 Growth & Justice unveils research-based education investment proposal
A strong Minnesota economy will require new investment in Minnesota's students. We can do it wisely and cost-effectively
If the state had more resources to invest in education, how would they best be used to ensure students succeed throughout the education continuum and eventually earn a post-secondary degree?
This is a question Growth & Justice addressed in itsSmart Investmentssm in Minnesota’s Students project. After two years of research, civic engagement, and consensus the organization has a fresh way to look at investing new education dollars for better results.
Growth & Justice is now releasing the project’s results. To read the Smart Investmentssm in Minnesota’s Students report, click here.
Edina Mayor Jim Hovland named to Growth & Justice Board of Advisers
Edina Mayor Jim Hovland has been named to the Growth & Justice Board of Advisers. Hovland brings vast experience in both local government and regional transportation issues to the organization.
First appointed to serve on the Edina City Council in 1997, Hovland was elected to the Council in 1998, as mayor in 2004 and re-elected this November to another four-year term.
In addition to serving his city, Hovland is very involved in regional and state matters. Holvand: co-chairs the Regional Council of Mayors; has served on the I-494 Corridor Commission since 1998 (including four years as chair); is a member of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) to the Met Council and has served as co-chair of the programming committee since 2002; is part of the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota and is on the executive committee; is a member of the GEARS Board of Counties Transit Improvement Board; and serves on the Highway 169 Coalition Steering Committee.
Minnesota still a purplish blue Tax question victory signals support for restored public investment
Voters in a record turnout did approve a new tax on themselves and the results generally affirmed Minnesota’s gradual return to its historic place as a moderately progressive state.
But the big blue wave nationally turned out to be more of a storm surge than a tsunami in the North Star State. And our reputation endures as an independent state and a competitive field of battle between parties and ideologies. Color us a purplish blue.
Growth & Justice President Dane Smith, an experienced political reporter, offers a progressive analysis of the election results in this column.
Minnesotans drive significantly more than the national average.
Do Minnesotans drive too much? Put in the context of broad-based and growing concerns about congestion, transportation costs and environmental impacts, the simple answer is "yes."
The vehicle miles traveled in Minnesota over the 20-year period from 1986 to 2006 shot up 67 percent, at a time when the state’s population rose by 23 percent. The dramatic increase in miles driven has strained Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure, has made traffic jams commonplace in major metro areas, and has adversely affected air and water quality. Star Tribune columnist referenced Growth & Justice's work in this column.
Minnesotans drive significantly more than the national average and the state would benefit from efforts to reduce vehicle travel on Minnesota’s roadways without undermining economic growth.
Growth & Justice presents PowerPoint on tax policy: principles for reform that make system fairer for families, better for business growth
Growth & Justice President Dane Smith recently delivered a presentation to the Governor’s 21 Century Tax Commission, which is an update of our 2005 project, Rethinking Minnesota’s Taxes. The revised PowerPoint, “Re-Rethinking Minnesota’s Taxes” was prepared by Charlie Quimby, Growth & Justice Communications Fellow and a former business owner
The commission, comprised largely of business representatives and tax experts, is charged with making recommendations to improve and modernize the state’s tax code for businesses, specifically to encourage economic growth in a fast-changing, highly competitive and global economy.
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