REBUTTAL - Carlson
Arne Carlson (carlsona@free-net.mpls-stpaul.mn.us)
Mon, 24 Oct 1994 18:37:38 -0500 (CDT)
MA>The question I would pose to Arne Carlson is based on his promotion of
MA>Minnesota Milestones, a yearlong process of listening to the people of
MA>Minnesota about what they want for their state. I support the concept
MA>of Minnesota Milestones but I have seen no evidence at all that Arne
MA>Carlson actually listened. Can the governor point to any tangible
MA>evidence that he listened to Minnesotans and in some way changed the
MA>approach of state government as a result of Minnesota Milestones?
I'm delighted to answer Senator Marty's question about the impact of
Minnesota Milestones on my administrations' policies.
Minnesota Milestones was based on the premise that Minnesota will spend at
least $75 billion of taxpayers' money over the next 10 years. The purpose
of Minnesota Milestones was to project a vision for Minnesota, offer goals
based on that vision, and milestones or ways to measure whether we are
making progress over time.
More than 10,000 Minnesotans, ages 8 to 92, participated in public meetings
around the state, provided comments on the vision, goals and milestones, or
reviewed early drafts of the report.
Milestone #1's stated goal is to reduce the percentage of children living
in households below the poverty line. Creating quality job opportunities
in core cities is the best way to eradicate poverty. That's why my
administration will continue to focus on policies that generate jobs and
opportunities for all Minnesotans. Since 1991, more than 170,000 new
private sector Jobs have been created in Minnesota, primarily,
manufacturing and non-retail service jobs throughout our state. Our
unemployment is now hovering near the lowest point since the index was
created, 3.7 percent.
The goal Of Milestone #2 is to increase the percentage of parents who
receive full payment if awarded child support. Since 1991, Minnesota has
become one of the nation's toughest states in its enforcement of child
support enforcement laws. In 1993 and 1994, I supported and signed into
law legislation that makes it easier to collect the $400 million that is
owed to Minnesota's children through child support. The new legislation
includes the recognition of parentage process, a simple way for non-married
parents to establish paternity after childbirth, and authorize the
Department of Revenue and Human Services to use private collection agencies
to collect past due child support payments,
Milestone #14's goal is to raise achievement test scores for Minnesota
students To this task I support, and my administration has begun
implementing, measurable statewide academic standards that raise high
school graduation requirements. Our students are competing in a global
economy and must have a comprehensive knowledge of core subjects before
moving on to college or vocational training.
The question I would like Senator Marty to answer is the same one that was
posed in this debate this morning minus the political rhetoric.