Tag: ownership society

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”

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”