Category: State Issues

Minnesota Named Best-Run State in the Nation in New Study De

The following article was posted on the Minnesota Governor’s website December 11, 2017:

Study highlights Minnesota’s strong fiscal management, low unemployment and poverty rates, above-average median household income, and strong credit rating

Since ranking 10th in 2012, Minnesota has consistently climbed in the same study under Governor Dayton’s leadership on better government reforms

Another recent survey shows a majority of Minnesotans are satisfied with the value they receive from state government

ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota is the best-run state in the nation, according to a new study from USA Today that cites Minnesota’s strong fiscal management, low unemployment and poverty rates, above-average median household income, and the state’s nearly perfect credit rating. Since ranking tenth in 2012, Minnesota has consistently climbed in the rankings under the same study, including ranking second last year.  Continue reading “Minnesota Named Best-Run State in the Nation in New Study De”

Best- and worst-run states in America: Which one is top rated?

The following was posted on the USA Today website December 11, 2017:

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  1.  Minnesota
    1. 2016 Unemployment:  3.9% (13th lowest)
    2. Pension funded ration:  78% (18th highest)
    3. Credit rating and outlook:  Aa1/Stable
    4. Poverty:  99% (6th lowest)

Ranked as the 10th best run state as recently as 2012, Minnesota has climbed steadily in the rankings in recent years and is now the best run state in the country.  A relatively wealthy state, Minnesota’s $65,599 median income nationwide.  With a strong tax base, the state brings in about $4,400 a year per resident in taxes, more than all but four other states.  In Minnesota, higher tax revenue means the government can save more.  The state has saved the equivalent of 10.3% of its annual spending in a rainy day fund — more than most states and greater than the 8.2% average across states.  Minnesota has a nearly perfect credit rating from Moody’s with a stable outlook.

View the link here.

With 2020 Census Looming, Worries About Fairness and Accuracy

The following article by Michael Wines was posted on the New York Times website December 9, 2017:

WASHINGTON — Census experts and public officials are expressing growing concerns that the bedrock mission of the 2020 census — an accurate and trustworthy head count of everyone in the United States — is imperiled, with worrisome implications.

Preparations for the count already are complicated by a sea change in the census itself: For the first time, it will be conducted largely online instead of by mail.

But as the Census Bureau ramps up its spending and work force for the 2020 count, it is saddled with problems. Its two top administrative posts are filled by placeholders. Years of underfunding by Congress and cost overruns on the digital transition have forced the agency to pare back its preparations, including abandoning two of the three trial runs of the overhauled census process. Continue reading “With 2020 Census Looming, Worries About Fairness and Accuracy”

The Ownership Society (Part 3): Broadband

The following is the text of an email from Attorney General Lori Swanson:

Our goal as a nation should be to create an Opportunity Society in which everyone has the opportunity to climb the economic ladder of upward mobility.  This paper—the third in a series—discusses broadband and its potential for job creation in rural Minnesota.

Broadband.  The definition of “broadband” changes with the advancement of technology and the needs of the economy.  “Broadband” refers to high speed transmission technologies used to access the internet. It can include transmission systems such as cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber lines (DSL), T-Lines, Wi-Fi, wireless, and satellite.  Continue reading “The Ownership Society (Part 3): Broadband”

Secretary of State Simon Notice of Vacancies for December

Notice of Vacancies in State Boards, Councils and Committees

December 1, 2017 — The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State today released notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply and serve in demonstration of public service. The newest vacancies are listed below, and the full list of 561 vacancies can be found on our website Open Positions.

Applications may be submitted online, and must be submitted within 21 days of the “Publish Date” listed on our Open Positions page, to be assured of full consideration by the appointing authority. Appointing authorities may choose to review applications received by the Secretary of State after the 21 day application period.

Please note this additional message:

The State of Minnesota will host a series of information sessions throughout the state to learn about joining a state board or commission. The state will visit seven cities, which include Bemidji, Duluth, Worthington, Rochester, St. Cloud, Minneapolis, and St. Paul in November and December.

Attend an information session to meet others who have served, hear about current opportunities and learn how to apply. Light refreshments will be provided.

To request an ADA accommodation, please contact Civic Engagement Coordinator Mai Thor at 651.539.1165 or mai.thor@state.mn.us at least four business days in advance.

Learn more and register online at mn.gov/mdhr

This project is a joint initiative of the office of Governor Mark Dayton, MN Department of Human Rights, Olmstead Implementation Office and Nexus Community Partners, aimed at increasing the diversity of the States Boards and Commissions.

See our new instructions on HOW TO APPLY at the end of the message.

CURRENT VACANCIES

Below is a list of agencies with new vacancies.
Please visit our website for complete descriptions.

Board of Medical Practice
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Physician

Destination Medical Center Corporation
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Member

 

HOW TO APPLY

Visit the Open Positions page.
Scroll down to find the correct Agency/Board/Council.
Choose the correct seat type, and click button that says APPLY
The system will walk you through creating an application profile.

Page 2 of the application will now allow you to attach the following documents:
• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Biography

Applicants are encouraged to use the online application as the Appointing Authority will have access to your information as soon as it is submitted.

Applications submitted via downloadable application may experience some delay in reaching the Appointing Authority.
Paper applications may be submitted by email to: Open.Appointments@state.mn.us or by mail or in person to:

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
180 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
St Paul, MN 55155-1299

In accordance with the Minnesota Open Appointments Law, the Secretary of State acts as an administrator in publishing vacancies, receiving applications and recording appointments. Applications will be reviewed and appointments made by the appointing authorities; questions about specific vacancies and appointments should be directed to the appointing authority. Applications are kept on file for a one-year period.

The Ownership Society (Part 1): Defining the Problem

The following is from an email from Attorney General Lori Swanson:

Part 1: Defining the Problem

People have been very kind to me as it relates to these communications, the purpose of which is to give you my thoughts concerning some of the challenges we face as a society.  I don’t think a barrage of emails asking for money does the trick.

There has been a lot of commentary about the income gap and wealth gap in America. While many of the solutions need to be initiated at the federal level, we must roll up our sleeves at the state level to do what we can to build a stronger middle class. This paper—which is the first in a series—starts by defining the problem. Continue reading “The Ownership Society (Part 1): Defining the Problem”

The Ownership Society (Part 2): Career and Technical Education

The following is from an email from Minnesota Attorney General Lori There has been a lot of commentary about the income gap and wealth gap in America.  If a goal in this country is to build an ownership society with a strong middle class, we need to promote in every shape, manner, and form a nation premised on achievement, a work ethic, and a strong education.

This paper, the second in a series, discusses career and technical education.

(I realize these papers are long.  I strongly believe, though, that our fellow Minnesotans should receive more than simple emailed slogans asking for donations.  My purpose in holding elected office is to share opinions and ideas about improving Minnesota.  I enjoy and learn from your responses to my letters.) 

Career and Technical Education.   A clay brick is fragile; it shatters when it hits the ground. But a brick combined with other bricks creates an enduring structure that withstands the test of time.   Career and Technical Education (“CTE”) is an important brick in building an Ownership Society.Technology has changed the needs of industry, and our demographics have changed the needs of consumers.  According to the U.S. Department of Education, jobs relying on education and training from associate degrees will grow faster than any other training source in coming years.[1] 55 million jobs are expected to open by 2020, and many will require some college or a two-year degree.[2]  This means that people who have undertaken career or technical training can be positioned for success.  “Ready, Set, Go,” an amalgam of the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, and Minnesota State estimates that by 2020, at least 74% of all jobs in Minnesota will require some form of education beyond high school.[3]

Continue reading “The Ownership Society (Part 2): Career and Technical Education”

Happy Deer Opener: How the DFL is Working to Preserve Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage

The following commentary was posed on the Hibbing Daily Tribune website November 2, 2017:

As we say farewell to the last of autumn’s color, the first hint of snowfall blanketed much of our state last week — marking the beginning of a cherished Minnesota pastime: deer season.

This two-week affair means something a little different for each hunter, but for many Minnesotans, November is a very special time of the year.

With over 500,000 deer hunters taking to the woods this fall, excitement brews as the rituals and traditions resurface before what promises to be a fruitful season. It could be the same giant wool socks you’ve had for 15 years, the big feast on opener’s “eve,” maybe cleaning up after the squirrels who spent last winter in your deer blind, or walking that same trail out to your favorite stand in the crisp, dark, early morning of the opener. Continue reading “Happy Deer Opener: How the DFL is Working to Preserve Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage”