VolumeCENTER 2 FOR A PROSPEROUS,Mar. FAIR 2005 & SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dan Cramer Ron DeHarpporte Growth & Justice launches David Foster n February 23, the House Lew Freeman Tax Committee scheduled 45 Tom Gegax, Secretary minutes for a discussion of Sylvia Kaplan Growth & Justice’s tax strat- Joel Kramer “Rethinkingwith hearings Minnesota at the legislature Taxes” egy proposal for Minnesota, Ross Levin Oand ended up devoting twice that much time David Lillehaug to it. One day later, the Senate Tax Commit- Lee Lynch, Chair tee heard Growth & Justice’s plan, and it, Chris Mahai too, ran long. Tom McBurney Larry Meyer A number of members in both houses and both Michael O’Keefe parties remarked afterward that they appreci- Erik Peterson ated the opportunity to look at the tax system strategically – as a single big picture – explor- Martha Meyers, Treasurer ing what’s fair, and hearing about research on Jorge Saavedra how different changes might affect economic growth. It was a change of pace from how they Emily Anne Tuttle spend a lot of their time, listening to special Tene Wells pleadings for one tax exemption or another. Betsey Whitbeck, Vice Chair The Growth & Justice plan, “Rethinking STAFF Minnesota Taxes: Fairer for families and JOEL KRAMER testified before both the better for business growth,” proposes a swap House and Senate Tax Committees about EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR the Growth & Justice “Rethinking Minne- Joel Kramer of higher income taxes on high incomes for sota Taxes” proposal. More than 60 lower taxes on business, and says this could legislators and staff, 50 tax officials and ASSISTANT DIRECTOR happen if conservatives would give up their lobbyists, and many other interested Lori Schaefer cherished (and wrong) belief that high income highercitizens income have already tax rates engaged and lower in discus economic- sions about the proposal. RESEARCH & POLICY DIRECTOR taxes are bad for business and liberals would growth because they knew people who had Baris Gumus-Dawes give up their cherished (and wrong) belief that left Minnesota over income taxes. Growth high business taxes are progressive. The plan & Justice Executive Director Joel Kramer ADMIN & PROJECT ASSISTANT also includes broadening the consumer sales responded that anecdotes aren’t the same as Emily Saunoi-Sandgren tax to more items and lowering the rate. To an overall picture of what’s happening. Some see the presentation, and supporting materials, also raised the question of what’s fair: The go to www.growthandjustice.org. wealthy already pay most of the taxes, even if they don’t pay as high a proportion of their Among the livelier aspects of income, and they don’t use more services. Joel Policy leaders respondINSIDE to “Rethinking the Q&A with legislators: Kramer responded that an argument could be Minnesota Taxes”...... 2 made that the wealthiest benefit most from Thank You 2004 G&J Supporters ...... 4 • Some Republicans in the House doubted the government services that protect property evidence that there is no clear link between continued on next page Workforce First inspires Early Care & Learning Act ...... 6 Meet the new G&J staff ...... 8

2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org continued from previous page rights and from investments in infrastructure Policy and community leaders and education that benefit businesses. respond to Growth & Justice’s • Senate Tax Chair ex- pressed great surprise over a chart from an Ernst & Young study showing that Minne- “Rethinking Minnesota Taxes” sota has below average business taxes, when you measure all taxes paid by business as a percentage of private sector activity. Sen. “The Growth & Justice tax plan makes a lot of sense. Many Pogemiller said you’d never suspect that Minnesotans don’t know that the wealthiest currently do not based on all the testimony he has heard from business groups about high taxes. To pay their proportional share in overall taxes. Also, I like the this point, Joel Kramer responded that those fact that Growth & Justice doesn’t just talk to people who who argue that we have a bad business tax climate are including the personal income tax agree with each other, but looks for people who have dif- and the overall tax level, not just taxes paid fering viewpoints. That’s how you get good policy.” by businesses. —Bill Hansen, Owner, Sawbill Outfitters; participant in It’s too soon to know if any bill will be written this year incorporating Growth & Duluth roundtable discussion Justice’s strategy, but there are plenty of indications that it’s affecting the thinking of a number of key legislators about how best “GROWTH AND JUSTICE’S TAX PROJECT is important because to raise revenue for the state. Minnesota’s tax system needs improvement. It needs stable revenue sources so the state’s contribution to the economy can continue. And, a Citizens engage in rethinking different mix of taxes could make taxes less burdensome on families with tight budgets. Growth and Justice is asking all the right questions and is Minnesota taxes getting key leaders to join in.”

In total, nearly 200 people participated in —Wayne Cox, Minnesota Citizens for Tax Justice Growth & Justice’s Tax/Revenue project leading to the “Rethinking Minnesota Taxes” report. Thanks to those who took the time to “AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE TAX COMMITTEE, I appreciated the attend our roundtable or work group discus- sions around the state, and those who shared opportunity to look at the entire state and local tax system from a strategic their input via our website. perspective vs. dealing with one tax or one proposal at a time. Growth & Justice’s approach challenges assumptions about taxes from both liberals A very special thank you to: and conservatives. This work is enlightening, and the approach is needed to get people working together on good tax policy for Minnesota.” • Sarah Aadland & Bill Mague, project researchers —State Representative Connie Bernardy (Fridley), • Rep. Connie Bernardy, legislative re- House Tax Committee, and legislative research sponsor of search sponsor; and House nonpartisan research and fiscal staff Growth & Justice’s tax study • Charlie Quimby, Words-at-Work, pre- sentation development • David Schultz, Pam Neary, John James, “WE NEED MORE ORGANIZATIONS like Growth and Justice who Julie Bunn, and others who contributed are willing to challenge the assumptions of both major political parties. to early research Minnesotans expect legislators to look for common ground and Growth • The Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP Foundation, and the Otto Bremer and Justice is helping us do so.” Foundation who provided support for the Tax/Revenue Project; as well as the —State Representative Ann Lenczewski (Bloomington), hundreds of other individuals and founda- Lead Democrat, House Tax Committee tions who support our work.

2 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org “WE APPRECIATE GROWTH & JUSTICE’S determination to get the business community’s perspective and its recognition that business taxes are regressive.”

—Tom Hesse, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

“AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, I am glad that Growth and Justice has recognized that it is people who ultimately bear Growth & Justice would like to the burden of paying taxes, and that making taxes more fair for thank the following advisers, business actually translates directly into making taxes fairer for G&J Advisers the people.” for their expertise, advice, and counsel. These leaders in —State Representative Phil Krinkie (Shoreview), their fields have helped shape House Tax Committee Chair &our organization and our policy work. “THOUGH WE MAY not agree with the proposal in its entirety, I believe it is provocative and has jump started a broader discussion David Andreas Truck Morrison on Minnesota tax policy. We appreciate the fact that the proposal Marcia Avner Pam Neary recognizes the importance of job growth to Minnesota’s economy.” Tom Barrett John Nelson Peter Bell Robert Olson —Charlie Weaver, Executive Director, Minnesota Business Jim Bernstein Don Ostrom Partnership Jeff Blodgett Frank Parisi Bruce Bomier Larry Perlman Steven Bosacker Mark Peterson “GROWTH & JUSTICE is providing valuable input Julie Bunn Akshay Rao Art Rolnick to the public discussion with regard to tax fairness Tom Rosen and incidence.” Bert Colianni Alex Rothman John DeSantis Steve Rothschild —Senator Larry Pogemiller (Mpls), Senate Tax Committee Chair Bill Drake Nina Rothschild Utne Anita Duckor Dennis Rysdahl Judi Dutcher Terry Saario Arvonne Fraser Kris Sanda Don Fraser Sharon Sayles-Belton Peter Gillette David Schultz Terry Gips Jon Scoll Peter Heegaard Joe Selvaggio Coming soon to a newspaper or meeting room near you Jean Holloway Catherine Shreves “Rethinkingfter a year of research and publicMinnesota Earlier this month, Taxes:”Joel Kramer spoke Tom Horner Al Silver discussions with interested citi- to the Minnesota Women’s Economic Linda Ireland Jeff Smedsrud zens around the state, Growth Roundtable, and at the end of the John James Wy Spano & Justice launched its plan to make month he will be speaking at two Marcie Jefferys Tom Streitz Minnesota taxes fairer for families and DFL Education Foundation groups. better for business. Discussions are currently being David Jennings Jacob Sullivan planned for Northfield and St. Cloud in Matt Kane John Sullivan The rollout of the tax proposal was early April. Jim Koppel Al Tims reported in both metro newspapers Ron Kroese John Ullmann and on at least two radio stations. Last If you would like to host a Growth & George Latimer Craig Waldron week, the Duluth News-Tribune pub- Justice “Rethinking Minnesota Taxes” Jim Lenfestey Danie Watson lished an op-ed by Joel Kramer about discussion with 15 or more people, Connie Lewis John Wells the proposal, and the next Citizens or invite Joel Kramer to speak to your Becky Lourey Anne Weyandt 651-917-6037 League Minnesota Journal will include group, contact us at or Monica Manning [email protected] an article. In the month since the . Ann Markusen Medora Woods Alaunch, Growth & Justice has met with Jim McCorkell Rebecca Yanisch groups of legislators, business people Bill McKinney and other interested citizens.

2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org 3 John & Susan Breon John James Alan Netland & Melanie Judy & Arnie Brier Andrea Jensen Shepard Douglas Britton & Nancy Bill & Myril Jensen Eric Newman & Janice Odden Mary Ellen Johnson Gepner Tyrone Bujold Melissa Johnson Kathleen O’Brien David Byfield David Johnson & Tracy Howard Orenstein Jim & Carmen Campbell Wessel Johnson James A. Payne Phil Carruthers Eric Jolly Jeremy Pierotti & Kathryn Burt Cohen Kathleen Jones Klibanoff Bill & Sharon Clapp Matt Kane & Liz Conway Tom Perron Thank You Bert & Susan Colianni Sylvia & Sam Kaplan Erik Peterson & Gail Olson Growth & Justice would not exist Leslie Cook Janet Keyes Karen Peterson without the support of a long list of Jay & Page Cowles Kathryn Kmitt Mark & Mary Peterson Lucia & Stod Crain Nancy Koo Larry & Kathleen 2004individual and foundation Donors donors. Dan & Cassie Cramer Elias Kramer Piumbroeck John & Sally Cuningham Fred Krohn Sally Power We are delighted to share the long Ken & Linda Cutler Clay & Mia Lambert Prakash & Kamala Puram list of 2004 donors with you now! Teresa Daly Peter Lancaster Kathleen Pytleski Fran Davis Eva & Bob Launer Linda & Peter Quinn THANK YOU for helping us generate Judy Dayton Jim & Susan Lenfestey, Gail & Rip Rapson Jack & Claire Dempsey Lenfestey Family Conrad Razidlo and communicate public policy that Caren Dewar Foundation Josh Resnik & Zoe Adler fosters both economic growth and Joseph Dolan Lee Lewis Resnik Bill Drake & Anne Diane Loeffler Carleen Rhodes Fund of the justice in Minnesota. McLaughlin Drake Becky & Gene Lourey Saint Paul Foundation Anita Duckor Brad Lundell Mark Ritchie & Nancy $5000 and above Emily Anne Tuttle Kent Eklund Kate Lynch & Christopher Gaschott David & Debra Andreas, Irv & Marge Weiser John & Amelia Engberg Beaty Janet Robert The Lownade Foundation Betsey Whitbeck & Jim Arlen & Ellen Erdahl William & Deborah Mague Arthur Rolnick Joel & Laurie Kramer Family Nelson Jim & Joy Erickson Nicole Majerle & Tim Devine Mary Rosenthal Foundation Lucille Evans Hahn Leonard Major Eric Utne & Nina Rothschild Anthony Lourey & Marlana $500-$999 Larry & Jill Field Monica Manning Utne Benzie-Lourey Family Sara Barrow Barbara Forster & Larry Jennifer Martin Jorge Saavedra Fund at The Schwab Fund Rondi C. Erickson Hendrickson Jim McCorkell & Chris Kris Sanda & Dick Johnson for Charitable Giving Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. Ken Foxworth Greenhow David & Miriam Sanders Leland T. Lynch and Terry Linda Ireland & Sue Gillman Don & Arvonne Fraser Brigid McDonough & Reid Steven Sarafolean Saario Fund of The Christopher McHugh & Jean Freeman McLean Dia Satori & Jae Bryson Foundation Cheryl Smetana McHugh Lew Freeman Bill McKinney Patricia & Barney Saunders Tina & Archie Smith Michael & Kathleen O’Keefe John French Mary McLeod Susan Segal & Myron Frans Medora Woods Matthew Kramer & Katie Peter Grottodden Sandra Meicher Susan Seltzer Barrett Kramer Joan Growe Robert B. Midness Frederick Sewell $1000-$4999 Tom & Gwynn Rosen Jocelyn Hale and Glenn Walter & Joan Mondale of David Schultz John & Sage Cowles Miller The Elmore Foundation of Erika Shatz Russell & Marguerite Cowles $100-$499 Brian Halloran The Saint Paul Foundation Phil Sherburne U.S. Senator Nancy Abramson & Rabbi Kathy Hansen Scott Moore Alan Sinaiko & Kathleen Cy & Paula DeCosse Stacy Offner Bette M. Hammel Kingsley H. Murphey Family Doar Ron & Joyce DeHarpporte Christine Almeida Grace Harkness Foundation Wy Spano & Marcia Keller- Tom Gegax & Mary Wescott Frank & Leslie Altman James Hart & Maureen Reed Jenny Myers Avner Anne & Peter Heegaard Dave Anderson Jodi & Stan Harpstead Pamela Neary & Courtney Phyllis Stenerson Family Fund of the Bob and Nancy Anderson Shawn Hartfeldt Storey Rich & Jill Stever-Zeitlin Minneapolis Foundation Paul Anton & Nancy Joshua Hawkins Samuel & Sylvia Kaplan Johnson Peter Heegaard Fund of the Minneapolis Thomas Arneson Steve Heikens Foundation Marilyn Bamford Don & Arlene Helgeson John Lavander & Nancy Ann Barkelew & James John & Kathe Hetterick Owen O’Hagan Jennie Hevern Growth & Justice meets its Ross & Bridget Levin Norah Barrett Bill Hillsman match! Welcome new donors David Lillehaug & Winifred Tom & Marge Barrett Joel Hodroff As part of our 2004 year-end fundraising Smith Peter Bell John Holman Tom & Barbara McBurney Judith Belzer & Jerry Jane Howard campaign, we offered new donors an Dick McFarland Family Waldman Kimberly Hunter & Scott opportunity to join Growth & Justice and Fund of The Minneapolis Michael & Paige Bingham Walters help us leverage matching funds from the Foundation Fund of the Minneapolis Dave Hutcheson & Elizabeth Sarlyn Fund (of up to $5,000). The cam- Larry & Peggy Meyer Foundation Stoltz Martha R Meyers & Bill Herman Birnberg Susanne Lilly & Zenas paign was successful and we met our Meyers Jeff & Emily Blodgett Hutcheson $5,000 goal and received the Sarlyn match! Roger & Maureen Parkinson Lynn Bollman & Karla Growth & Justice welcomes 62 new first-time Lawrence & Linda Perlman Bruce Bomier Ekdahl Family Foundation Chris & Larry Brazelton Paul Iverson donors who together raised $5,606, helping us raise a total of $10,606. 4 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org Frank Stone & Lynn Olson Cree Hanna Amy Luedtke Michael Rothman Amy Wilde Marilyn Sussman Kathleen Hardy Paul Luehr Alexander Rothman Jason M. Willett Arlene & Tom Swain Mary Hayes Morris Kevin Lynch Steve & Marilyn Rothschild Lois C. Wolff Bruce & Judy Tennebaum Candy Hazen Mark Mahon Andrea & Jim Rubenstein Ellen Wolfson Mary Staples Thompson Lance Henderson Tim Mahoney Christian Rummelhoff Anna Youngerman Jane Tilka Annette Henkel Martin Maiers Pat Ryan Greene Shirley & Peter Zimmerman Carol Walsh Anna Henning & Krista Sheldon Mains Frank & Bette Sack Linda Zimney Danie Watson Olson Linda Maloney LaVonne Samstad Alan Weinblatt Pat Herge Richard Mammen Laura Sayles These foundations provided Tene Wells Dan Herzberg Carole Mannheim Gary Schiff funding by matching indi- Larry Werner Elizabeth Hinz Pamela Marentette Eric Schubert vidual contributions from Anne Weyandt Janet Hively Derek Martinez Audri Schwarz employees or executives Alan Whidby John Hodowanic Mark & Judy McCorkell Joe Selvaggio in 2004: Frank Wilkinson Marge Hoffa Linda M. McDonnell Michael & Vickie Selzer American Express Kate & Mark Wisser Heidi & Chuck Holley Donald McFarland William Sentell Foundation Laura Witerman Wittstock Mat & Karla Hollinshead Peter McLaughlin Christina Sheran Blandin Foundation Jim & Allie Wittenberg Connie Holmberg & Nathan Kay Mehl Joseph Sherin ING Sara & Doug Wolff Fagre Pamela Meier Catherine Shreves & Star Tribune Foundation Rebecca & Stephen Yanisch Noni Hove Threinen LaDonna Meinecke Thomas Bird Jim Huhtala Daniel & Karen Melander Rebecca & John Siekmeier 2004 pro-bono support $20-$99 Ann Iijima Kate Menendez & Dan Chuck Slocum In addition to the generous Sharon & Richard Aadalen Jerry & Judith Ingber Rogan Jill Smith & Leon Green gifts from individuals and Dylan Abrams Alan & Christine Ingram Stacey Mickelson Sheila Smith foundations, we received Dennis Alfton Barbara Jeffries Lynnell Mickelson & John Cecily Sommers pro-bono support in 2004 Andrea Amundson James & Laura Johnson Bellaimey Joanne Spencer from the following: Melinda Anderson Jamie Johnson Nancy Middleton Seth Stattmiller Don Anderson Megan Johnson David Motes Stephanie Steinwedel Accredited Investors, Inc., Ross Anderson Karen Jones Suzanne Murphy Jackie Stevenson Ross Levin (financial Michael Andert Nancy Jones Florence Myslayek John Stiles & Javier Morillo- services) Timothy & Beverly Anglum Catherine Jordan David Nasby Alicea Belden Hyatt, Ginny Belden- Jennifer Bakkum Representative Phyllis Kahn Rebecca Nash Melissa Stirn Charles, (meeting facilita- Jerry Beltt Lee & Judith Kaplan Patricia Neal Shireen Stone tion & planning) Jessica Bennett John Kaul Charlotte Neigh Steven Stovitz Downstairs Graphics, Cathy Dennis Benson Elliot & Nancy Karasov Craig Nelson William Strang Crepeau, (graphic design) Stephen & Dixie Berg Krysta Kavenaugh Michael Noble Barbara Street Fredrickson & Byron, PA, Senator Linda Berglin Ken Kelash Diane O’Brien Steven & Nancy Struthers David Lillehaug & John Jill Birnbaum Leonard Kelley Lindquist Adam Oliansky Linda J. Sutton Nelson (legal services) Linda Bjorklund Tom & Laura Kelly Robert Olson Carol Taylor Frederick & Rosen LTD, Richard Blake Mike Kennedy Cynthia Orbovich Amanda Tempel Tom Rosen (accounting Katherine Blauvelt Shelia M. Kiscaden Don & Florence Ostrom Claire Thoen-Levin services) David Bly Emily Kissane Michael & Connie O’Sullivan Gayle Thomas Laxdal Consulting, Sue Lax- Jon Bormann Ann Kjelsberg Todd & Jane Otis Joan & Patrick Toohey in dal (meeting facilitation) Carol Bouska Alexandra Klaren Andy Otness honor of their Conor Jon Thompson (information Salley & Mike Bosanko Nancy Kleeman Margaret Owen Toohey technology consulting & Amy Brugh John Klein Stephanie Owen Robert Tracy technical support) Julie Bunn & Marlon Todd Klingel & Diane Sims Helene Turnbull Urban Planet (website devel- Gunderson Eric Klis Page Donald & Sandra Turner opment & hosting) Allan & Lou Burdick Stefan Knep Senator Sandra Pappas Karen Turnquist Companies and individuals Faith & Mary Cable Peter Kramer Mark Paquette & Tamra Falk Pamela Twiss that donated their services Connie Cameron Parke Kuukle Traci Parmenter Michael W. Unger pro-bono for the 2004 Cindy Carlsson Neroli Laceey Ruth Parriott Lisa Van Dyke Worst Political Ads in Sonja Clark Scott Lambert Mike Perkins America event: Robert Dana Cynthia Launer Doug & Eloise Peterson Brian Vats-Fournier Paulette DesJardins Nancy Larson Jean Peterson Basch Peter Vevana Charlton Dietz Susan Lasoff Stephen Phillipps Jim Vollager Audio Visual Film Group, Barbara Donaghy Kristi Lee Kathleen Picard Andrew Von Bank & Ellen Jim Fuller (produced the Dick Erdall Jim Leinfelder Eugene Piccolo M. Perrault show) Janet Feldman Gary LePage Brian M. Pittelko Joey Vossen Carmichael Lynch Thorburn William & Eleanor Ferril Peggy Leppik Karen Porth H Hillard Ward Design (creative services, Steve & Nancy Gilats Mort Levine Melinda Quivik Anna Wasescha event logo, posters and Marjorie Goldberg Randy Levy Ember Reichgott Junge Stuart Webb invite) Janice & Jules Goldstein Connie Lewis & Ken Ken Reine Charles Weed & Jennifer Dan Joppa, Carmichael Steve Goldstein Peterson Dorothy Renstrom Presholt Lynch (video services) Lawrence & Ina Gravitz Tina Liebling Alice Rice David Weissbrodt LeMeridien Hotel, Jim Graves Connie Green Dan Lipschultz Sumner Richman John Wells (hors d’oeuvres for the Anthony Hainault Pat Litchy Kathleen Ridder Tim Welsh reception) Peter & Mary Jo Hakanson Lawrence Litecky Twyla Ring Byron Wertz Brian Halverson Carl and Mary Lofy George Rosenquist Stew Widdess Bryce Hamilton Bill Lofy Debbie Ross Jeremy Wieland

2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org 5 Early Care and Learning Act inspired by Growth & Justice Workforce First proposal

hen Growth & Justice published its Workforce First report a year ago, we recommended that Minnesota consolidate all child care subsidy programs into a single new early child- Whood scholarship available to low-income parents either going to work or to school. We said the program should be designed to encourage parents to place their children in high-quality care situations, where care is provided by workers earning a living wage. This would be a major step toward ensuring that children are being prepared to succeed by the time they get to kindergarten.

State Representative thought this recommendation made sense, too. He contacted Growth & Justice to learn more about the issue and then drafted a bill to do just what Growth & Justice described. This year, Rep. Thissen introduced H.F. 1235, the Early Care and Learning Act.

Rep. Thissen’s bill (H.F. 1235) consolidates the state’s child care assistance programs into a single program with one set of eligibility criteria and open- ended funding that will allow all eligible families to enroll. The bill also provides greater incentives for child care providers to provide high-quality care. And, it establishes a “Qualified Early Care and Learning Provider” designation for providers that meet certain standards that are associated with preparing children for Kindergarten. A tiered reimbursement system is created to reward providers that meet standards with progressively higher reimbursement rates.

This month, the bill was discussed with a bi-partisan group of legislators in the Early Childhood Caucus, and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Early Childhood Policy & Budget Committee.

Investing in high quality early childhood learning and care is simple common sense. Our state’s long-term commitment toward building a society that truly supports working people — and is true to the principle of opportunity for all — has been lost in recent years. The Growth & Justice Workforce First report was so effective and persuasive to me because it placed the issue of early childhood care and education in the broader context of ‘How do we move toward a more prosperous and more fair Minnesota over the long haul?’ That is the question all legislators should be asking. —STATE REPRESENTATIVE PAUL THISSEN (Minneapolis)

6 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org And, a Growth & Justice study of the state’s policies and programs revealed many major barriers that discourage low-income Minnesotans from pursuing post-secondary education. Why not a tax credit for So, Rep. Thissen introduced a bill that provides some incentive for low-income working adults to go back to employersnother Workforcewho cover First statistic that caught college, and for employers to encourage them to do so. Rep. Thissen’s eye was the fact that Min- H.F. 882 (S.F. 1382) provides a tax credit to employers low-incomenesota has employees’ a wider gap than 29 post- other states who cover the cost of post-secondary education for em- Asecondarybetween education the college graduation costs? rates of its ployees working more than 30 hours per week and earn- wealthiest and poorest citizens. Minnesotans in the top ing less than $12 per hour. The tax credit is up to $2,000 20% of family incomes are seven times more likely to per eligible employee. The bill was introduced in both graduate from college than those in the bottom quintile. the House and the Senate and is awaiting a hearing.

The following esteemed foundations have generously supported Growth & Justice’s work to date: The Elmer & Eleanor Andersen Foundation The McKnight Foundation 2004The Oakleaf G&J Foundation Foundation Support The Otto Bremer Foundation Pax Christi Catholic Community Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP Foundation, a supporting organization of The Minneapolis Foundation

YES!Name: ______I support Growth & Justice! __ $1,000 Address: ______Home Phone: ______Work Phone: ______$500 E-Mail: ______Fax: ______$250 __Check __Visa __Master Card Expiration Date: ______$100 Card Number: ______$50 Signature: ______Amount: ______Other ______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 / St. Paul, MN 55114 You can learn more about Growth & Justice or contribute online at www.growthandjustice.org

2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org 7 Growth & Justice: Two years old and going strong

rowth & Justice turned two years old at the end of last year. It’s hard isGROWTH a think tank &for JUSTICE Minnesota to imagine that in that short time we’ve gone from the germ of an idea economic policy focused on in founder Joel Kramer’s head, to a vibrant organization boasting more achieving economic growth, than 700 individual and foundation donors. We’ve successfully put a economic justice, and stake in the ground for public policy that fosters both economic growth environmental sustainability Gand economic justice. And, participation in the civic engagement part of our work is simultaneously. strong and growing.

GROWTH & JUSTICE believes Nearly 400 people from all backgrounds and areas of the state have engaged by par- ticipating in a roundtable or work group discussion, and 2,500 subscribe to our email that at a time of deep partisan news updates. We’ve tackled two major policy subjects – wages and taxes. And, as a division, Minnesotans can unite result, have published two policy reports: Workforce First, asserting that Minnesota around one goal: a state economy can increase the number of self-sufficient families and strengthen the state’s economy that is strong and growing, while with a serious commitment to providing more education and skills for workers; and providing a decent standard Rethinking Minnesota Taxes, a strategy aimed at making Minnesota’s tax system of living for all. fairer for families and better for business growth by swapping higher income taxes on high earners for lower business taxes.

In October of 2004, we moved our office to new quarters on University Ave. in St. Paul, Two new staff members joined the Growth & and earlier this year we added a Director of Research and Policy Analysis to our staff Justice team this past February. We’re happy to build our research and policy analysis capabilities. to welcome:Growth & Justice welcomes two new staff Growth & Justice has been fortunate to be able to grow at a time when the state’s Baris Gumus-Dawes, economy is sluggish and many nonprofits are downsizing or going out of business. Director of Research & Our success would not be possible without the ongoing support of so many generous Policy Analysis: Baris individuals and foundations who choose to make a difference in Minnesota’s quality has a B.S. in Economics of life through long-term systemic policy change. We thank you all. from Middle East Techni- cal University in Turkey, If you would like to learn more about Growth & Justice’s work, or how you can get in- a Masters in Economics volved, please visit our website www.growthandjustice.org or call us at 651-917-6037. from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD in Sociology from Yale University. Most recently, she worked as a Researcher at Ameregis, where she man- NON-PROFIT ORG aged research projects on the geography of US POSTAGE racial and economic segregation. She also has PAID worked as a researcher and research associate Mpls., MN at the Central Bank of Turkey. Permit #28507 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 Emily Saunoi-Sandgren, St. Paul, MN 55114 Administrative & Proj- ect Assistant: Emily has worked for the past seven years as an activist on is- sues of violence against women, working both with individual victims as well as with larger institutions on creating safer and more just opportunities for women to leave abusive relationships. Most recently, she was the Office Manager and Project Co- ordinator at WATCH. Emily has a B.A. in Psychology, French, and Women’s Studies from St. Olaf College.

8 2324 University Ave. West, Suite 201 St. Paul, MN 55114 phone 651-917-6037 fax 651-641-7223 www.growthandjustice.org