‘Garbage bills’: Public pressure can halt meltdown of the legislative process
Giant bills consisting of unrelated provisions lack transparency, prevent accountability, and are unconstitutional.
Sen. John Marty
Post-Earth Day reflections to inspire action
The Earth is our only home. There is no Plan(et) B that we can move to.
Protecting your financial identity shouldn’t cost you when others are at fault
I am introducing legislation to impose a ban on fees for freezing your credit records. A handful of other states ban these fees, but Minnesota does not.
Tar sands pipeline: a litmus test of whether Minnesota is serious about climate change
A new report cites a 1-in-20 chance of “beyond catastrophic” climate change, threatening the very survival of our descendants.
Silently destroying Minnesota’s campaign financing reforms
What if Republicans repealed Minnesota’s campaign finance reforms and nobody knew about it? Unfortunately, that is happening right now.
Has Donald Trump no sense of decency?
Trump may be the worst offender, but other political candidates are increasingly appealing to bigotry and hateful stereotypes to gain support.
A matter of justice: It’s time to end worker poverty
The Worker Dignity bill (SF 890) will improve the lives of all low-income workers and their families, boost their productivity, and stimulate the economy.
New for Minnesota in 2015: Public Benefit Corporations
Beginning this month, Minnesota entrepreneurs and investors will be able to go into business as Public Benefit Corporations.
Minnesota ban on triclosan may have broader impact
Although the law has no legal impact elsewhere, it may help increase public pressure on the industry, speeding up the elimination of triclosan nationally.
Worth celebrating: a win-win-win for businesses, residents and the environment
Cities are divided into zones, with each garbage hauler retaining its share of the market, but servicing a discrete region.
The anniversary of Medicare — a time to reflect, and to act
As soon as the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, it is time to turn our attention to completing the promise of Medicare for all.
Minnesota needs a bold framework to change its energy picture
In the Minnesota Legislature, there is a push for a transition to a sustainable energy economy.
The time for marriage equality is here
Over time, there has been growing recognition that LGBT families deserve fair treatment.
Regulating guns like cars: Perspective on the gun debate after Sandy Hook
Now is the time for public officials to stand up to the NRA, and have a rational discussion over public safety and responsible gun laws.
A job-creation strategy that works
The reality is that if we use public funds to address public needs, we create jobs.
Stadium postmortem: How a wealthy NFL owner got millions from taxpayers
Zygi Wilf spent several million dollars in lobbying and campaign contributions. So perhaps it was inevitable that he would win this huge taxpayer subsidy, despite strong opposition from the public.
Government is not ‘them’ – it is us
Why does one need to write in defense of good government? Because right-wing politicians have vilified government.
Better approach to health care: A single payer solution for Obama
During your State of the Union address, you explained why you are fighting for health care reform, expressed frustration at the lack of success, and invited others to suggest a better approach.
