Jennifer Schultz
Duluth, Minnesota
Professor, Health Care Economics LSBE UMD, MN Representative, District 7A in East Duluth
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Articles by Jennifer Schultz
Higher hospital prices mean smaller paychecks and inflated premiums
Posted 7/2/26 The U.S. is on track to spend $6 trillion on health care this year and $9 trillion by 2034. Health policy experts have long known that high prices are the key drivers of health spending. The late health economist, Uwe Reinhardt, published a paper in 2003 famously titled, “It’s the Prices, Stupid.” The much-circulated paper […] This item is available in full to subscribers.
Higher hospital prices mean smaller paychecks and inflated premiums Original
The U.S. is on track to spend $6 trillion on health care this year and $9 trillion by 2034. Health policy experts have long known that high prices are the key drivers of health spending.
Higher hospital prices mean smaller paychecks and inflated premiums
Getty Images. The U.S. is on track to spend $6 trillion on health care this year and $9 trillion by 2034. Health policy experts have long known that high prices are the key drivers of health spending.
If AI cuts jobs, it would also threaten Social Security and Medicare Original
I have a love-hate relationship with artificial intelligence. As a professor, I hate that I can no longer assign written responses to readings or papers because most students cannot resist the urge to use AI. So, to evaluate learning, I’ve reverted to using blue book exams and oral recitations. I do love AI for helping to create interactive class exercises and for being a 24/7 research assistant. But I have not yet created agentic AI helpers to increase my work efficiency.
Minnesotans will pay for these tariffs and the tax cuts for billionaires
While a student studying economics, my professors often said that our national debt was nothing to worry about. This was the late 1990’s; the national debt was $5 trillion. They argued that deficit spending was an investment in our economy and in government programs that benefit people. The U.S. was politically powerful and wealthy so we could manage our debt and interest payments, no problem.
Minnesotans will pay for these tariffs and the tax cuts for billionaires
While a student studying economics, my professors often said that our national debt was nothing to worry about. This was the late 1990’s; the national debt was $5 trillion. They argued that deficit spending was an investment in our economy and in government programs that benefit people. The U.S. was politically powerful and wealthy so we could manage our debt and interest payments, no problem.
Read-Alikes for ‘All the Other Mothers Hate Me’ by Sarah Harman | LibraryReads
All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman (Putnam) is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book. DEBUT Harman’s first novel introduces readers to Florence Grimes, a 31-year-old American expat living in London who is jobless years after experiencing the end of her girl band career.
Slashing federal Medicaid will harm Minnesota's most vulnerable • Minnesota Reformer Original
by Jennifer Schultz, Minnesota Reformer February 25, 2025 Even though we’re hearing mixed messages from President Trump on whether he will protect Medicaid funding, the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have sent a clear message that they intend to cut over $800 billion from the Medicaid program over 10 years to pay for a generous tax cut for corporations and the wealthy. In 2023, federal Medicaid spending was $589 billion and accounted for 9% of the federal budget.
The tax on cannabis should cover all the costs — which may be more than you think - Minnesota Reformer
by Jennifer Schultz, Minnesota Reformer May 1, 2023 As the Minnesota House and Senate begin ironing out differences in their bills to legalize recreational marijuana, I urge them to support a tax rate that sufficiently covers the administration, regulation and externalities associated with cannabis production and consumption. Externalities is a term in economics that refers to the costs incurred by something that doesn’t show up in the price. Like, say, the air pollution your car creates.
A Minnesota Miracle 2.0: fair health care reforms for all
In 1971, after a long legislative session, Minnesota passed a historic tax bill that later helped land Gov. Wendell Anderson on the cover of Time magazine. The North Star State was enjoying the fruits of the so-called Minnesota Miracle. The miraculous part — especially in the current context of polarized partisan politics — was that Minnesota passed major tax changes to address school funding with bipartisan support.
Minnesota Rep. Jennifer Schultz won't seek reelection
DULUTH — District 7A Rep. Jennifer Schultz, DFL-Duluth, announced Thursday that she will not seek a fifth term in the Minnesota Legislature. “I want to thank all the people of District 7A for their support over the years,” said in a written statement. "It has been exciting and rewarding to serve my constituents in the Legislature and to work with distinguished elected leaders like Speaker (Melissa) Hortman and my fellow chair Rep.
Lawmaker's View: New year means new opportunities at the Capitol
Columns From the column: "Despite our challenges, we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what’s ahead." Written By: Rep. Jennifer Schultz | 3:00 pm, Jan. 3, 2022 × Rep. Jen Schultz Unfortunately, the unprecedented and uncertain times that emerged early in 2020 lingered into 2021. The pandemic and its public health, economic, and personal impacts continue. Minnesotans are resilient, and there are many reasons to be hopeful for our future.
Minnesota’s Targeted Fix To The Family Glitch Should Be An Example
Brief Overview Of The Family Glitch Katie Keith and others have described the details of the family glitch and the role that Congress and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) played in implementing the premium tax credits offered for coverage purchased on the Marketplaces.
Minn. once led the nation in innovative health care reform; we can do it again
In the late 1990’s Minnesota was a national leader in health care reform. Minnesota’s health care innovations, such as integrated health care systems and investments in programs to provide affordable health insurance coverage, drew the attention of both the federal government and other state governments, as well as of health care reformers. Many of these innovations, along with programs to cover the uninsured, contributed to lower health care prices and higher quality care.
Minnesota once led the nation in innovative health care reform; here's how we can do it again
India Ampah holds her son, Keon Lockhart, 12 months old, as pediatrician Amanda Porro M.D. administers a measles vaccination during a visit to the hospital. We need to invest in preventive medicine and study health disparities. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images. In the late 1990’s Minnesota was a national leader in health care reform.
YEAR-AHEAD SERIES, DAY 1: MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE / The many challenges include crafting a state budget | Duluth News Tribune
Columns From the column: "In 2021, I am hopeful we can realize a future where all Minnesotans can be safe and healthy and have new opportunities to be successful." Written By: Rep. Jennifer Schultz | Dec 26th 2020 - 8am. × We are about to finish the hardest year many of us have ever experienced. COVID-19’s public health impact, the injustices highlighted by George Floyd’s death, and enormous new economic challenges all led to painful times for many Minnesotans.
Fighting Food Waste
Forty percent of the food produced in the U.S. is wasted, which translates to $162 billion in annual waste. In a country in which nearly 50 million Americans face food insecurity, it’s estimated the equivalent of 58 billion meals go to waste each year. Waste occurs throughout the supply chain—from farms (16%), manufacturers (2%), businesses (40%) and households (43%). Food waste is about more than what goes into the trash.
The legacy of racism in American medicine persists
Protesters supporting “Medicare for All” hold a rally outside PhRMA headquarters April 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images. A Black woman is 22% more likely to die from heart disease than a white woman, 71% more likely to die from cervical cancer and 350% more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth. Studies suggest that health care workers are less likely to believe Black women when they express symptoms, and they tend to undervalue their pain.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that public health spending is a smart investment
Karina, the child of uninsured parents, receives drops of children's Tylenol after getting a vaccination at a low-cost clinic in Colorado in this file photo. | Photo by John Moore/Getty Images As a country we have woefully underinvested in public health. This was true in 1960 and it is true today. We spend 0.45% of gross domestic product on public health, or $93 billion. We spend more than nine times that amount on national defense, 4% of GDP — $850 billion.
Lawmaker's View: Even virtually, Minnesotans a big part of Minnesota Legislature's work
Columns Written By: Rep. Jennifer Schultz | May 5th 2020 - 2pm. × Rep. Jennifer Schultz. Our state is facing an unprecedented public health emergency. During this difficult time, all Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to remain safe and in good health and to be economically secure. They also deserve access to their elected officials; and while in-person meetings aren’t practical currently, voices of community members remain important to our work at the Legislature.
Washing our hands is not enough. We need the right policies.
“It will go away. Just stay calm. Be calm. It’s really working out. A lot of good things are going to happen.” President Trump, Associated Press, 3/10/2020 These are some of the not-so-reassuring comments from our president about COVID-19. Other Trump comments have contradicted infectious disease and public health experts. In a time that calls for significant federal leadership, we get false information, suppression of recommended guidelines, little transparency and minimal preparedness.
COVID-19: Washing our hands is not enough. We need the right policies.
Hand sanitizer sits on a table during a news conference with healthcare workers at the National Nurses United offices in Oakland, California. The National Nurses United held a news conference to express concerns that the Centers for Disease Control is not doing enough to help protect and test healthcare workers who are exposed to patients with the COVID-19 virus. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) “It will go away. Just stay calm. Be calm. It’s really working out.
Lawmaker's View Column: Minnesota legislators working quickly to prepare, respond
Columns Written By: Rep. Jennifer Schultz | Mar 13th 2020 - 10am. With the emergence of COVID-19/coronavirus, there is understandably a great deal of uncertainty for Minnesotans. As this situation unfolds, state health officials are working around the clock to prepare a public health response.
Your health insurance: probably bad and getting worse
Photo illustration by Getty Images. “A good life for American families also requires the most affordable, innovative, and high-quality healthcare system on Earth. Before I took office, health insurance premiums had more than doubled in just five years. I moved quickly to provide affordable alternatives. Our new plans are up to 60 percent less expensive — and better.” POTUS, State of Union Address, 2020 Health care is the number one issue for voters this year, and that should come as no surprise.
Price transparency alone won't keep health care costs down
Photo illustration by FS Productions. Surveys consistently show that affordability of healthcare is a top issue that Americans want their elected officials to address. The United States spends twice as much per capita on health care as other developed nations — $10,586 compared with the $5,086 OECD average.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020 SERIES / Lawmaker's View Column: Regionally balanced state funding is good goal for Legislature
The year’s end traditionally gives us an opportunity to look back on what we accomplished in the 12 previous months — and look ahead to the responsibilities in front of us. At the state Legislature, accomplishments generally require some level of compromise and cooperation. This past legislative session, I was proud that, despite some difficulties, lawmakers delivered on many of the values Minnesotans hold close.
What’s New in NCSL Military and Veterans Affairs?
Current Articles | Archives | Search By Jim Reed, Jennifer Schultz, Brooke Oleen Tieperman and Jon Jukuri Most Americans will never serve in the military or step foot on a battlefield, but many feel an obligation to support those who have. Today is Veterans Day, a holiday created to honor all those who have served in an American war. It began as Armistice Day in 1919, the first anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in World War I—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Lawmaker's View: Health care funding protected in compromise budget
By Rep. Jennifer Schultz Today at 8:15 p.m. Rep. Jennifer Schultz, DFL-Duluth, listens to testimony on sexual harassment rules in February during this year's legislative session. Don Davis / Forum News Service The state budget compromise reached by the Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz wasn't perfect, but compromise by its very nature means that, at the end, each side finds room for improvement.
Technology: Means of production evolve throughout the years
As the Daily Trojan celebrates its 100-year anniversary, photographers no longer have to manually develop their film, editors don’t have to bike east of the Harbor Freeway to lay out their stories and staff members aren’t tied down writing their stories on manual typewriters in the newsroom. Though technology at the DT has evolved, the basic production process has stayed the same.
Lawmaker's View: DFL building a future that works for all Minnesotans
By Rep. Jennifer Schultz Today at 6:00 p.m. Now past the halfway point in the legislative session, we're continuing our work to improve the lives of Minnesotans. We have plenty to be proud of in Minnesota, and every day I'm working to strengthen our state. Part of a strong Minnesota is making sure we have a healthy Minnesota, and the cost and availability of health care continue to pose challenges for many families. My DFL colleagues and I are committed to real, robust solutions.
State Policies for Women Veterans
Women Veterans Women have served their country through all periods of U.S. history, whether disguised as male soldiers during the American Revolution, as nurses in World War II, or as helicopter pilots in Afghanistan. Yet too often, the contributions of women in uniform have been overlooked, even by the women themselves.
Job Fair - Over 300 jobs in many industries
Bucks County New Year Career Fair - January 2017 Come to the Bucks County New Year Career Fair and talk with employers about their open positions.
Optimism brims for 2019 legislative session -- Election gave lawmakers more chance to make difference
By Rep. Jennifer Schultz Today at 6:04 p.m. In November, Minnesotans chose a new direction for the Legislature, putting DFLers in the majority in the House of Representatives. I want to thank the people of Minnesota and my own District 7A voters for choosing a message of hope over the partisan gamesmanship driven largely by special interests over the last few sessions.
Candidate's View: Move Minnesota forward by putting people first
I am a professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth and a proud mother of two boys.I have spent my professional career studying and advocating for affordable health care, and I am eager to continue working to find effective solutions to rising heath care expenditures. In the next legislative session, I will work to pass the MinnesotaCare buy-in program.
Pollinator Health
Pollinators are vital to ecological health and stability, the food system and our national economy. Countless plants depend on pollinating animals, including key fruit and vegetable crops. Pollinators can include ants, honeybees, native bees, birds, bats, butterflies, lizards and numerous other insects. This variety in pollinators helps sustain the U.S. agriculture sector and keep key fruits, vegetables and nuts in American diets.
Military’s Impact on State Economies
The Department of Defense (DoD) operates more than 420 military installations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. These installations sustain the presence of U.S. forces at home and abroad. Installations located within the United States and its territories are used to train and deploy troops, maintain weapons systems and care for the wounded. They also support military service members and families by providing housing, health care, childcare and on-base education.
State Beverage Container Deposit Laws
Deposit Amount Beverages Covered Containers Covered Unredeemed Deposits California Cal. Public Resources Code §§14501 - 14599 1986 5¢ (Ë‚24 oz.) 10¢ (≥24oz.) Beer, malt, wine and distilled spirit coolers; all non-alcoholic beverages, except milk. Excludes vegetable juices over 16 oz. Any container composed of aluminum, glass, plastic, or bi-metal; Exempts refillables Property of program; Used for program administration Connecticut Conn. Gen. Stat.
We’ve Got Your Tickets...
7/29-2/2: Listen at 12n & 3pm to Win Your Tickets Before You Can But Them - Tickets will go on sale Saturday, February 3rd 2/5-2/9: Listen at 12n & 3pm to win your tickets. Tickets for most dates go on sale to the general public beginning Saturday, February 3 at 10 AM local time at Ticketmaster.com. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public in select dates beginning Tuesday, January 30 at 12 PM local time.
We’ve got your tickets...
**Listener Presale is Thursday January 18th 10am-10pm- Buy your tickets HERE 106.7 The Eagle welcomes Bon Jovi to the AT&T Center March 22nd, and we’ve got your tickets! -Tickets will go on sale Friday, January 19th, at 10A Here’s when you can win: 1/15-1/19: Listen at 12N and 3pm and be caller 7 to “Win Your Tickets Before You Can Buy Them” 1/22-1/26: Listen at 12N & 3pm and be caller 7 to win your tickets 2/2-2/14: Listen to win your Bon Jovi tickets and Bon Bons for Valentine’s Day Your...
New options for secure retirement
These are all wonderful things for Minnesotans to look forward to as retirement nears, but what about for those who may not even see retirement on the horizon? Retirement security is more challenging than it was a generation ago; thus policymakers should introduce legislation to facilitate retirement savings. According to a recent state-administered study on private sector retirement savings, 86 percent of Americans believe our nation is on the verge of a retirement crisis.
Tax fairness leads to stronger opportunity
Every two years, the Minnesota Department of Revenue releases the Tax Incidence Study, a comprehensive report of who pays taxes in the state, how much and at what percentage. In 2009, then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s Revenue Commissioner released a study showing that the top 10 percent of income earners in the state paid more than a 2 percentage point lower share of their income in state and local taxes than middle income earners.
How do we pick University of Minnesota leaders?
In 1988, the Regent Candidate Advisory Council (RCAC) was created to recruit, screen and recommend candidates to the Legislature. Before then, the process consisted of self-nomination and a single screening by legislators representing the congressional district for which there was a contest. It was widely been seen as too political, inadequate in identifying qualified candidates with relevant experience and leading to a lack of diversity.
Student loan debt needs leadership
Perhaps unsurprisingly, these have led to record student loan debt amounts for our young people, hampering their ability to be full participants in our economy. In 2014, Minnesota was ranked the fifth highest state in the nation for average debt loads at over $31,500 for those with bachelor’s degrees. Approximately 70 percent of Minnesotans carry student debt after graduating, giving Minnesota another dubious ranking: third in the nation.
Leading out of the opioid crisis
This addiction commonly begins with the seemingly innocuous use of prescribed medication under the supervision of a medical professional and can develop into dependency before risks are identified. What starts as a prescription to treat pain or an injury can rapidly grow into dependency to the medication.
Paid leave strengthens the economy
One such policy that can improve economic security for working families is paid family leave. The U.S. is the only industrialized nation in the world without it. Since this concept isn't likely to be passed at the national level in the near future, it's important for Minnesota to begin moving toward a system which provides paid family leave. We can follow in the footsteps of other states such as California, New Jersey, Rhode Island and New York in instituting paid leave.
Redistricting needs reform
The process used to draw new congressional and state legislative district boundaries is called redistricting. All of Minnesota's U.S. Representatives and state legislators are elected from political divisions called districts. Every decade, following a new national census, district lines are redrawn nationwide. Federal law requires that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity.
Stewart Mills' social-media history should rule him out for office
“What do 500,000 battered women all have in common … ???” That was the first part of an offensive joke told by Stewart Mills III on his Facebook page. It was unearthed more than a week ago, along with many other sexist and offensive posts he has made over the years. When a friend pointed me to Mills’ posts, I became upset. It is deeply concerning that someone who is seeking to represent us in Congress — Mills is the Republican challenger to Democratic U.S. Rep.
A license to move out of poverty
A lot has changed since then. Many high schools across the state no longer offer driver education courses as part of the regular curriculum during the academic year. This, in part, is due to insufficient state funding for public schools and increased liability expenses to school districts.This means that most have to turn to private driver's academies, with a price tag of approximately $400.
U.S. military budget drains Minnesota
Wasteful spending on unnecessary Pentagon programs does not improve national security and prevents us from making needed investments in our economy and communities.Just like our state budget, the federal budget is both a vision and a blueprint outlining how to meet the needs of our communities with funds from our tax dollars. Americans rely on federal money to be safe, healthy, thriving and economically sound.
Action needed to protect pollinators
In the state of Minnesota, we have seen a significant decline in pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies. Absent greater actions taken by the Legislature and regulatory agencies, as well as partnership with agriculture and business, this alarming trend will continue and could potentially lead to grave consequences for our food supply. Studies are now showing a direct link between the use of pesticides and a drop in bee populations.
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