JERMAINE TONEY ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT A

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1 JERMAINE TONEY ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY 2007 ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT A

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Racial Equity in Minnesota RACIAL EQUITY LEGISLATION... 9 BILLS Education Equity Economic and Wealth Equity Civil Rights and Criminal Justice Health Equity American Indian Tribal Sovereignty Legislating Institutional Racism REPORTING ON THE GOVERNOR LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD Summary of the 2007 Report Card on Racial Equity House Report Card Senate Report Card REFERENCES ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT The Organizing Apprenticeship Project works to advance racial, cultural, social and economic justice in Minnesota through organizer and leadership training, policy research and strategic convening work. B 2007 LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

3 Racial Equity in Minnesota A little over a year ago, the Organizing Apprenticeship Project and partners released the first ever Minnesota Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity that looked at the state legislature s and governor s support for state policies that strengthen racial equity, opportunity and American Indian tribal sovereignty. Since that time, over 1,200 Minnesotans legislative leaders, communities of color, American Indian communities, business leaders, youth, researchers and educators have been briefed on last year s report card. These individuals and groups have all struggled with taking public leadership on issues of race. As a community, we are facing tough questions. What do Minnesota s documented and stark racial disparities in such important indicators as health, economic status and education say about us, our values and our institutions? What do our state s demographic changes mean for not just Minnesotans of color who will represent 22.5 percent of the population in 2030 but for all of us? 1 What would it mean to hold ourselves accountable to promoting equity and opportunity as a core value, an imperative and a real possibility for Minnesota? This report documents the progress our state legislature and governor have made during the 2007 session toward closing disparities and increasing equity for all Minnesotans. ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 1

4 RACIAL FAULT LINE IN MINNESOTA There is a growing racial fault line running through our state a fault line that is undermining our future. Minnesota leads the nation in key quality-oflife indicators. Taken as a whole, we are one of the healthiest, wealthiest and best educated. At the same time, there are growing disparities between whites and Minnesotans of color, racial disparities that in some cases are among the worst in the nation. fourths (71 percent) of Blacks, nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of American Indians and Latinos graduate. 2 school diploma. 3 Asian-Pacific Islanders are uninsured. percent of Latino and American Indian children, 13 percent of Asian-Pacific 5 but is not even noted as a standard-of-living indicator for whites Blacks are arrested at a rate 817 percent higher than whites, yet their reported overall drug use is at a rate 66 percent higher than whites (largely due to usage of marijuana). What is more, Blacks comprise roughly one-third (31.7 percent) of the prison 6 These disparities are not accidents of individual behavior. They are grounded in our history, in our public decisions and institutions. The wealth and prosperity in Minnesota today grew from a strong progressive tradition that worked to create bridges to opportunity for many of us, no matter how poor our parents or grandparents once were. Our historic public investments in economic and workforce development, in our education system, in health care helped make us one of the most prosperous states in the country, and helped generations of white immigrants move from poverty to wealth. They did not, however, create the same bridge to opportunity for Minnesotans of color and practice, intentionally and unintentionally, from access to the good life LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

5 ELEVEN COUNTIES HAVE GROWN BY MORE THAN 58 PERCENT IN PEOPLE OF COLOR, Highest Change Counties with the highest percent change in people of color, Highest Proportion Counties with the highest proportion of people of color, Total population in 2006: 5,363,238 Total number of people of color: 747,625 Percent of people of color of the state population: 13.94% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 3

6 Today, as Minnesota becomes more racially diverse, our investment in institutions and policies that promote equity and opportunity for all has declined, eroding our values, our sense of the common good and our future prosperity. Without commitment to racial justice goals, state spending will not only fail to strengthen the institutions that we all need for shared prosperity. They will also fail to anticipate unequal outcomes and actually reinforce the racial fault line. RACE AND DISMANTLING THE INFRASTRUCTURE the Brookings Institution points out that racial disparities and the failure to consider key long-term infrastructure needs like education, economic and workforce development and health care will ultimately undermine future economic growth. 7 Racial equity and investments in the infrastructure are directly related. In other words, we have to make strategic race-conscious investments in the current infrastructure to have continued wealth and prosperity. Lately, we have all wrestled with the consequences of the decline in public investment in libraries, public schools, transit and bridges all universally known to promote the link between that public investment and changing demographics. Whether intended or not, the decline in public investment in equity and opportunity is directly aligned with the rise in racial diversity in the state. This is not unique to us. Nationally, economists and social scientists have documented a strong relationship between diversifying communities and shifts in public spending. Simply put, as diversity rises, public spending falls of all types, including education, health care, roads or welfare programs. 8 here is how this trend is playing out in Minnesota: population. At the same time, per pupil spending increased from $3,205 to education declined while requirements for public schools expanded. According state spending is projected to increase by only 12 percent. 10 Some of those requirements are testing, unfunded mandates like special education, increased standards and transportation. 11 In other words, as the proportion of students of color increases, the state s commitment to funding Minnesota s schools is decreasing. percent and corrections will actually outpace education by 15 percent and economic development by 22 percent. This is not an investment in a smart, sustainable and equitable common good. It hurts us all, particularly communities of color and American Indian communities LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

7 Undermining public investment in education, workforce development and health care is a sign that our infrastructure is being dismantled, which means that our future prosperity is at stake. We are failing to defend and expand the good life for all of our attention and commitment to racial equity, state spending will not only fail to strengthen the institutions that we all need for shared prosperity. They will also fail to anticipate unequal outcomes and actually reinforce the racial fault line. Given Minnesota s values, history, resources and reputation as a leader in work for building bridges to opportunity we are well positioned to lead and shape equitable institutions and policies. Yet to realize this vision, racial justice has to be at our core. We have to make racial equity a top state priority. Our leaders and institutions have to step up, act and be held accountable for investing in and strengthening the infrastructure, forwarding policies that promote equity and opportunity in our state REPORT HIGHLIGHTS STATE LEGISLATURE RECEIVED A D The state legislature received a D in the first year of the biennium. Thirteen of the 21 bills that were considered for this report became law; this gives the state legislature an overall score of 62 percent. Economic equity and American Indian tribal sovereignty MARKED IMPROVEMENT FROM LAST YEAR S REPORT Despite the state legislature s overall poor grade, there has been marked improvement from last year s report. More legislators led in sponsoring racial equity legislation. Last year there were five champions for racial equity, this year there are eight. Last year, there were 26 legislators on the honor roll that cut across party, geographic and racial lines; this year there are 65 legislators. There was also improvement in most issue areas. One hundred percent of American Indian tribal sovereignty bills we considered were passed into law, percent and criminal justice bill pass rates from 0 to 25 percent. These are clear signs of progress towards improving racial equity and opportunity. CHAMPIONS FOR RACIAL EQUITY THE GOVERNOR RECEIVED A D As the state s highest elected official, Gov. Tim Pawlenty must be held accountable for using his power over the purse strings and legislation to invest in institutions that play a role in promoting equity and opportunity. And if the state legislature has a poor grade, he must also get a poor grade. Despite signing many racial equity bills once they reached his ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 5

8 desk, the governor has neglected to prepare Minnesota for an equitable multiracial future. Whether intended or not, the governor has reinforced the shrinkage of public funds and dismantling of core institutions in the face of unprecedented growth in communities of color. What s more, the governor has threatened to veto or vetoed education and civil rights bills that would have strongly benefited communities of color. If these bills were enacted the state legislature would have had a better grade. HIGHER THE RACIAL COMPOSITION, STRONGER SUPPORT FOR RACIAL EQUITY Districts with the highest percent of constituents of color show strongest support for racial equity bills. People of color are the majority in nine legislative districts. Top leaders Minneapolis). LOWER THE RACIAL COMPOSITION, STRONG SUPPORT FOR RACIAL EQUITY Districts with white majorities show support for racial equity bills. Thirty legislators that HONOR ROLL LEGISLATORS THAT RECEIVED A S AND B S. HONORABLE MENTION LEGISLATORS THAT RECEIVED C S. Senate: Ellen Anderson LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

9 GOALS OF THE REPORT the report serves as an annual tool for holding the state legislature accountable for public policies that have clear positive outcomes for communities of color and American Indian communities. Second, the report spurs legislative action that addresses institutional racism and makes racial equity visible in the policy-making arena. Third, the report provides a springboard for action in the larger community. We will work with legislative and community leaders in every sector to make clear the impact of their work on communities of color and to hold them accountable to equitable outcomes. METHODOLOGY To track the performance of the state legislature and governor on supporting racial equity, 21 bills were selected that, if passed, would advance racial equity and eliminate racial disparities in the state. Fourteen of these bills reached the governor s desk. Eight of the twenty-one bills died at the state legislature and were labeled missed opportunities. Three methods were developed to select and analyze racial equity legislation: (1) Interviews were conducted with leaders and organizations that promote racial and economic equity to understand their experience and gain input on selecting legislation; (2) criteria for selecting legislation were developed, the legislation had to meet one or more of the following criteria: This report spurs legislative action that addresses institutional racism and makes racial equity visible in the policy-making arena. (3) The potential impact on communities of color and American Indian communities was estimated by reviewing and analyzing quantitative and qualitative sources. Major data sources used were testimonies from interviews, fiscal notes on policies prepared by the Minnesota Department of Finance. Public policy analysts of governmental and nonprofit organizations of issue areas were also consulted. ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 7

10 PRINCIPLES FOR RACIAL AND CULTURAL EQUITY The Organizing Apprenticeship Project has adopted these principles, which guide our work to reduce racial disparities in education, income, wealth, the elements: FOCUS ON RACIAL EQUITY OUTCOMES As the population of people of color continues to expand, Minnesota has to adopt a proactive racial equity agenda to match the growing concerns of Minnesotans of color. To uphold this agenda, public policy has to be formulated and enforced to ensure that racial inequities are eliminated. UPHOLD EQUITY, ENFRANCHISEMENT AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE Minnesotans of color should have rights to civic engagement and access to institutions and public benefits such as education, employment, housing, health care, and voting rights to have meaningful participation in society. Attributes of people of color such as culture, language, immigration status, income, and criminal history should not be grounds for discrimination. INVEST IN OPPORTUNITY AND ADVANCEMENT Public, nonprofit and private institutions of Minnesota have to invest in improving education, expanding access to public services, strengthening workforce, spurring community development to build stronger social and economic returns for Minnesotans of color and Minnesota in general. STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION, RACIAL VIOLENCE, RACIAL PROFILING Long before and since September 11th, communities of color have been subject to hate crimes and public policies that widen racial disparities in the criminal justice system Minnesota has to build on and enforce policies to end discrimination based on race, ethnicity or immigration status. RECOGNIZE AND HARVEST THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF RACIAL AND CULTURAL COMMUNITIES For too long, cultural communities have been denied access to their heritage culture, rendered statistically insignificant and absent in policy designs. These are expressions of structural and institutional racism, placing all students, particularly these communities at a further disadvantage in opportunities and outcomes. Minnesota must design policies that build upon the languages, values, cultural history and end racial and cultural inequities LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

11 SUMMARY: RACIAL EQUITY LEGISLATION THAT REACHED THE GOVERNOR S DESK IN 2007 EDUCATION EQUITY SF 686/Torres Ray (D-Minneapolis), Rooting Child Care in Cultural Context: support tribal governments, nonprofits and libraries in culturally grounded training to boost activities in early reading, health and school readiness. Signed by the Governor (HF 1078, Sec. 62) HF 981/Brown (D-Albert Lea), Boosting Funding for Special Education: Increases funding for special education-representing the largest increase in funding for education. Signed by the Governor (Chapter 146, Article 3, Section 14 and 18) ECONOMIC EQUITY SF 809/Higgins (D-Minneapolis), Preventing Racial Predatory Mortgage Lending: Bans a mortgage lender or broker from originating a loan without accounting for the best interest of the borrower. Signed by the Governor HF 643/Hansen (D-South St. Paul), Strengthening Labor Rights of Meatpacking Workers: Lays out principles for rights of packinghouse workers and authorizes the creation of an ombudsman to the meatpacking industry. Signed by the Governor (HF 122) HF 1078/Berglin (D-Minneapolis), Expanding Access to Child Care Assistance: Lowers the eligibility for co-payments and lowers the co-payment rate for low income families. Signed by the Governor SF1196/Michael Jungbauer (R-East Bethel), Manufactured Home Park Trust Fund: Authorizes the creation of a trust fund for manufactured homeowners who become dislocated. Signed by Governor (Chapter 141) ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 9

12 CIVIL RIGHTS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE HF 1380/Dominguez (D-Minneapolis), Expanding Opportunities for Those Arrested but Not Convicted: surrounding sealing arrest records for those who were arrested but not convicted. Signed by Governor (SF 1992, Art. 1, Sec 8 and Art. 2, Sec ) SF 1297/Larson (D-Bloomington), Reducing Structural Barriers to Voting: Would have required those who renew or complete an application for a driver s license or state identification card in Minnesota to be automatically registered to vote. HEALTH EQUITY Vetoed by the Governor (Chapter 56, SF 1997) SF 15/Prettner Solon (D-Duluth), Health Insurance for All Children: Guarantees insurance access to 35,000 children. Signed by the Governor (HF 1078, Art 12, Sec 6 & 4) HF 196/Greiling (D-Roseville), Improving Mental Health of Kids: Establishes mental health grants to allow counties, American Indian tribes, and mental health service providers to focus on prevention. Signed by the Governor (HF 196, Art. 8, Sec. 8) AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY SF 1048/Lourey (D-Kerrick), Restructuring Membership on Indian Affairs Council: Allows elected chairpersons of the tribal governments to designate one other member to have voting power on the council. Signed by the Governor (Chapter 130) HF 2008/Clark (D-Minneapolis), Promoting American Indian Cultural Contributions: Establishes the creation of a statewide task force to create a study on Indian education, and creates a state requirement that American Indian cultural and historical content become integral to state standards in public education. Signed by the Governor LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

13 SF 1925/Vickerman (D-Tracy), Building Infrastructure for Tribal Service Veterans: Provides funding for the creation of Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSO), a new section of the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs. Signed by the Governor (HF 2227, Omnibus Agricultural and Veterans Affairs Appropriations) HF 1663/Moe (D-Bemidji), Protecting Wild Rice from Terminator Seeds: Specifies that all entities that desire to cultivate genetically engineered wild rice in Minnesota have to file an environmental impact statement. Mandates the Environmental Quality Board to study the negative affects of genetic alteration on wild rice and inform tribal governments of permission granted in other states to grow genetically engineered wild rice. Signed by the Governor (SF 2096) ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 11

14 EDUCATION EQUITY Minnesota s student population is becoming increasingly diverse. Between 2001 and 2006, the number of students of color in Minnesota increased 15 and now comprise nearly one-fourth 16 The strongest growth has occurred in school districts in greater Minnesota. 17 As the school population changes, eliminating unequal treatment in school discipline and disparate outcomes in educational attainment have to become top educational policy priorities. 18 These disparities are rooted in education systems and policies that limit the academic development and success of students of color. Solutions to these disparities are within reach. We must first start to recognize and honor the assets of students of color and cultural communities in Minnesota. Then we must prioritize policies that allow all students to reach their full potential and that facilitate equitable outcomes. EDUCATION EQUITY LEGISLATION HF 796/ E. Murphy (D-St. Paul), SF 686/Torres Ray (D-Minneapolis) ROOTING CHILD CARE IN CULTURAL CONTEXT As Minnesota s student population becomes more diverse, it is critical that educators understand the language and cultural issues when looking at a child s assessment for school readiness. The Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) system is the most popular form of child care in Minnesota, particularly for nonwhite racial and cultural communities. These communities have used the FFN to transfer languages, cultural Services to support tribal governments, nonprofits and libraries in culturally grounded training to boost activities in early reading, health and school readiness. 20 This bill benefits children of color and American Indian children who constitute nearly one-third (31 percent) of the FFN care program. 21 Signed by the Governor (HF 1078, Sec. 62) LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

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16 EDUCATION EQUITY LEGISLATION I feel it is extremely important to have a pool of teachers of color coming out of our higher education system. They would provide for a bright future for all of our students across this great state. M NORTON i HF 981/Brown (D-Albert Lea), SF 1230/Rummel (D-White Bear Lake) BOOSTING FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION Federal and state government underfunding of special education places a heavy financial burden on local school districts. 22 The underfunding of this program is troubling when considering the racial dynamics. Black, American Indian and limited-english-proficiency Latino students are over-identified and represented in special education. 23 Students of education. Despite this positive step forward, policymakers and educators must work to ensure that referrals to special education are a last resort, especially in suburban and rural districts, where the demographics are shifting rapidly. 25 Turning a blind eye towards racial tracking into special education could further disadvantage students of color and American Indian students. Signed by the Governor (Chapter 146, Article 3, Section 14 and 18) MISSED OPPORTUNITIES SF 653/Pappas (D-St. Paul), HF 722/Mariani (D-St. Paul) IN-STATE TUITION FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS In Minnesota, a child may attend public schools starting in kindergarten and graduate high school, but still be ineligible for in-state tuition if they are from an undocumented family. SF 653 grants in-state tuition for those who graduate from a Minnesota state high school or gain the equivalent or attend a high school for at least three years. In addition, students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents must provide the college or university with a statement that upon eligibility, they will file to become a permanent resident. This provision passed in both chambers and made it to the omnibus to a threat of veto by the governor. As a concession to students who were organizing Education agreed to eliminate out-of-state tuition in seven schools. This deal will allow roughly 1,200 undocumented students of color per year to attend more state colleges and universities at the in-state tuition rate. 26 Died in House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Policy and Finance Division HF 1198/Mariani (D-Minneapolis), SF 907/Torres Ray (D-Minneapolis) REMOVING THE TIME LIMIT ON LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY STUDENTS The Limited English Proficiency (LEP) population has constantly grown. Between 2000 and 2005, the LEP population increased by 53 percent. 27 LEP students, predominately immigrants of color, now account for 7.5 percent of the public school population LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

17 limit, regardless of student needs. Research indicates that it takes at least seven years for eligibility by 10,151 LEP students per year. 28 Both bills were included in earlier drafts of Died in E-12 Education Finance Conference Committee HF 1698/Norton (D-Rochester), SF 1856/Lynch (D-Rochester) INCREASING TEACHER DIVERSITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS make up only 3 percent of the teacher population. to recruit students of color to become teachers in public schools. For teachers to be eligible, they must be a resident of Minnesota, a junior or senior in a state certified teacher preparatory program, and commit to teaching in a school district wherein students of integration plan. The Minnesota Department of Education will house and disperse the loans for the program. This bill would have encouraged thousands of teachers of color to teach to an increasingly diverse student population in Minnesota. 30 Died in House K-12 Finance Division and Senate Finance Committee SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR Out-of-school suspensions per 100 students. (Minnesota Statewide Trends: For every 100 students overall, there were 4.0 out-of-school suspensions.) Road blocks to educational achievement force students of color into the juvenile justice pipeline. Low graduation rates, disparities in academic achievement, special education tracking, and discrimination in school discipline have been recognized underlying structural challenges have to be addressed. Policy prescriptions in areas of early education, equitable school funding, and equitable school procedures and practices can all ensure academic success of students of color BLACK AMERICAN INDIAN 6.0 LATINO 3.3 ASIAN 2.5 WHITE Source: Children's Defense Fund, America s Cradle to Prison Pipeline, Oct The source of the information comes from U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, 2004 Elementary and Secondary Civil Rights Survey; Schott Foundation for Public Education, Public Education and Black Male Students: A State Report Card, ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 15

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19 ECONOMIC & WEALTH EQUITY The face of Minnesota s workforce is changing rapidly. Younger workers of color account for 17 percent of workers between the ages of 20 to 31 Further, the buying power of businesses and people of color are growing faster than whites in Minnesota essential fuel for economic growth. 32 income and wealth that grow from systemic barriers. Workers of color wage jobs. 33 more likely than whites to live in poverty. We have to break the glass ceilings in opportunities. And through policy decisions, we can build an economic system that promotes our progressive tradition and vision. ECONOMIC & WEALTH EQUITY LEGISLATION HF 1004/Davnie (D-Minneapolis), SF 809/Higgins (D-Minneapolis) PREVENTING RACIAL PREDATORY MORTGAGE LENDING Subprime lending practices has led to a dramatic rise in single-family-home foreclosures, disproportionately in communities of color. 35 In 2005 alone, there were 1,680 foreclosures where people of color are disproportionately represented. 36 But predatory lending is not percent of all loans taken out were subprime loans. 37 a mortgage lender or broker from originating a loan without requiring documentation that takes into account the borrower s income, assets, insurance, taxes and interest rates. 38 wherein the loan amount to pay back increases rather than decreases with time, except for loans with a short life span. This bill protects thousands of families of color against foreclosure driven by predatory mortgage lending practices. the strongest provisions of any in the nation. But while this policy will cut down new mortgage scams, there are still hundreds of families, disproportionately families of color, already locked into bad deals that could financially devastate them. Therefore, further legislation is needed to remedy situations wherein people are unfairly impacted. Signed by the Governor ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 17

20 ECONOMIC & WEALTH EQUITY LEGISLATION Predatory mortgage lending is a statewide crisis. This nation-leading bill strikes a balance between protecting Minnesotans while ensuring continued access to credit, and a robust lending market for both borrowers and the lending industry. REPRESENTATIVE JIM DAVNIE ii HF 643/Hansen (D-South St. Paul), SF 879/Metzen (D-South St. Paul) STRENGTHENING LABOR RIGHTS OF MEATPACKING WORKERS workers of color and its decline in labor standards. rights of packinghouse workers. Some of the principles include the right to working and restroom facilities that are adequate and provisions to ensure that there is sufficient time for eating or restroom breaks. This proposal also authorizes the creation of an ombudsman Industry, his or her duties will include inspecting and reviewing procedures and ensuring workers rights are meaningfully protected. According to the Minnesota Department of This proposal will especially benefit immigrant workers of color who represent over one-third of the laborers in the meatpacking industry in Minnesota. Despite this legislative progress, the meatpacking industry has been subject to numerous immigration raids by federal agencies. As a consequence, the immigration raids have helped to criminalize and unfairly penalize undocumented immigrants simply for working hard in Minnesota companies. Minnesota must put a moratorium on all immigration raids. HF 1078/Berglin (D-Minneapolis) Signed by the Governor (HF 122) EXPANDING ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE Families of color are more likely to face financial barriers to child care. payments. family income. This bill also lowers the co-payment rate from $10 to $5 for those families that earn between 75 and 100 percent of the official poverty line. of the 2003 funding cuts for co-payments. In 2003, the state government cut funding for child care by 50 percent. As a result, roughly 12,000 families lost assistance, and by 2005, waiting lists grew to 8,000 families. Low income families of color for whom statebased child care have been a lifeline were hit the hardest. While this bill gets funding back to 2003 levels, it does not boost the reimbursement percent for child care providers. These providers were also negatively affected by 2003 budget cuts. Many providers have raised their rates and thus increased financial barriers for child care, particularly for lowincome parents of color. Signed by the Governor LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

21 HF1205/Scott Kranz (D-Blaine), SF1196/Michael Jungbauer (R-East Bethel) MANUFACTURED HOME PARK TRUST FUND Municipalities have failed to act when manufactured home parks with large proportions of families of color were closed. Previously, if the land underneath them was sold for redevelopment, homeowners were guaranteed no compensation for their homes. In a recent wave of home park closings for development, park residents of color (10 percent due to park closings. compensation for a single-wide or a double-wide home, respectively. The fund will be by requiring park owners to pay for relocation costs in addition to annual payments made by homeowners. Efforts to increase relocation amounts and to provide homeowners with adequate notice of the trust fund are still needed. Signed by Governor (Chapter 141) WORKERS OF COLOR ARE CONCENTRATED IN LOW-WAGE JOBS TOTAL CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE Median hourly wages: $16.13 PERSONAL APPEARANCE WORKERS $12.35 PACKAGING AND FILLING MACHINE OPERATORS AND TENDERS $12.10 BUTCHERS, POULTRY AND FISH PROCESSING WORKERS $11.97 TAXI DRIVERS AND CHAUFFEURS $10.56 HAND PACKERS AND PACKAGERS $9.77 PARKING LOT ATTENDANTS $9.32 ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS, AND ELECTROMECHANICAL ASSEMBLERS $ % 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Source: Minnesota Department of Human Rights and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Census 2000 Equal Employment Opportunity Data Packet, State of Minnesota, 2000; Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 19

22 CIVIL RIGHTS & CRIMINAL JUSTICE The rise in criminalizing and unfairly punishing people or color is directly aligned with the demographic changes. As diversity rises, disparate outcomes in arrest and incarceration must become central to eliminating inequities in our justice systems. Minnesota s prison population is one of the nation s fastest growing not only because of the criminalization of youth, sentencing youth as adults. But also because of the war on drugs, with Minnesota having one of the toughest drug sentencing guidelines in the country. 50 As a population. 51 If present trends continue, by 2030 people of color will represent 51 percent of the arrests yet account for less than one-fourth of the population. 52 These disparities are rooted in the criminal justice systems. Solutions exist for reclaiming our children and adults from arrest and incarceration. Our future prosperity depends on protecting the bridges to educational and employment opportunities, particularly for our growing communities of color. CIVIL RIGHTS & CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION SF 279/Moua (D-St. Paul), HF 1380/Dominguez (D-Minneapolis) EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE ARRESTED BUT NOT CONVICTED Black job seekers receive return calls from employers at less than half the rate of white applicants. 53 In fact, white applicants with a felony conviction have a better chance in sealing arrest records for those who were arrested but not convicted, as well as looking at how criminal convictions create staggering effects on families and communities. This committee is charged with unveiling policy recommendations to legislative leaders by people that were arrested but not convicted. 55 Signed by Governor (SF 1992, Art. 1, Sec 8 and Art. 2, Sec ) LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

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24 CIVIL RIGHTS & CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION For Minnesotans with a criminal record, it is next to impossible to find a job or rent an apartment; the criminal record itself often becomes an obstacle to rehabilitation. The Legislature is preventing so many people from engaging in the very positive behavior we are trying to encourage! SENATOR JULIANNE ORTMAN iii SF 1297/Larson (D-Bloomington), HF 1546/Simon (D-St. Louis Park) REDUCING STRUCTURAL BARRIERS TO VOTING The U.S. Government Accountability Office has continued to report that populations of color and American Indians are far more likely to be subject to unlawful barriers to vote, such as proving citizenship or state identification. 56 complete an application for a driver s license or state identification card in Minnesota to be automatically registered to vote. That is, unless an applicant declines to be registered on the application or is not eligible to vote. The bill also specifies that the county auditor has to notify the voter through mail that he or she was registered to vote. Finally, the bill allows the secretary of state to update the voter registration database to capture changes in address. In essence, this bill would have dramatically reduced race-based barriers to vote in Minnesota for thousands of voters of color. 57 claimed that this approach is a solution in search of a nonexistent problem. 58 The state government must act to uphold the integrity of the voting system by eliminating racial and cultural discrimination at the polls. MISSED OPPORTUNITIES HF 1496/Johnson (D-St. Paul), SF 1551/Moua (D-St. Paul) Vetoed by the Governor (Chapter 56, SF 1997) RECLAIMING OUR CHILDREN FROM DETENTION While youth of color and American Indian youth comprise only 17 percent of 10 to of cases that result in juvenile confinement. to start a 12-month pilot project that will assess unequal contact and explore detention can lead to not only innovation in criminal justice policy but also close racial disparities and limit unnecessary spending for the entire state. National research and best practices demonstrate that such policies dramatically reduce racial disparities, juvenile crime and detention budgets. 60 percent. Died in Senate Finance Division and House Public Safety Finance Division LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

25 HF 1438/Mariani (D-St. Paul), SF 984/Moua (D-St. Paul) PROTECTING MINNESOTANS FROM FAKE SECURITY The REAL ID Act requires that by 2008 state IDs and state driver s licenses have to meet new requirements of proof of citizenship or lawful status to be accepted by federal facilities and agencies. 61 It also requires that states collect and share biometric information maintain the well-being and security of Minnesotans and prevent the state from taking on unnecessary expenses. To satisfy these principles, the bill mandates that the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety refrain from implementing or planning to enact the provisions of the REAL ID Act. This bill would have not only benefited 100,000 immigrants of color by not profiling based on immigration status. 62 It would have also benefited tens of thousands of low-income people of color and American tribal members who often lack access to birth certificates or state ID cards. 63 Minnesota joins 31 other states that have proposed at least 60 anti-real ID measures. Such legislation has actually passed in Arizona, Idaho, Maine and Utah. The Minnesota Department of Finance estimates that noncompliance would have no negative cost. 65 Died in House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration; Passed in Senate SF 294/Ortman (R-Chanhassen), HF 1548/Lesch (D-St. Paul) LEGISLATIVE GUIDE FOR COURTS TO SEAL RECORDS A limited number of county-based courts have sealed records eliminating a major barrier to employment for people of color however, without the guidance of the state legislature. 66 including increasing a petitioner s ability to secure employment, housing and community engagement. According to one of the bill s authors, Senator Ortman, it is critical to give judges more statutory authority to seal records of people they believe have been rehabilitated. 67 This bill would have allowed nearly 13,300 ex-offenders of color get a fresh start to secure employment and housing opportunities. 68 Overall, this bill would which rendered Minnesota s expungement remedy meaningless. Received hearings yet died in Senate Finance Committee; Died in House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee Removing Parts of Minnesota s Black Middle-Class Since 1991, Liberians had been given permission, called Temporary Protected Status, to live and work in the United States while civil war raged in their homeland. Last fall, though, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said they must leave by Oct. 1, 2007 because Liberia has stabilized under a democratically elected government. Just 18 days before Liberians nationwide were to lose their permission to live and work in the United States, Pres. Bush directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to defer deportation of the Liberians under temporary status until Mar. 31, This delay means another 18 months of living on a precarious limb. As an [18 month] deadline approaches for thousands of Liberians to leave the United States, pockets of the Twin Cities [metropolitan area] face potentially substantial losses of everything from rent home workers. Counting the Liberians Minnesota could be pulling up stakes. We anticipate a spike of houses for sale, Joel Spoonheim, Brooklyn Park economic and redevelopment director, told city in rental property or vacant homes as the ownership market may not be able to absorb this abrupt influx. At least 300 students in the Osseo Area Schools English language learners classes were born in Liberia. We may lose hundreds of students, said Lorilee Andreini, Osseo s English language learners coordinator. Sources: Extracted from Brady Averill and Sharon Schmickle, Bill Would Help Liberians Stay in U.S., Star Tribune, Last Updated on Apr. 27, 2007; Sharon Schmickle, Liberians Here, But for How Long? Star Tribune, Last Updated on Apr. 27, 2007; Sharon Schmickle, Minnesota Liberians Rally in Effort to Stay in U.S. Star Tribune, Last Updated Apr. 27, 2007; Sharon Schmickle, Liberians Give Thanks for 18-month Reprieve, Star Tribune, Sept. 15, 2007; ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 23

26 LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

27 HEALTH EQUITY The faces of health care are changing rapidly throughout the state. Yet only 22 percent of health care institutions met standards for having interpreters or bilingual staff available, and only 7 percent made sure that staff was trained to deliver services in culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Meanwhile, racial disparities in health insurance access and care are deep and persistent. American Indians have a diabetes death rate 1.7 times higher and the fastest increase is among Asian-Pacific Islanders. Black and American Indian males experience the highest cancer and mortality rates in Minnesota. 70 Solutions to race-based health disparities have to address the enduring systemic inequities in economic and environmental opportunities. Our future livelihood depends on policies that strengthen institutions to promote equity and build a health care system that works for all. HEALTH EQUITY LEGISLATION HF 1/Thissen (D-St. Paul), SF 15/Prettner Solon (D-Duluth) HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ALL CHILDREN of Minnesota s children that are uninsured. 71 access to all children through removing barriers to coverage and restructuring current 72 And it specifies that children in families with up to 300 percent of the poverty line can participate in the children s health security program. Other positive features of the bill were the creation of a simplified four-page application for children to enroll in public health care programs and a reduction in disproportionately kids of color were covered by this bill. 73 Signed by the Governor (HF 1078, Art 12, Sec 6 & 4) ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 25

28 HEALTH EQUITY LEGISLATION Health care is one of the biggest problems facing the state and its families. All parties need to give their best wisdom and effort in order to find a solution that works. We can make a real difference in the health of our state. REPRESENTATIVE JIM ABELER iv HF 196/Greiling (D-Roseville), SF 148/Marty (D-Roseville) IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH OF KIDS families of color and American Indian families has been profoundly stressed by racism in our education, housing and employment systems. Thousands of immigrant families of color have the additional burden of having experienced torture and war in their homeland. Numerous students of color have undetected mental health disorders that Services has reported that, more often than not, no screening occurs. 75 American Indian tribes, and mental health service providers to focus on prevention and delivering service. The bill also charges the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education to create a grant program wherein applicants can use a screening tool, the family service agencies and public schools. MISSED OPPORTUNITIES SF 102/Marty (D-Roseville), HF 479/Walker (D-Minneapolis) Signed by the Governor (HF 196, Art. 8, Sec. 8) HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR EVERYONE uninsured population. 76 Access to create a universal health care infrastructure. The commission is to prepare and 102 also establishes bottom lines for the system: that all are covered regardless of income level; that there is an emphasis on early intervention and prevention; and that it provides comprehensive benefits and slashes costs through prevention and government efficiency. it was received too late to be heard. 77 Although the bill did not pass, the idea of this committee is important. In the future, such a committee has to design a system with principles that focus on structural justice and builds a health care system that works for all. Died in Senate Committee on Rules and Administration; Died in House Health Care and Human Services Finance Division LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

29 PUBLIC HEALTH CARE IS LIFELINE FOR COMMUNITIES OF COLOR health insurance programs. These groups are less likely than whites to be covered by group insurance, generally through their own or a WHITES Public: 23.8% BLACKS 45.2% ASIAN-PACIFIC ISLANDERS 25% AMERICAN INDIANS 37.9% LATINOS 28.8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Public Uninsured Group Individual Source: Minnesota Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, Populations of Color in Minnesota: Health Status Report, Spring ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 27

30 AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY Tribal sovereignty is rooted in an internationally recognized concept that sovereignty is the power of the people to govern themselves. 78 American Indian tribes retained much of their sovereignty following treaty making with the U.S. government. In essence, Indian tribal sovereign rights not ceded to the U.S. government were retained by the Indian tribes. This government-to-government relationship was substantiated in 1830s. From this sovereign authority, American Indian tribes in Minnesota work to promote social, cultural and economic well-being for their membership. Minnesota obtained statehood in But this statehood did not impede or impair tribal sovereignty. Those sovereign rights held by decisions re-affirmed Indian rights to hunt, fish and gather in original treaty areas. 80 There is, indeed, a tribal-state relationship in Minnesota, which is based on legal and historical documentation. We must acknowledge and respect the political relationship that tribes have with the U.S. government. Moreover, we must respect the government-togovernment relationship that tribes have with the state government. By understanding the fundamentals of tribal sovereignty a stronger relationship between Indians and non-indians can evolve as an outcome LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

31 ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 29

32 AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY LEGISLATION Wild rice is not only historically and economically important for all Minnesotans, it s sacred to the Ojibwe people. We need to study the declining wild rice population and protect against any genetic damage to native wild rice. v HF 1051/Hilty (D-Finlayson), SF 1048/Lourey (D-Kerrick) RESTRUCTURING MEMBERSHIP ON INDIAN AFFAIRS COUNCIL 81 designate one other member to have voting power on the council. This amendment ensures that the government level of communication is equal among all participating governments. Tribal commissioners or directors would meet on a quarterly basis with state commissioners or directors to develop the issues they would discuss among the elected tribal and state leadership at an annual leadership summit. This maintains each government s individual identity throughout the process and recognizes the stature of the elected tribal leadership and each leader s responsibilities as a head of government. HF 2008/Clark (D-Minneapolis), SF 1791/Pappas (D-St. Paul) Signed by the Governor (Chapter 130) PROMOTING AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS The state of Minnesota does not require schools to teach Indian culture [to all students], and very few schools teach native languages. 82 Experts claim that in Minnesota this deficiency contributes to the dismal high school graduation rate of 65 percent for American Indian students. 83 about the history and contributions of Minnesota s American Indian communities as part of their graduation requirement. The bill also calls for all teachers to take coursework that would prepare them to teach about Minnesota s American Indian communities as part of education omnibus bill, including the creation of a statewide task force to create a study on Indian education. In early 2007, a similar bill was passed by the state legislature of South Dakota, the Indian Education Act. It requires Indian history and culture to be part of the state academic standards. Signed by the Governor (HF 2245, Article 2, Section 3) HF2227/Juhnke (D-Willmar), SF 1925/Vickerman (D-Tracy) BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TRIBAL SERVICE VETERANS In Minnesota, two in five American Indian males serve in the military. Yet the veteran affairs system has neglected to build an infrastructure that meets their priorities. 85 Officers (TVSO), a new section of the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs. These TVSOs will be trained and primarily located on tribal reservations in Northern Minnesota. While the funding amount met the requested level, it has to become a sustainable source to increase equal access and outcomes in veteran affairs. 86 In regards to program design, research says that programs have to consider that over two-fifths of American Indian veterans find that powwows are a vital source of community recognition, healing and reintegration into society. 87 Signed by the Governor (HF 2227 Omnibus Agricultural and Veterans Affairs Appropriations) LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

33 HF 1663/Moe (D-Bemidji), SF 2103/Chaudhary (D-Columbia Heights) PROTECTING WILD RICE FROM TERMINATOR SEEDS acres of Wisconsin and Minnesota were ceded to the U.S. but the privilege of hunting, fishing, and gathering the wild rice upon the lands, the rivers and the lakes included in the territory ceded was retained by tribes. 88 case reinforced the rights of the Ojibwe to such land-uses beyond the reservations. and corporations could harm not only the wild lake rice but also the economic and cultural livelihood of American Indians. entities that desire to cultivate genetically engineered wild rice in Minnesota have to file an environmental impact statement. The bill also mandates the Environmental Quality Board to study the negative affects of genetic alteration on wild rice and to inform tribal governments of permission granted in other states to grow genetically engineered wild rice. Minnesota has become the nation s first state to enact such legislation. The language into the omnibus environmental and natural resources finance bill. Signed by the Governor (SF 2096) Native Power: Strengthening and Expanding American Indian Businesses Minnesota is unique in having a business program, the Indian Loan Program that is exclusively for Native American entrepreneurs. In place since 1981, the fund was established with money from a state mineral tax and is administered through Department of Employment and Economic Development. Each reservation has access to a portion of this fund to lend to entrepreneurs. As of 2003, numerous loans were in process and 114 loans had been made amounting to $3.4 million. This program is part of Minnesota s overall supportive environment for small businesses, including Native businesses. American Indians are one of the top employers in the state. American Indians as a whole paying well over $100 million in state and federal taxes. Three of the top 25 businesses of color in Minnesota are owned by American Indians, according to the Twin Cities Business Journal Annual Book of Lists. The Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce has 160 member businesses, and over 70 percent are American Indian owned and operated. [They] employ more than Source: Extracted from Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce, org; Northwest Areas Foundation, Native Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Communities, ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 31

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35 LEGISLATING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM Whereas racism in the 20th century was blatant, racism in the 21st century is baked into the institutions and public policies that shape our public life. The most profound level of racism is unintentionally embedded in public policies and institutional practices. Yet, when most people think of racism, they think of overt, intentional acts between people. We can overcome the challenges of legislating institutional racism. Taking full advantage of the opportunities to eradicate racism requires Minnesotans to acknowledge and face racial inequities. That translates into all institutions and policymakers taking a hard look at the racial impact of public policies, including legislation that has been touted as benefiting all. It also means that we start to proactively design policies that focus on structural and institutional equity. Failure to do so will neglect the chances to remove the race-based barriers to opportunities that ultimately threaten the long-term health of our state. During the 2007 session, numerous policies were introduced at both the state and local government level that would exacerbate race-based disparities. While none of the state level legislation became law, they signal that state legislators unconsciously failed to reveal the racial impact of their proposals. As a consequence, legislating institutional racism was used to undermine the proactive policy initiatives that would benefit all Minnesotans. Defining Racial Justice, Levels of Racism RACIAL JUSTICE works to eliminate racial disparities resulting from interpersonal, institutional and structural racism. Equitable outcomes for all are central to racial justice efforts. INTERPERSONAL RACISM is the public expressions of racial prejudice, hate, bias and bigotry between individuals. Hate crimes are an example of interpersonal racism. INSTITUTIONAL RACISM is when racial disparities are created and/or exacerbated by key societal institutions such as hospitals, public schools and private corporations. Disparate outcomes are the measure of institutional racism regardless of whether there is racist intent by the institution or the individuals acting on predatory lending, and disparities in health treatment are examples of institutional racism. STRUCTURAL RACISM is the normalization and legitimization of an array of dynamics historical, cultural, institutional, and interpersonal that routinely gives an advantage to whites while producing cumulative and chronic adverse outcomes for people of color. Structural racism is the interaction of disparate outcomes across institutions. Separate and unequal schools, for instance, are a product of the interplay of numerous factors such as historic employment discrimination, housing segregation, and racialized poverty. Structural racism is the most profound and pervasive form of racism that is deeply embedded in all aspects of society. Source: Applied Research Center, 2005 ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 33

36 INSTITUTIONAL RACISM LEGISLATION HF 1982/Emmer (R-Delano) CRIMINALIZING AND PUNISHING WOMEN OF COLOR IN POVERTY including re-applicants, have to pass a drug test for illegal substances to be eligible for benefits. Those who test positive will automatically be sanctioned, leading to a reduction in benefits. The tab for the drug test has to be picked up by the applicant even if she or he tests negative either at the beginning or as an offset on future benefits. Advocates and scholars have long pointed out that the war on drugs inevitably attacks the livelihood of low-income women of color. In this vein, this bill would have not only criminalized and disenfranchised people of color and American Indians who comprise 61 percent (17,322) of the MFIP program for being poor. It would have also unfairly cost burdened those who can least afford fines for living in poverty. Died in House Committee on Health and Human Services SF 1059/Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria), HF 241/Erickson (R-Princeton) PROMOTING LINGUISTIC ISOLATION to be used by state and local governments in their scope of work and when completing reports and documents. English-only rules do not apply when state employees have to provide expert testimony, when public health or safety services need to be delivered in another language, when it would impede advertising for commercial trade, or when it would compromise the instruction of limited-english students and foreign language courses. If the use of non-english languages goes beyond the exceptions listed, the cost to translate and create documents has to be marked as a budget item. This bill would have linguistically isolated the other 10 commonly used languages spoken by 76,526 of Minnesota s cultural communities. These communities speak numerous languages, not just English only. If enacted into law, then Minnesota would have joined 26 other states that have placed English-official amendments or statutes on their state s constitution. Died in Senate Committee on State and Local Government Operations and House Committee on Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections SF 2095/Stumpf (R-Thief River Falls) CAPPING THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS students of color and American Indian students. Actually, students of color continue to be the fastest growing population in charter schools. commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education to cap the number of charter schools at 150. Enacting this legislation would have damaged Minnesota s reputation as the state that gave birth to the charter school movement and arrested the educational opportunities particularly for students of color. Instead of focusing on quantity, Minnesota has to demand quality education for all students, regardless of where a student goes to school. Died in E-12 Conference Committee (Omnibus K-12 Education Bill HF 2245) LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY

37 From Blatant to Subtle Forms of Institutional Racism in Minnesota, introduced. Modeled on the 1807 Ohio law, it requires all Blacks intending to reside in the territory to permanently post a personal bond of $300 $500 as a guarantee of good behavior, virtually barring people of meager resources from settlement. The bill failed, however by a 10 6 vote In 1859, legislators introduced a bill to prevent the migration of free Blacks and Mulattoes into the state and require the registration of those already in residence. As a result, white settlers intent on farming, and having resources to do so, were well received. The state s population surged from 172,023 in 1860 to 250,099 in 1865, an increase of 45 percent By 1870, the perception that Blacks made up the most felonious.9 percent of the total population, they constituted more than 13 percent of those charged with theft, nearly seventeen times their number in the population as a whole. Sociologist Joel Best has observed that 10 percent of all arrests resulted in jail sentences or felony trials, but for Blacks the rate was 60 percent. Moreover, Blacks generally received harsher sentences than did whites charged with similar offenses directed at residents and leading up to a vote included the message that district Robin Smothers, a mother of three said. Robbinsdale lost its bid to renew a reduce class sizes. The referendum was defeated 53 percent to 47 percent. Extracted from William D. Green,, St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2007; Paul Levy, Anti-levy Groups Sue State Over Ban on Distortions, Star Tribune, Nov. 8, ORGANIZING APPRENTICESHIP PROJECT 35

38 REPORTING ON THE GOVERNOR In April 2007, the Organizing Apprenticeship Project released a Mid-Term Progress Report that examined the racial impact of central elements of the governor s fiscal year intended or not, 8 out of 10 high-priority proposals had elements that would neglect or improve racial disparities were inadequately funded. Since then, the governor has worked with legislative leaders to enact the state budget major issues affecting racial equity and opportunity in the state. Overall, the governor has signed most of the racial equity legislation that reached his desk. But this masks the fact that governor s budget and taxation decisions have neglected to prepare Minnesota for an equitable multiracial future. Our future prosperity depends on investing in institutions and policies that preserve and expand our high standard of living for all communities, particularly our growing communities of color. The 2007 governor s State of the State address was based on Paying for Better Performance: Investing in the Future. Better Government: state government must ensure that taxpayers receive value and start paying for better performance. Better Education: Nationleading student performance isn t good enough any more. Better Health: Healthy Connections will focus on improving access, quality and lowering cost. STATE ADDRESS, JAN.17, 2007 BUDGET AND TAXATION: AS DIVERSITY RISES, STATE GOVERNMENT AND PURSE STRINGS SHRINK The governor has used his power to reinforce the decline of public investment in equity and opportunity in the face of explosive growth in racial diversity. An indicator of this is that taxes measured as a share of income are now lower for dollar of our personal income was paid to the state, school districts and local governments. 100 Today it is around 16 cents. By 2011, it will stand at 15.6 cents. That s a loss of a staggering $3 billion in revenue. According to the Minnesota Budget Project, we are under-investing in the infrastructure that historically has produced a high standard of living and helped to maintain our progressive reputation. 101 The governor has helped to hold back the state. The lack of adequate resources to strengthen institutions to promote equity and opportunity prosperity is meeting the expectations of the changing racial demographics and investing our resources in expanding opportunities for all to thrive. and workforce development, while it is rapidly rising for public safety and corrections. Minnesota is far from unique with this trend. But for Minnesota, this marks a dramatic shift away from investing in vital institutions and policies (education and economic development) that helped us produce nation-leading economic growth and top the charts in standard-of-living indicators towards security and corrections. As the proportion of families of color increases, the commitment to improving Minnesota s schools, workforce, health care seems devastate us all, particularly the lives of communities of color and American Indian communities. 102 Simply put, it will reinforce glaring racial disparities in profiling, arrest and incarceration. 103 We have to make smart race-conscious investments in the infrastructure, ensuring that bridges to success are available especially for our growing communities of color, who are critical to the state s future prospects LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD ON RACIAL EQUITY