Generation Next helps spawn collaboration among metro, rural groups.
Read More »Workforce training, race equity can be unifying priority for ’15
Those of us on the road and vacationing in Minnesota this summer are seeing more “Help Wanted” and “Get Job Applications Here” signs than we’ve seen in many years.
Read More »Finding framework for restoring the middle-class dream
Whether through amendment or covenant, lawmakers across the nation are beginning to cobble together a coherent state and national movement not just to reduce inequality between the rich and the poor, but to improve the basic condition of the median household.
Read More »Smith: Widening inequality is not inevitable
The wisdom of Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph E. Stiglitz.
Read More »For business, grass is greener – here!
Forbes ranked Minnesota second for “Economic Opportunity,” third for “Best Place to Make a Living” and eighth among “Best States for Business.”
Read More »Smith: Reinventing school ‘ecosystems’ the Harvard way
A paper published by the Harvard Business School describes a growing national “Strive Together” network founded on the belief that educational outcomes could improve by addressing a child's nutritional, medical, and social needs in addition to what the school district alone provides.
Read More »Smith: ‘Making Work Pay’ includes race/gender equity
A comprehensive study issued at the end of the legislative session provides a solid factual framework for understanding the stagnation of the middle class, gender and racial inequality, and the widening of the overall economic divide.
Read More »Smith: ‘Inequality for all’ movie coming to Capitol
The 90-minute movie was released last fall and has been compared in its impact on economic policy debate to the effect of “An Inconvenient Truth” on the issue of climate change.
Read More »Smith: Learning from a dream gone wrong
A book by Hendrick Smith explains in great detail how middle class families came to have less in comparable wages, benefits and assets, than their parents or grandparents.
Read More »Smith: Diversity accelerates in rural Minnesota
Demographic maps spanning 60 years shows a welcome diversity boost
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