Education clause proposed for Minnesota Constitution:

Did you miss this zoom event:  But have a strong interest in Minnesota's educational system, here is a summary of the information plus links to read the article from the Enterprise or view a recording of the zoom meeting from March 24, 2021.  

The proposed amendment reads:  All children have a fundamental right to a quality public education that fully prepares them with the skills necessary for participation in the economy, our democracy, and society, as measured against uniform achievement standards set forth by the state. It is a paramount duty of the state to ensure quality public schools that fulfill this fundamental right

" Minnesotans may have the opportunity to vote on a proposed amendment to the Minnesota State Constitution making it a civil right that all children receive a quality public education.
In keeping with its tradition of bringing current topics to voters, the League of Women Voters of the Park Rapids Area hosted a presentation on the topic. The virtual event was held Wednesday, March 24, featuring former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari. They have been advancing the idea that Minnesota needs a constitutional amendment that will put “children first.”
Called the Page Amendment, it must be passed through majority vote in a statewide election. The next election when it may be considered is Nov. 11, 2022."  from Park Rapids Enterprise March 26, 2021."   

Kashkari explained, “These gaps are racial disparities, so the gaps between white students and children of color – black, Hispanic, Indigenous – but they’re also socioeconomic gaps. Low-income white children across Minnesota are badly trailing their middle-class and more well-to-do peers.” 

Justice Page stated that the educational system: “has systematically failed large groups of children in Minnesota. They’re children who, as a result of that failure, are diminished customers, diminished employees and diminished taxpayers and potentially more likely to be involved in our criminal justice system, in our social services system, and we think that we can do better.”

To read the full article written by: Shannon M. Geisen of the Park Rapids Enterprise, Mar. 26, 2021 you will need to go to the Enterprise website and search for Education clause proposed for Minnesota

To view the recorded Zoom meeting follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INeg80vaTEc

To read more about the proposed amendment follow this link: https://www.minneapolisfed.org/policy/education-achievement-gaps/why-a-constitutional-amendment

 To read more about the data behind this effort:  https://www.minneapolisfed.org/topic/k-12-education

 

 

 

 

 

Zoom Event: March 24th: Children First: A Community Conversation

Use the zoom link near the bottom of this post to register. You will be sent the zoom link when you register.

Most people think of League of Women Voters as being mainly concerned with voting rights, voting registration and candidate forums. Would you be surprised to read this passage from The Park Rapids Enterprise of March 6, 1935?

The League of Women Voters met Wednesday afternoon (March 6, 1935) with Mrs. E.V. Fuller having a very interesting meeting. Mr. Mevig, a guest speaker, spoke on House Bill No. 382 which pertains to funds for schools. Mr. Mevig urged all to vote against this bill and vote for the State bill instead.

In keeping with this tradition of bringing current topics to voters for their consideration while there is still time for voter input,
League of Women Voters of the Park Rapids Area (LWVPRA) is hosting, “Children First: A Community conversation about educating all of our children.’'

Two distinguished gentlemen, Justice Alan Page and Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari, have been advancing the idea that Minnesota needs an amendment to our constitution that will put “children first.” The amendment itself is short but if it is adopted by voters what would that mean for schools in this area? What would it mean for our children?

Over Zoom Justice Page and President Kashkari typically give a 10- to15-minute presentation on the amendment and then use the rest of the time for Q&A. The LWVPRA (a nonpartisan local group) will provide the moderator to ask questions from the audience which will be asked on the chat feature of Zoom.

This is an issue relevant to all residents. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, school board member or an employer in the area, the success of all of our children has an impact on our region. Pass this information along to others who have questions.

LWVPRA hopes to see you all at a meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24.

Please use this link to register for the event: https://frbminneapolis.cvent.com/c/express/aef522b7-b521-461f-926c-6dde58ed54b6.

If you would like to read the full amendment and the rationale for it, please use this link https://www.minneapolisfed.org/policy/education-achievement-gaps/why-a-constitutional-amendment.

Any questions about this program should be directed to lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org. You can check out our webpage at https://lwvparkrapidsarea.blogspot.com/ for more information about membership and our full nonpartisan policy.

Two Free Seminars on Redistricting

Announcing:  Paul Huffman, Redistricting Coordinator for League of Women Voters Minnesota will conduct two free seminars on redistricting. As I’m sure you know LWV is VERY concerned about redistricting this census cycle (well, probably every census cycle). The LWV effort is called People Powered Fair Maps. Use the link below to register for this event.

https://www.mobilize.us/plymouthareaindivisible/event/375224/