Innovation in state government? In Minnesota, you betcha
From creating more jobs for people with disabilities to better serving people at state parks, state agencies value and practice innovation.
Jay Kiedrowski
Trump: a throwback to the Know-Nothing Party of the 1850s
In the presidential election of 1856, Millard Fillmore ran as the Know-Nothing candidate. He won 23 percent of the vote and carried one state, Maryland.
Richard Pfutzenreuter: He has enriched the common good for decades
The chief financial officer of the University of Minnesota will be leaving a 40-plus-year career of “making a real difference.”
Contributors to the common good: Thanks for working on our behalf
Here is my list of people we should thank who are contributing significantly for our benefit in Minnesota. See if you agree with it, or whether there are others more worthy.
Minnesota’s future starts now — and certain things still need to be done
We’re doing well now, as Politico recently noted. But we need to invest in our physical and human infrastructure for the years ahead.
Honoring public-sector innovation across Minnesota
We are fortunate in Minnesota that we have dedicated local public employees who are trying to find better ways to serve Minnesotans.
What do dog sniffers, electronic records, and ‘saying it simply’ have in common?
Dog Sniffers, electronic records, and “saying it simply” are all innovations of Minnesota state government — and winners in the first Minnesota Innovation Awards Program.
Unless we change our partisan ways, the federal deficit is a lock
Despite the political polarization that contributes to the problem, Democrats and Republicans keep getting re-elected. So who needs to change?
Honoring four Minnesota public leaders — we need more like them
Critics of government often denigrate those working in government. This is a real injustice.
Gov. Dayton needs to support his own proposal to expand the sales tax
Roughly a third of state and local revenue should come from our income, a third from our wealth (derived by property taxes), and a third from consumption (derived by sales taxes).
Minnesota’s financial woes match those of other states
Minnesota has to recognize that it has a structural budget deficit — and it must avoid using accounting gimmicks.