20, 2012; State Sen. Michelle Benson co-authored and voted YES; passed Senate 35-29 on April 4; defeated 54%-46% by voters as "Amendment 2" on Nov 6, 2012.
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 2738
Mar 7, 2012
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026