Invest in Minnesota

Whereas our state continues to address serious budget shortfalls through short-term measures that fail to produce lasting solutions for a balanced budget;
Whereas the result has been a disinvestment in the very public services that have made Minnesota a great state over past decades; and
Whereas Minnesotans want to adequately fund state investments to uphold the dignity of our citizens, build a strong economy, and preserve public services maintaining our safety, health, and infrastructure; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that we cannot address current budget shortfalls through budget cuts alone, but rather must make raising revenues a significant part of the state budget solution. Tax revenues must be a part of a balanced approach to addressing budget shortfalls, and necessary revenues should be raised in a way that makes the overall tax system fairer.

Ending Poverty

Whereas, Minnesota’s poverty rate has worsened to nearly 10% during this recession;
Whereas, poverty rates are double and even triple in communities of color;
Whereas, poverty takes an immense toll in the form of lost human potential and jeopardizes the well-being of our state; and
Whereas, the Legislative Commission to End Poverty by 2020 has issued a clear set of recommendations and benchmarks to end poverty in our state; and
Whereas, the national Half in Ten movement is gaining ground to cut the national poverty rate in half through national strategies; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that over the next ten years, the state of Minnesota focus its efforts on ending poverty in the state by:
    •    Restoring work as a way out of poverty;
    •    Refocusing public assistance to streamline services and support everyone’s capacity and potential;
    •    Help Minnesotans build and maintain financial assets;
    •    Revitalize our communities through infrastructure and person-to-person support;
    •    Modernize our system of education to build the best workforce in the nation;
    •    Develop an ongoing structure to monitor Minnesota’s efforts to end poverty.

Healthy Children

Whereas, children are best served by a comprehensive approach with a focus on the whole child;
Whereas, children benefit from a unified voice to support their development and well-being;
Whereas, demographic data tell us that our future prosperity depends more and more on the well-being and productivity of our current youth; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that all Minnesotans commit to focus time, resources, public policies, and individual actions so that the needs of Minnesota's children are met and each child can reach his or her full potential.