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Van Mueller

Andover, MN
Commenter for
5 years 25 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 10/18/11 at 01:28 pm in response to Minnesota's school-finance inequities have multiple causes

This a clear and concise explanation of the school funding dilemma in Minnesota.. Not only is the funding unfair but it is inadequate. After 18 years of studies and more studies accompanied by inaction we are not treating both our children and out taxpayers unfairly. SEE and Parents United have great information but are unable to convince state policy makers to act. Instead of addressing the issues that Beth speaks to the state borrows billions from the school districts and creates more...

Posted on 03/23/11 at 12:02 pm in response to Battle lines drawn as advocates try to fend off GOP proposal for biggest higher-ed cuts ever

It seems that the Republicans don't understand the work "invest" or don't have it in their vocabulary when it comes to funding higher education. Do they really think that jobs only come from investing in the our wealthy citizens and that investing in education does not matter? There is an abundance of respected research to support investment in education. The work locally by Growth & Justice is a good start for more thoughtful approach to why funding higher education is productive.

Posted on 02/24/11 at 12:36 pm in response to Alternative teacher-licensure bill sits in Senate as compromise is sought

The legislative debate on alternative teacher licensing has not been well-informed by relevant research and had consisted heavily of anecdotal and ideological arguments. Can you imagine such an uniformed debate by politicians about licensing of lawyers, medical doctors, or CPA's?
Teacher shortages in Minnesota are limited to special education, math and science. There is a real shortage of teachers of color but how does alternative licensing help recruit the best and brightest of this...

Posted on 01/24/11 at 12:19 pm in response to Bachmann wants Medical Assistance expansion rescinded; Dayton labels it 'presidential politics'

Michelle Bachmann is my congresswoman. However she does represent me and makes no attempt to have a conversation with her constituents before publically stating a position. She is an embarassment but worse she is a poor representative

Posted on 12/02/10 at 04:39 pm in response to Hennepin elections chief Rachel Smith shoots back; Canvassing Board to meet Friday

After serving as a Dayton recount observer this week in Anoka County it seems to me that the Emmer people have forgotten that each of the 'frivolous" challenges they make represent the vote of an eligible MN voter and they are trying to take away this individual's vote . A very undemocratic and punitive practice on someone they don't even know. Shame!!

Posted on 10/01/10 at 11:31 am in response to Garrison Keillor calls 'Lake Wobegon's congresswoman,' 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann, an embarrassment

Michele Bachmann has been touted as the best known member of Congress from Minnesota. She has gained this fame not from her legislative accomplishments or her representation of her constituents but from silliness like groping former President George Bush and for her continuous appearances on Fox News. As one of her constituents I am truly embarrassed.

Posted on 05/20/10 at 03:33 pm in response to Some Minnesota educators breathing sigh of relief that state won't try again for Race to the Top funds

Minnesota need not be dependent on either the Federal Government or Chicago -style educational reform. What is sorely lacking is coordinated leadership from the Minnesota Department of Education, organized groups of education professionals, higher education institutions, food government groups such as the Citizens League, Growth & Justice, Parents United, League of Women Voters, Minnesota Business Partnership etc. There are plenty of educational reform ideas. What is lacking is the...

Posted on 04/07/10 at 12:08 pm in response to Minnesota's Race to Top funding efforts are missing at least one key ingredient: enough political good will

Rather than chase the federal dollars in the Race to the Top the governor and legislature as well as educational interests and all citizens should redesign the state tax system and education funding system so that it is not necessary to borrow from the school districts and cut appropriations so that the state budget can be balanced. The financial problems in Minnesota have not been caused by Education Minnesota or the post-secondary institutions in Minnesota.. They and the students in...

Posted on 04/02/10 at 11:57 am in response to McCollum seeks huge funding increase for Indian schools

I suggest that Mac get better informed before he provides solutions for Indian children and tribes. He could begin by visiting several of the northern tribes(White Earth, Red Lake etc.) and see the schooling conditions, the housing conditions, the health care etc. Even though the Mdewakanton Sioux has given millions to these tribes the conditions are deplorable. Finally I would ask how are the white people of Minnesota " suffering " because of the presence of Native Americans ?

Posted on 03/23/10 at 12:10 pm in response to A closer look at Bachmann's '30 percent increase in abortions' claim

Thank you for the multiple data sources and analysis on health care and abortion relationships. My congresswomen is Michelle Bachmann. I don't know whether she is ignorant or evil or both.I do know that she an unreliable source of information.