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Ken Pentel      Response 12

Question 12: Even as access to advanced technology and high speed Internet improves, many of the disparities in access between rich and poor, urban and rural Minnesota are growing. Should the state have a role in narrowing this gap? What would you do specifically as Governor to create more access to these tools for all Minnesotans?

Yes.

Grants and direct funding to upgrade libraries, community
centers, schools and our state college system.

The poorest regions would receive the greatest attention in
budget priorities and coordination with local government, non-profits
and business to provide computers and telecommuting.

Technology cannot replace the need for more and better paid
teachers as well as restored and new schools.
The economic inequities also play a role in access to better
technology and a healthier educational environment.
We would propose a shift from the property and sales tax to a
fair progressive income tax.

A fee in every ton of coal, gallon of oil, pound of chemical and
pellet of uranium to reflect the whole cost of these poisons brought
into Minnesota.

We would raise the corporate tax.

We would mandate efficient, less wasteful investments in planning and
technologies to reduce the cost of living.