Spring 2007 - Growth and Justice
Transcription
Spring 2007 - Growth and Justice
CENTER FOR A PROSPEROUS, FAIR & SUSTAINABLE MINNESOTA ECONOMY Volume 6 Mar. 2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peter Bachman Marlana Benzie-Lourey Ron DeHarpporte Arlen Erdahl Lew Freeman Tom Gegax, Secretary Sylvia Kaplan Thomas C. Kayser Joel Kramer Mark Lacek Ross Levin David Lillehaug Lee Lynch, Chair Chris LaVictoire Mahai Jan Malcolm Jennifer Martin Jim McCorkell Tom McBurney Michael O’Keefe Erik Peterson Jorge Saavedra Tina Smith Tene Wells Betsey Whitbeck, Vice Chair STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joel Kramer ASSociate DIRECTOR Lori Schaefer research & policy director Angie Eilers Admin. and Program Assistant Mark Tundel Business manager Jennifer Weddell INSIDE G&J Explores Governing with Accountability Project ......................... 3 G&J Engages in Fiscal Debate at Capitol .................................................. 4 Reaching Wider & Deeper with Invest for Real Prosperity .................. 5 Thank You 2006 Donors ......................... 6 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A There’s a Whole Lot of Thinking Going On I Growth & Justice launches Rethinking Public Education project f you’ve tuned in to the debate at the state capitol this legislative session, you know there’s a big fiscal discussion brewing. It’s centered on how much revenue we have to work with and how much policymakers are willing to invest in education, health, transportation and the state’s other needs. Beyond the question of how much or even if new revenue will be allocated, is the equally important question of how to invest. the steering committee on March 14. This impressive group – representing the full educational spectrum from early childhood through adult education, and including parents, teachers, students, and nonprofit, labor and business leaders – is charged with answer- Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the politics and the subjectivity of these important decisions could be minimized? What if the decisions about how and where to invest could be based primarily on two Steering committee members met March 14 to begin to rethink things: Cost effectiveness how public education dollars are spent and to recommend how of best practices and conto invest the next public education dollar. sensus among key stakeholders? Would this help policymakers make wise investment choices ing the question, “Where should we invest our and do so in powerful ways that help move next public education dollar?” the needle on some key measures? In the project framework, the investments are Growth & Justice thinks so. As do the 26 geared to a strategic and overarching goal: To distinguished community leaders we’ve increase by 50% the number of Minnesota convened to serve on a steering committee students who complete a post secondary defor Growth & Justice’s Rethinking Public gree (technical certificate, associate or bacEducation project. calaureate degree) by 2020. The Rethinking Public Education project officially launched with the first meeting of St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 The goal of influencing post secondary degree completion Continued on page 2 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org Rethinking Public Education is directly related to our Invest for Real Prosperity strategy to invest in human capital – a driver of both individual and state economic prosperity. A fresh approach The Rethinking Public Education project will use an innovative approach to rethinking how we invest in public education in Minnesota, and how we measure success. The project will be driven by two key inputs: evidence-based research on the most cost effective best practices, and a consensus of the steering committee. “Our aim is to apply cost analyses to measurable educational outcomes from early learning to post-secondary learning,” said Angie Eilers, Growth & Justice Research & Policy Director and the project’s director. “From there we think we can inform decision makers on how and where to best invest limited dollars.” “We’ve also heard from legislators that if advocacy groups could agree on an agenda, it would influence how they allocate the money,” Angie said. Steering committee members agree. Steering committee member Steve Kelley, a Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Senior Fellow and former K-12 Education Senate Finance Chair, put it this way: “Our power as a group comes from Growth & Justice’s resources and reputation, but mostly from the level of consensus and enthusiasm we have for the work.” Mary Cecconi, Director of Parents United Network, said that in the end she wants to influence policymakers and actually see the education investments made. “To achieve this, we need to examine the evidence and know what works, but also achieving Continued from page 1 consensus among often competing advocates is critical,” she said. Tackling the project in phases The group’s work will be done over the next year in three distinct phases. This first phase is designed to come to consensus on key measurable educational outcomes that will drive the research. Don Schuld, Mary Cecconi and Laura “By the end of May, we LaCroix-Dalluhn discuss the impact a consensus hope to have clearly idenaround key investment strategies could have. tified categories or types of interventions that we believe would move the needle on those educational outcomes,” said Angie Eilers. “Then, we’ll commisOther key players sion the scholars from across the country In addition to the steering committee, who will provide the cost analysis for us Growth & Justice is enlisting the help of to consider.” key stakeholders and experts. A project advisory council of esteemed scholars and This is phase two of the project and it will experts, including the likes of Art Rolnick culminate with an educational summit in from the Federal Reserve Bank, economist the fall where the research is presented Paul Anton, and David Heistad, Director of and discussed. Research, Evaluation and Assessment at the Minneapolis Public Schools, will meet In the third phase, the difficult work to regularly to provide input and help direct build consensus begins. With the help of the cost-effectiveness research. expert facilitator Monica Manning, the steering committee will work to achieve Also, a vast array of stakeholders – inconsensus on how to cost-effectively invest cluding advocacy groups in the educathe next $1 billion in public education, and tional community, school administrators, reallocate existing education dollars to get parents, students and others from across the best results. the state will be invited to provide ad hoc feedback online. Growth & Justice fondly The goal is to complete this third phase of calls this important group the project the work by the spring of 2008 so that it Cyber-Advisors. can indeed have influence as the 2008 legislature convenes to determine once again how much and where to invest. “Our power as a group comes from Growth & Justice’s resources and reputation, but mostly from the level of consensus and enthusiasm we have for the work.” —Steve Kelley 2 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org Learn more about the work Or, visit our website at www. growthandjustice.org for more information. And watch the Test Tank where we’ll post questions on some of the key topics we’re discussing throughout the project. There are several ways that you can learn more about the Rethinking Public Education project. Growth & Justice will host an informational breakfast where you can learn more about the project scope, its process, desired goals, and meet some of the key players. Join us: Rethinking Public Education Project Participants Growth & Justice thanks these distinguished leaders for their commitment to our work. Lee Ann Stephans, Teacher, Park Spanish Immersion Elementary Steering Committee Judy Temple, Professor, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota ••• The first phase of the Rethinking Public Project has been generously funded by the Blandin Foundation, Cargill Foundation, and the Minneapolis Foundation. Tuesday, April 17 8-10 a.m. At Growth & Justice 2324 University Ave W. Main Conference Room (Room F) Nicola Alexander, Professor, College of Education, University of Minnesota Linda Baer, Sr. Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, MNSCU Darlyne Bailey, Dean, College of Education, University of Minnesota Growth & Justice Explores Governing with Accountability Project Meria Carstarphen, Superintendent, St. Paul Public Schools Mary Cecconi, Executive Director, Parents United for Public Schools Maureen Cisneros, Student, University of Minnesota Jennifer Godinez, Director, Minnesota College Access Network How do we ensure that our public dollars in Minnesota are wisely spent to achieve specific outcomes? How are state and local governments doing today at holding themselves accountable for measurable results, and what structural or process changes could we make in our governments in order to do better? These are the questions Growth & Justice is asking in a new project we’re exploring called “Governing with Accountability.” Anne Knapp, a recently retired business leader, is leading the exploration of this topic for Growth & Justice. The focus will be on the three major spending areas of education, health, and transportation, but the conclusions could apply to all government spending. “The project will not offer judgment on specific programmatic initiatives,” Anne says, “but will look instead at the ingredients for delivering results and holding players accountable – regardless of the program.” Part of the “Governing with Accountability” charter, Anne says, will be to wrestle with an important paradox—that while citizens’ demands for government performance and accountability are intensifying, the realities of policy development, public funding and service delivery are becoming so complex that they seem to nearly defy effective management and oversight. ••• If you have thoughts about this project or would like to get involved, email Anne Knapp at [email protected]. 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A St. Paul, MN 55114 Lynn Haglin, Vice President/ KIDS PLUS Director, Northland Foundation Jerry Halverson, Sr. Faculty, Capella University Vernae Hasbargen, Senior Legislative Analyst, Minnesota Rural Education Association Dave Jennings, Superintendant, ISD #12 Robert Johnson, Professor, St. Cloud State University Steve Kelley, Senior Fellow, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota Laura LaCroix-Dalluhn, Executive Director, Youth Community Connections Jim Meffert-Nelson, Chair, Minnesota Children’s Platform Coalition Todd Otis, President, Ready 4 K Eugene Piccolo, Executive Director, Minnesota Association of Charter Schools Peter Sadowski, Education Chair, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Don Schuld, Assistant Superintendent, Stillwater Area Schools Jim Southwick, Lawyer, Medtronic phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 Neal Thao, Faculty, Metro State University Greg Vandal, Superintendent, Sauk Rapids-Rice School District Larry Wicks, Executive Director, Education Minnesota Pam Willard, Director, Bolden Heart Childcare Center Monica Manning, Facilitator, The Nova Group Advisory Council John Brandl, Professor, Professor, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota Arthur Reynolds, Professor, University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development Art Rolnick, Senior Vice President and Director of Research, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis David Heistad, Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment, Minneapolis Public Schools Deborah Dillon, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota Stuart Yeh, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Educational Policy and Administration, University of Minnesota Van Mueller, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Educational Policy and Administration, University of Minnesota Dan Mueller, Associate Director, Wilder Research Paul Anton, Chief Economist, Wilder Research Sandy Christensen, Professor, Dept. of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota Mark Van Ryzin, PhD Student, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Cathy Jordan, Executive Director, Children, Youth and Family Consortium Karen Seashore, Professor, Dept. of Educational Policy and Administration, University of Minnesota www.growthandjustice.org 3 T Growth & Justice Engages in the Fiscal Debate at the Capitol here’s a lively debate going on at the capitol in St. Paul about the size of the fiscal pie for the next two years, and Growth & Justice is actively engaged on a number of levels. One route is talking to key legislators – caucus leaders and committee chairs. Joel Kramer and Lori Schaefer have met private- ly with all the key leaders, and have urged them to think strategically about revenue adequacy – to adopt the Price of Government approach used in the Invest for Real Prosperity strategy. That means that state and local revenues should be measured as a share of Minnesota personal income. Measured that way, we have less government now than a decade ago, and unless we do something about it, we’ll have still less every year going forward, because our current revenue system is growing more slowly than our economy. In this way, a regressive tax can raise 75% of the revenue it would have raised without the credit, and yet about half of all Minnesotans would not feel the effect. At the same time, G&J is also working with advocacy groups to develop a common fiscal message that goes something like this: We know that what we’re advocating requires new revenues, but it will pay off for Minnesota in the long run. We support raising that revenue fairly and investing it wisely, as part of a disciplined and strategic fiscal framework. The third leg of the stool is talking to the public about what has happened to the size of the fiscal pie, what the consequences are, and how to do better. Our active communications efforts around Invest for Real Prosperity are the key. We’re conducting community forums and writing op eds around the state. (See article on page 5.) In the end, it is public pressure that moves the legislature. While educating the public about what’s really happening with taxing and spending is a long-term process, we’re working hard to make a difference this spring, when some major decisions are being made. Urge State Leaders to Invest in a Better Minnesota Join Growth & Justice and a coalition of groups to send a message to state leaders: We need to invest more in Minnesota. The evidence shows that states that invest more, do better. But some quality of life trends in Minnesota are headed in the wrong direction, as we invest less of our growing economic capacity in education, health care and transportation. The coalition is creating a website where you can add your voice to others sending the same message. Minnesota is still a great state, but we can do better. Let’s raise the money fairly to create prosperity that will strengthen our families and give kids a better start in life. Visit www.InvestinMN.org to send a message. Joel has also discussed with influential legislators how they can raise revenue in ways that don’t ask for more from households struggling to make ends meet. The solution has two parts: (1) raise income taxes on higher-income households, and (2) for all other tax increases, such as the gas or sales tax, introduce a fairness credit, so that lower-income and many middle-income households end up getting back on average whatever the tax would cost people at their income level. 4 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org Reaching Wider and Deeper with Invest for Real Prosperity B y one key measure, our “Invest for Real Prosperity” project is a success. After all, a think tank is supposed to influence public discourse by putting new policy ideas into play. And the major themes and principles of the “Invest for Real Prosperity” strategy are certainly cropping up all over — in the media, in policy proposals at the state legislature, and in political debate. But Growth & Justice is a think and do tank, which means we combine independent research with civic engagement. The second half of our mission is important, because ultimately, that’s how policy change comes about. In addition to influencing the debate, we want to increase broad-based, visible support for the Invest for Real Prosperity principles: 1) Invest in people and places to build economic capacity; 2) Raise the revenue fairly; and 3) Maintain fiscal discipline and accountability for results. So, in 2007, as our education and government effectiveness projects gain momentum, we’ll also be advancing the engagement and advocacy phase of “Invest for Real Prosperity.” Reaching key audiences Three primary groups play key roles in policy change. Policymakers — legislators, the governor, agency leaders, key staff, local officials, and the policy experts who have their ears — are an obvious target audience. We also want to reach groups and coalitions that advocate for progressive policies, such as Minnesota is Watching, the Children’s Platform Coalition, and Education Minnesota. Finally, informed citizens statewide are vital to gain legislative support for a progressive fiscal agenda. Here are some of the ways Growth & Justice will be reaching out to these groups in the months ahead. 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A Policymakers. We’ve already met with a number of legislative leaders on the subject of the budget and taxation, sharing our research and the strategic framework in a 16-page report. We’re not pushing specific proposals, but rather urging the adoption of the Invest for Real Prosperity principles as proposals are considered. Advocates. While individual advocacy groups will focus on education, health care, transportation, or other initiatives, they may have more impact overall if they reinforce shared principles on fiscal matters. Growth & Justice has been collaborating with the Minnesota is Watching Coalition and other advocacy groups to ensure that when they carry their message to the capitol, legislators hear common themes of investment, fairness, and fiscal responsibility. We believe it is working and thus the overall fiscal message is amplified. Citizens. Demonstrating local support for the Invest for Real Prosperity principles is essential to building the political will to invest for the long term. It’s also the greatest challenge, since the state has been subjected to a steady 30-year chorus of “government is the problem” and “No New Taxes” rhetoric. Only a small proportion of citizens are motivated to get beyond the sound bites to understand state fiscal practices at a more nuanced level. However, these informed citizens can begin to influence and inform others. Growth & Justice will be increasing outreach to citizens through several initiatives. Community forums provide an opportunity for citizens and their local officials to discuss how state fiscal policy relates to local concerns. We’re also enlisting citizens to become more engaged advocates for public investment. St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 Growth & Justice is taking its Invest for Real Prosperity strategy to the citizens of Minnesota in a series of free, open community forums this spring. Please feel free to join us at one of these forums around the state. Mankato Community Forum Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:00 AM to 11:30AM South Central College Conference Center B 1920 Lee Boulevard North Mankato, MN Duluth Community Forum Thursday, April 26, 2007 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM First United Methodist Church (The Coppertop) 230 E. Skyline Parkway, Duluth, MN Northfield Community Forum Saturday, May 5, 2007 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Northfield Community Resource Center Room SS103 1651 Jefferson Parkway Northfield, MN Don’t see your community on the list? Call Lori Schaefer at 651251-0676 if you would like to host Growth & Justice for a forum in your area. fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org 5 Thank You 2006 Donors The work of Growth & Justice would not be possible without the support of a long list of individual and foundation supporters to whom we are extremely grateful. Your investment in Growth & Justice has paid off many times over. Thank you. $15,000 and above Judy Dayton Joel & Laurie Kramer Anthony Lourey & Marlana Benzie-Lourey Leland T. Lynch and Terry Saario Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Martin and Brown Foundation $5,000 - $14,999 David & Debra Andreas John & Sage Cowles Ron & Joyce DeHarpporte Chuck Denny Carol & Bud Hayden John Larsen Foundation Dick and Joyce H. McFarland Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Jim Pohlad Tina and Archie Smith $2,500 – $4,999 Peter H. Bachman and Janet Rice Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Bruce Dayton & Ruth Stricker Dayton Matt Entenza & Lois Quam Tom Gegax & Mary Wescott Sylvia & Sam Kaplan Marlene & Tom Kayser Mark & Susan Lacek Tom & Barbara McBurney $1,000 – $2,499 Annette Atkins & Tom Joyce Michael V. and Ann C. Ciresi Foundation 6 Bill & Sharon Clapp Julie Corty & Richard Erickson David & Vicki Cox John & Sally Cuningham Teresa Daly David & Vanessa Dayton Gini Dodds Lois Mary Dunlap John Faricy Al & Frannie Franken Carol Freeman Mike & Barbara Goldner Timothy Heaney Peter & Anne Heegaard Kathleen Jones Anne & John Knapp John Lavander & Nancy Owen Chris LaVictoire Mahai & Dan Mahai Ross & Bridget Levin Monica Little & Mark Abeln Jennifer Martin Christopher McHugh & Cheryl Smetana McHugh Sarah McKenzie Martha & Bill Meyers Pamela & Mark Moret Jane Newman & Amy Lange Roger & Maureen Parkinson Jeremy Pierotti & Kathryn Klibanoff Mark & Becky Roloff Dennis Rysdahl Star Tribune Foundation –Matching Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Employee Gift Matching The Winston R. and Maxine H. Wallin Fund of The St. Paul Foundation Irv & Marge Weiser Betsey Whitbeck & Jim Nelson 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A $500 – $999 Bob & Nancy Anderson Tom & Marge Barrett Peter Bell & Sharon Bottorff Jim & Carmen Campbell Dick & Jean Clarke Dan & Cassie Cramer John & Mary Lou Dasburg Ekdahl Hutchinson Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Steve Flagg & Mary Henrickson Lew Freeman Jean Freeman Lucy Hahn Sandra Hale Laura Hamilton Kimberly Hunter & Scott Walters John & Ruth Huss Susan Kinder & David Vealitzek Pat Lamb & Ele Hansen Eva & Bob Launer David Lillehaug & Winifred Smith Anthony Morley & Ruth Anne Olson Eric Newman & Janice Gepner Michael & Kay O’Keefe Robert Olson Lawrence & Linda Perlman Family Foundation Joyce S. Prudden and Michael D. Shoop Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Akshay Rao Tom & Gwynn Rosen Jeannette Rupert Jill & Richard Stever-Zeitlin Robert Streetar Don & Patricia Sullivan Gary Van Cleve Miriam Weinstein & Amy Ollendorf Alan & Randi Birk Herman Birnberg James Blakeway Blandin Foundation –Matching John Borger William Bowen Arnold & Judy Brier Greg Brucker Tyrone Bujold Robert & Jean Bundt Allan & Lou Burdick David Byfield John & Sonia Cairns Phil Carruthers Lynn Casey Mary Cecconi Citizens League Burt & Rusty Cohen Bert & Suzie Colianni John & Pat Corbid Connie & Fuller Cowles Jay & Page Cowles Russell & Jane DeFauw Jack & Claire Dempsey Caren Dewar Joseph & Rachel Dolan Bill Drake Ronald & Carolyn Drude Anita Duckor Kent Eklund The Elmore Foundation of The Saint Paul Foundation John & Amelia Engberg Arlen & Ellen Erdahl Rondi Erickson & Guilford Lewis James Erickson Marion Etzwiler THANK YOU 2006 FOUNDATION DONORS The following esteemed foundations generously supported Growth & Justice’s work in 2006. $100 – $499 Tim & Muffi Abrahamson Nancy Abramson & Rabbi Stacy Offner Lee Anderson Dave Anderson Marcia Appel Thomas Arneson Sabri & Kathleen Ayaz Karen Bachman Lee Baker Maureen Bazinet & Peter Beck Judith Belzer & Jerry Waldman Sue Bennett Shayna Berkowitz & Phyllis Wiener St. Paul, MN 55114 Bob & Stephanie Ewing Walter & Cecy Faster Steven Foldes & Riv-Ellen Prell Mark Frans Don & Arvonne Fraser Orville Freeman John French Karen Garvin Kathryn Glessing Rita Goodman Joan Growe & Tom Moore, Jr. Samuel Hall, MD Kaitlin Hallett Cree Hanna Kathleen Hansen Rod Hardy Grace & James Harkness James Hartman Nevin & Marialice Harwood Vernae & Michael Hasbargen Marge & Roger Heegaard Don & Arlene Helgeson John & Diane Herman Susan Herridge Gay & Mark Herzberg Earl Herzog John & Kathe Hetterick Jennie Hevern John Hodowanic John Holman Eric & Jerilyn Jackson Christopher & Valorie Jackson John & Thelma James David Jennings Andrea Jensen Jennifer Jewell Thomas Helen & Thomas Jirak • The Cargill Foundation • Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation • Elmer & Eleanor Andersen Foundation* • The McKnight Foundation* • The Otto Bremer Foundation* • Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi LLP Foundation for Education, Public Health and Social Justice, a supporting organization of The Minneapolis Foundation • A.H. Zeppa Family Foundation *Indicates founding G&J foundation donor phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org Catherine Jordan & Steve Lick Charles & Sally Jorgenson Matt Kane & Liz Conway Arnie & Shirley Kaplan Bill Kelly Kim & Garry Kieves Sheila Kiscaden Kathryn Kmit Dag Knudsen Nancy Koo Jim & Lora Koppel Lucia & Stoddard Lahiff Crane Peter Lancaster Cynthia Launer David & Randy Lebedoff James & Susan Lenfestey Lee Lewis Steve & Judy Lewis David Lykken Harvey Mackay Bill & Deborah Mague Kent & Sally Mainquist Patrick & Judith Mandile Monica Manning Ron Marien Jim McCorkell & Chris Greenhow Bill & Amy McKinney Mary McLeod Sandra Meicher William Melton & Jane Zimmerman Kate Menendez & Dan Rogan Helen Metz & Perry Ketchum Robert Meyerson Frank Miller & Cynthia Cone Robert & Sharon Moeller Walter & Joan Mondale William Moyers William & Chouhei Mullin Patrick Murphy Charlotte Neigh Kathleen O’Brien & Jeffrey Loesch P.J. & Tom Olander Edward & Charty Oliver Michael Osterholm Don & Florence Ostrom Erik Peterson & Gail Olson Kathleen & Steve Peterson Karen Peterson Tom Pettus & Cecily Hines Stephen Phillipps & Sue Ann Guildermann Eugene Piccolo Charlie Quimby Elizabeth Ramsey Sig & Marti Reckdahl Kordie Reinhold & Peter Hinke Sandy & Jim Rummel Jorge Saavedra F. David & Miriam Sanders Susan & Bill Sands Jon & Barbara Scoll Susan Segal Gloria & Fred Sewell Phil Sherburne Becky & John Siekmeier Alan & Janice Silver Alan Sinaiko & Kathleen Doar Mark Steege Irene Steiner Frank Stone & Lynn Olson George & Loraine Stoops William & Lee Strang John Sullivan Arlene & Tom Swain Mary Tambornino Richard Taylor Bruce & Judith Tennebaum Paul Thissen & Karen Wilson Sally Turrittin Michael Unger Marina Vork Roberta Walburn Curtis Walker David & Ruth Waterbury Alan Weinblatt Tene Wells Tim & Liz Welsh Patricia Welter John Wertz Alan Whidby Bill & Liz Whitbeck Frank & Frances Wilkinson Kate & Mark Wisser Jean Witson Elayne Wolfenson Robert & Julie Young Walser Up to $99 Sarah & Joe Aadland Arthur Allen Ross Anderson Michael & Judy Ayers Virginia Belden-Charles Thomas Berg Gene Betts Jon Bormann Sally & Mike Bosanko Albert Brixius Vernon Dahlheimer Terry & Millie Dosh Burton Ewing Eleanor & William Ferrill Janice & Jules Goldstein Lawrence & Ina Gravitz Ann & Ashley Haase Clyde Hanson William Hardesty James Hart & Maureen Reed Laura Helmer Jim Hetland Elizabeth Hinz Jerry Ingber & Judith Brin Ingber Alan & Christine Ingram Marcie Jefferys Walter & Harriet Johnson Louis Johnston & Susan Riley Karen Jones Melvin Kaasa 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A Phyllis & Donald Kahn Steven Kaplan Lee Kaplan & Judith Strom Barbara Kaufman Marcus Kessler & Evryl LaChapelle Ann King Barbara Klaas John Klein James & Annearle Klein Gary & Pat Kubly Harvey Lewis Dwaine Lindberg Dianne Loeffler Carole Martin Jerome Mattern Eleanor McIntosh Elizabeth Merz Bill Moore Courtney Nagle & Scott Burnett John Palmatier Sandra Pappas Traci Parmenter Susan Perry Mark & Mary Peterson Gregory & Rebecca Phelan Linda Picone Lisa Pole Leo Reding Jennifer & Chris Reedy Jeffrey Roberts Katie Rodriguez Barry & Francie Ross Andrea & Jim Rubenstein Roger Rydberg Pamela Rykken Carolyn Sampson Jodi Sandfort & Steve Marchese Newell Searle Joe Selvaggio Mary Shepard Dianne & Leighton Siegel Jill Smith & Leon Green Anthony Smith Joyce Staba Marshall Tanick Deborah Thorp Rosemary Tobin & Larry Penk Joan & Patrick Toohey Albert & Parker Trostel Bernice Vetsch Craig Waldron Jeanne Walz H Hillard Ward Jonathan Weiss John Wells Ellen Wolfson Stanton Wolkoff Paul Zerby Shirley Zimmerman Harvey Zuckman & Philip Oxman Anonymous St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 Join our growing list of supporters and have your gift doubled I f you’re reading the pages of this newsletter, you likely care about creating a prosperous, fair and sustainable Minnesota. Perhaps you’ve even thought about financially supporting Growth & Justice but have not yet done so. Well now is the perfect time! The Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation recently awarded Growth & Justice a challenge grant of $25,000 to match contributions of $1000 or less from NEW individual supporters. This means when you make a $100 contribution, you are really giving us $200. Visit our website www.growthandjustice. org to make your gift today, or just clip and return this form. In addition to doubling your contribution, you’re helping Growth & Justice expand its base. And, your contribution is tax deductible. YES! I support Growth & Justice! Name: _____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________ Home Phone: _______________________________ Work Phone: ________________________________ E-Mail: _____________________________________ Fax: ________________________________________ ___ Check ___ Visa ___ Master Card Card Number: _______________________________ Expiration Date: _____________________________ Signature: __________________________________ __ $1,000 __ $500 __ $250 __ $100 __ $50 Other ______ Amount: ______________ Please make check payable to “Growth & Justice.” Contributions are tax deductible. Questions? Please call: 651-917-6037 Mail to Growth & Justice, 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A, St. Paul, MN 55114 You can learn more about Growth & Justice or contribute online at www.growthandjustice.org fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org 7 More Changes at Growth & Justice GROWTH & JUSTICE is a think tank for Minnesota economic policy focused on achieving economic growth, economic justice, and environmental sustainability simultaneously. ••• GROWTH & JUSTICE believes that at a time of deep partisan division, Minnesotans can unite around one goal: a state economy that is strong and growing, while providing a decent standard of living for all. Growth & Justice Searching for New President T he search for a new president for Growth & Justice is moving along briskly. A search committee of the board of directors, under the chairmanship of Michael O’Keefe, has reviewed a list of prospects presented by Rebecca Yanisch of KeyStone Search, who was hired to conduct the search. The committee decided on a set of people to interview, and those interviews are now being conducted. The goal is to recommend a hire to the full board of directors this spring. Joel Kramer, the founder and executive director of Growth & Justice, said that the new president will take over an organization that has grown substantially since it started four and a half years ago, and is poised for continued growth in both its size and influence. A s a small and growing nonprofit, Growth & Justice is always happy to welcome new faces into the fold. Over the last several years we’ve managed to attract top talent, and many of those people offer their time on a volunteer basis. Please join us in welcoming: Anne Knapp: Anne joined Growth & Justice part-time this year to frame our next big initiative – the Government AccountabilAnne Knapp ity project (see story page 3). She brings a strong combination of business, legislative and political experience, as well as proven strategic leadership skills, which will be critical to this project’s success. Anne recently retired from a distinguished career in business; most recently she was the Executive Vice President of corporate development with Residential Capital Corporation (GMAC-RFC). Charlie Quimby: As our first Communications Fellow, Charlie officially joined Growth & Justice earlier this year but he has been in the fold since 2005. Charlie assisted with presentation materials for the Rethinking Minnesota Taxes study, worked on the launch of Invest for Real Prosperity, and helped establish the Growth & Justice Test Tank. Charlie led Words At Work, the marketing communications firm he founded, from 1988 to 2005. At G&J, Charlie Quimby Charlie will write and blog on various economic issues and help us influence the public debate. Mark Tundel: Mark is the newest member of the Growth & Justice team, joining us in February as our Administrative and Program Assistant. Mark studied culinary management for three years at Art Institutes International. Prior to that, he worked for MICAH, The Metropolitan Interfaith Council on AffordMark Tundel able Housing, and as a canvasser for the 2002 Wellstone campaign. Mark provides project, organizational and administrative support to Growth & Justice. We also welcome Joanie Lofgren as a Research Assistant on the Rethinking Public Education project, and Anna Waltho, communications and advocacy intern. 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A St. Paul, MN 55114 Design & Layout: Brian Donahue “I am proud of the work we have done to create and develop this important voice for progressive economic outcomes in Minnesota,” Joel said. “Now I’m looking forward to turning it over to a new generation of leadership and taking on a different role for myself.” Lee Lynch, who has been chair of the board of Growth & Justice for four years, said that the board wants to elect Joel as the next chair as soon as the new president starts work. 8 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 120A St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org