Public Policy Forum

The Public Policy Forum of the TC Daily Planet offers a space for public officials to contribute commentary, analysis and news to the public debate. We began by inviting Twin Cities legislators, city council members, school board members and school superintendents to contribute here.

Thank you to those resisting the Keystone XL pipeline

By Susan Allen, Public Policy Forum

I want to acknowledge and say thanks to constituents in District 62B and others who are actively involved in protesting the construction of the Keystone pipeline system ("Keystone XL"), and especially those who attended the major rally for climate action today on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

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Public Policy Forum

Equal under the law

By Susan Allen, Public Policy Forum

Apparently, Minnesota's DFL leadership is reluctant to take action to repeal the state's DOMA law and legalize same-sex marriage, because they fear losing the majority if we focus too much on "social issues" as the GOP did last session. The only promise made by DFL leadership is that we will continue to "talk" about this issue.

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Public Policy Forum

Regulating guns like cars: Perspective on the gun debate after Sandy Hook

By John Marty, Public Policy Forum

The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in mid-December prompted national soul-searching about what can be done to stop these mass shootings. Some have called for security changes in schools; some have called for a reduction in the violence in movies and video games; some have called for strengthening our mental health system; and some have called for gun laws with teeth. Not surprisingly, the NRA has called for more guns in schools.

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Public Policy Forum

What the Voter ID Amendment actually says

By Mark Ritchie, Secretary of State, Public Policy Forum

As I visit with Minnesotans across the state, many are surprised to learn that they never get to see the actual language of the two proposed changes to our state’s Constitution on their ballot. This seems odd to many voters given the importance of the Constitution as our state’s highest law but that is our current procedure.

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Public Policy Forum

Amendment would restrict voting - for seniors, the military, our neighbors

By John Marty, Public Policy Forum

Supporters of Minnesota's proposed Constitutional Amendment to restrict voting ask people to ratify it based on an appeal to their narrow self interest.

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Public Policy Forum
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