Safe and supportive schools

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Of all the outcomes we track about Minnesota schools, our graduation rates may be the most disconcerting. Our economy and our future rely on a workforce more educated and technically skilled than any previous generation. The kids we fail, the kids that drop out, the kids our system pushes out represent a failure to realize the potential of our state’s future. That such a disproportionate percentage of the kids who don’t graduate are students of color dooms us to another generation of intolerable racial inequity if we don’t act. Continue Reading

Public lands contributing to pollution

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It’s no secret the energy fueling our nation comes at a heavy cost to the environment and human health. What we don’t talk about is that a good portion of our domestic energy and other vital resource procurement occurs on publicly owned land. Continue Reading

Health care spending solutions, part two

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Yesterday we discussed the perception by patients that health care costs are increasing exorbitantly. While that may not be true overall, it certainly is true when it comes to out of pocket dollars. Regardless of whether and how much health care costs are increasing, we need to do everything we can to bring these costs under control. All sectors of health care must participate in bringing these costs into line. Continue Reading

Reforming Minnesota payday lending

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Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans that require full payback, usually on the date of the borrower’s next paycheck. Lenders typically charge flat fees that equate to annual percentage rates (APR) ranging from 391% to 1,170%. Continue Reading

Improve transit maps to improve ridership

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When we talk about transit improvements, the shiny new big-ticket infrastructure like light rail or streetcars, which can provide new routes and new riders all at once, tends to get all the attention. However, all kinds of smaller and more inexpensive improvements make an impact even while getting few headlines. Continue Reading