Sandra Masin's Blog

I attended the Women of Distinction Reception tonight.  The event was sponsored by Century College and the Women and Gender Studies Program.  It opened with a delightful performance by the Century College Choir.

The award recipients were women who have enhanced the lives of women.  Jenifer Plum is the founder of  Minnesota Roller Girls.  The program is open to women from all walks of life.  She talked about the difference this program has made in the lives of its participants and the increasing number on the waiting list.

Patty Tanji was recognized for her work with the Pay Equity Coalition of Minnesota.  She gave a history of the efforts to achieve pay equity for women so they can better provide for their families.  While all women still do not receive equal pay for the work they do, the progress made in Minnesota is significant. She warned of the need to protect the legislation is in place.

Joanna Woolman is the Director of the ReEntry Clinic.  This coalition helps women released from prison overcome some of the challenges they face.  The recidivism rate of women involved in  this program is 6%, much lower than the average rate.

Mary Bussman is the conductor/founder of the Twin City Women’s Choir.  Her story is equally passionate about women wanting to focus on their talents and their community.  This organization was founded fifteen years ago. 

Minnesota is truly fortunate to have women with such character, talent and leadership skills.  These women have made a big difference to women in particular and ultimately to Minnesota.

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all that we have been given.  We should be thankful that we live in a country that is rich in resources.  We are fortunate to live as a free people.   We are fortunate to live in a country where education is available to all.

While we concentrate on our many blessings, it is also right that we should reflect on those who are facing serious problems:  like the loss of  family, loss of  home, or loss of  job.   This would be a good time to think about ways to resolve these problems. 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.   Hope you are celebrating this special holiday with your family and friends.

Veterans Day 2011 had a number of activities to honor our veterans.  It was moving to hear that ceremonies are held in our local high schools, what greater place for our students to learn about history and the price many have paid to protect our country. 

Wreaths Across America is another activity to ensure that those in our military are never forgotten. 

While these events are admirable and are evidence of a growing appreciation for the efforts of those who serve our country, the headlines recently  say  the returning veterans can’t find jobs and many of our veterans are homeless.  What is wrong with this picture?  Knowing the extraordinary difficulties that those in our military faced, how is it possible to ignore their plight once they return?   We must ensure that they have jobs, that their health care issues are addressed, and that they are able to live with dignity.   We all share that responsibility as citizens of this county.   That and our eternal gratitude.

With all the talk about the disparity in incomes and education, the principal solution always comes down to early childhood education.   Educators, business people and legislators alike stress this fact.  Nicholas Kristoff’s  article, “Occupy the Classroom”  in the New York Times again makes the argument for the priority of providing help early on.   If we ensure that every child has a good foundation at the beginning, we would be able to cut costs on prisons, health care, and other problems that incur great costs to our communities.

The documentary Miss Representation sends a very strong message about the way the media and advertising demean women.  It states that this has a strong negative impact on the way girls develop and inhibits them from reaching their potential.

While this information is not new and the pencil-thin models in ads have long been seen as the reason for eating disorders among young women, it seems technology is now being used to enhance the distortions.  If we want our young girls to grow up in a healthy environment, then it is incumbent on us to protest the ads as well as the crass way women are often portrayed in movies.  

Website Gender Justice has details on the movie. Miss Representation also has a website.

The fact that S&P recently lowered Minnesota’s rating should come as no surprise to anyone paying attention to Minnesota’s budget problems.  The state had warnings that one time fixes and low reserves endangered its prestigious position.  Yet, this year the  legislative majority party made the shift to education funding and borrowing on the tobacco payments the only path to a settlement of the state shutdown.  They followed the previous governor’s irresponsible actions knowing full well the damage they were doing.     For years, other governors and their financial advisers have also advised that a change in policy is critical to Minnesota’s future.  Yet the current Republican officials ignore all warnings and common sense.  Their lack of common sense defies logic not to mention their oath to the state.   Star Tribune’s “article ” in Saturday’s paper gives more details on this sad, but totally unnecessary, action.

We need to make sure people elected to our state legislature understand what it takes to build a brighter future for Minnesota.

Labor Day, a day set aside to honor workers.  One resource states that in economics, labor is one of the three basic resources, along with land and capital, that contribute to a nation’s production and economic growth.  Given that definition, it is easy to see why we should reflect on the importance of labor to our country. Our country has had incredible success because of the talent and work ethic of our people.

Using that definition, it is extremely difficult to understand why the compensation of so many workers currently tends to be static or is even decreasing and the incredibly high compensation of top management continues to increase.

This Labor Day is a great time to celebrate and honor the talents of all our people and find ways to make sure that each and every person’s contribution is appreciated.

Exciting news from Governor Dayton’s Office.  He is taking a leadership role to expand broadband coverage in Minnesota. The better access that Minnesota has, the more competitive it will be in the global marketplace. I carried the bill in the House that passed in 2008 for the Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force.  My press release of 4/14/2008 after the passage highlights some of the potential.

Governor Dayton’s press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2011

Contact: Katharine Tinucci

651.201.3441 office

651-368-0086 cell

katharine.tinucci@state.mn.us

Governor Dayton Charges Taskforce with Expanding Broadband Access Statewide

Saint Paul – Today, Governor Mark Dayton issued Executive Order 11-27, establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and continuing his commitment to strengthening our state’s infrastructure and fostering a strong business climate. The Task Force will be charged to expand broadband access in Minnesota. Dayton’s stated goal is “border-to-border” high-speed internet and cell phone access throughout Minnesota.

Governor Dayton also directed the Minnesota Department of Commerce to create a Broadband Development Office and convene a subcabinet of agencies to work on statewide broadband policies.

“Our state’s history of economic success has shown us how vital a solid infrastructure is to building a strong business climate. Broadband access is an important part of that 21st century infrastructure,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Broadband accessibility is an issue that is critical to growing our state’s economy – particularly in Greater Minnesota.  As long as there are inequities in access to broadband in Minnesota, we will see those same inequities reflected in our schools, hospitals, and businesses.  This task force will give our state an action plan for identifying and correcting these disparities so that Minnesota can compete and thrive in a global economy.”

We will be focused on concrete ways to build broadband for Minnesota’s homes and businesses,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “By working together, we will ensure that we set the best possible foundation to meet Minnesota’s broadband needs and goals.”

The task force will be made up of 15 members, to be appointed by Governor Dayton through the open appointments process.  Members of the taskforce will represent a balance of broadband interests, including consumers, business and residential users, educational and health care institutions, telephone and cable companies, wireless providers as well as metro and rural local units of government. The Governor will designate a member to serve as chair of the task force.

###

Attachment: Executive Order 11-27

It will be a while before Minnesota lives down the shutdown and the dysfunctional behavior of our elected officials this year.  Too many of our legislators chose to concentrate on their peculiar philosophies rather than the image and the well-being  of the state.  Sometimes their comments are just plain mean and disrespectful.  They seem to  have no loyalty to their official positions or to the people of the state.

It is the people who have suffered, particularly those with limited resources.  The future of our children is being sacrificed.  The cuts to education means they probably will not be able to compete with the children in countries where education and teachers are valued.  It means higher education debts will make it difficult for them to have a chance to live lives comparable to  that of  their parents and grandparents.

Statistics show that huge incomes  are going to a very limited number of people  while the incomes of everyone else is remaining stagnant or being reduced.  Why?  We are losing the middle class and the current Republican leaders  don’t seem to care.

The use of the school shift and  tobacco money to settle the budget is irresponsible.  The state had been warned that these types of arrangements would impact the state’s rating and the warnings were ignored.  Why? Now one company has downgraded Minnesota’s rating and that means loans will be more expensive.  It is time to pay attention to the decisions being made.

It is time to think about the good of our community.   It is time to think about our the future of our children.  It is time to think about the legacy we are leaving the next generation.  Our children deserve to dream.  We need to make policies that give them that chance.

The words to an old song seem very appropriate during these challenging times.  ” Come on people, smile on your brother.  Everybody get together, try to love one another right now.”

The good news is that the state of Minnesota is working again.  The bad news is that the settlement involves  irresponsible shifts and borrowing.   I had hoped this destructive behavior would stop once we had  a new governor.  The state had been warned its ratings would be downgraded if the inappropriate practices did not cease.  One company recently did downgrade Minnesota’s rating.    Nothing seems to deter the Republicans.  It seems that the unprofessional accounting practices are now part of the new Republicans’ platform.  Not only that, judging from their priorities of this past session, the focus on jobs also went by the wayside.  The lack of concern for the people of Minnesota and its institutions was appalling.

Looking at the debt ceiling activity in Washington, D. C., the irresponsible behavior is characteristic of the Republican Party.   Their lack of concern for the integrity  the United States and the people of this country is absolutely alarming.   I see officials more intent on playing games rather than looking after their constituents and providing good policy.

Where are the Republican loyalties?  It looks like the Republican Party is one answer.    Their oaths of office obviously mean nothing.