Senate District 59 DFL

SD59 News – September 24, 2011 – It’s officially Autumn!

GET OUT THERE AND GET ACTIVE AT THIS WEEK’S EVENTS:
Sat 9/24 – SE Learning Carnival @Van Cleve Park, 1-3pm
            – MN350 ‘Moving Planet’ alternative energy event, all day
            – Doorknock for the DFL in SD46 10am
Sun 9/25 – Faith Values for a Just Economy Rally, 1-3pm
Mon 9/26 – Mpls Schools Area A Meeting 6pm
Tue 9/27 – Rally to Save the Postal Service 4pm
Wed 9/28 – DFL Senior Caucus Luncheon 12:30-2pm
              – U of M College Democrats Kickoff Meeting 4pm
– SD59 Fundraising and Big Gay Race Planning Meeting 7pm
Thu 9/29 – Next Up Young Workers Summit
            – Happy Hour with Sen. Klubuchar 5:30-7:30pm
More information on all of these events, plus upcoming events in early October are in the second half of this newsletter (scroll down).

This week’s news the GOP might not want you to hear:
OBAMA: TAX FAIRNESS IS NOT ‘CLASS WARFARE,’ ITS THE RIGHT THING TO DO
On Monday, President Obama spoke about one of the most important issues facing this county: tax fairness. He reiterated that any plan to balance the Federal budget must include higher taxes on the richest among us. From the President’s speech:
“Warren Buffett’s secretary shouldn’t pay a higher tax rate than Warren Buffett. There’s no justification for it. It is wrong that in the United States of America, a teacher or a nurse or a construction worker who earns $50,000 should pay higher tax rates than somebody pulling in $50 million…

“We’re already hearing the usual defenders of these kinds of loopholes saying, “this is just class warfare.” I reject the idea that asking a hedge fund manager to pay the same tax rate as a plumber or a teacher is class warfare. I think it’s just the right thing to do. I believe the American middle class, who’ve been pressured relentlesly for decades, believe it’s time that they were fought for as hard as the lobbyists and some lawmakers have fought to protect special treatment for billionaires and big corporations.

“Nobody wants to punish success in America … All I’m saying is, that those who have done well, including me, should pay our fair share in taxes to contribute to the nation that made our success possible.” Keep it up, Mr. President, keep it up…..http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/obama-throws-class-warfare-charge-back-in-gops-face/2011/03/03/gIQAfsjVfK_blog.html
More coverage http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/130107938.html

Here’s some video from his appearance Thursday at the Brent Spence Bridge on the border of Ohio and Kentucky, home states of the Republican Congressional leaders. http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/09/22/president-obama-brent-spence-bridge The Spence bridge is in rough shape and needs replacement, and we know about what happens when bridges are neglected too long…

MINNEAPOLIS POLICY CHANGE HAS SAVED CITY THOUSANDS ON CAR ALLOWANCES
Thanks to City Council member Meg Tuthill, city council members now are only paid for actual recorded mileage, which has easily saved the city thousands of dollars this year alone. Who says Democrats don’t pinch pennies? http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/130095123.html

MTN (MINNEAPOLIS’ PUBLIC ACCESS CABLE CHANNEL) FACES $250,000 BUDGET CUT
The mayor’s budget proposal includes a $250,000 cut in the budget for Minneapolis’ public access cable channel, MTN. MTN, which is located by St Anthony Main, says that they have already made substantial cuts to their budget and oppose further cuts. Regardless of your thoughts on this issue, it’s yet another excuse to call your city council member, which is always a good idea. http://www.mtn.org/Video/news/mtnfacescut.html

DON’T ASK DON’T TELL FINALLY ENDS, EQUALITY ARRIVES IN ARMED FORCES
As you’ve probably already heard, thanks to the leadership of President Obama and activists across the country, Americans can now serve in the Army, Air Force and Marines regardless of their sexual orientation. One of the more interesting stories this week is that of U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Josh Seefried, who is better known to many as J. D. Smith. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/20/national/main20108758.shtml

ELLISON, MCCOLLUM WANT IRS TO HELP LGBT TAXPAYERS
The Minnesota lawmakers are pressuring the IRS to clarify issues such as community property rights for same-sex couples. Despite the same-sex union laws in nearly a third of the states, the Federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents those couples from receiving the same benefits as married heterosexuals. http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2011/09/mccollum_and_el.shtml

HEARINGS HELD ON DAYCARE UNION PROPOSAL
The Minnesota Senate held a hearing Thursday on whether at-home daycare providers should be allowed to unionize. Gov. Dayton has noted that he is open to the idea, but Republican lawmakers are adamantly opposed. http://www.twincities.com/ci_18958968 Dayton told the media earlier this week that the legislature “had six months and they did very little on job creation…And I’m taking the initiative now, and we’re proactively engaged in it as we will be for the next three and a half years. So you missed your chance back then folks when taxpayers were paying for your salaries and your per diems.” http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2011/09/dayton_says_leg.shtml?refid=0

37% OF YOUNG FAMILIES ARE LIVING IN POVERTY
A record percentage of young families–defined as under age 30–are living in poverty. “Young families with children are now six times as likely to be poor as elderly families,” Andrew Sum, an economics professor at Northeastern and the director of the center, told The New York Times. “This is a major generational change. From a public policy standpoint, we should be very deeply troubled by this.” Meanwhile, the search for the mythical “job creators” continues. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/20/us/poor-young-families-soared-in-10-data-show.html?ref=us

IT MAY BE THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE, BUT THEY’RE NOT DOING THE PEOPLE’S
BUSINESS
Well, it looks like a government shutdown is once again a disturbing
possibility. Unsatisfied with the substantial concessions they
extracted from Democrats during the debt ceiling debate, several US House
Republicans voted down a ‘continuing resolution,’ Wednesday, which is
basically a short-term budget for a couple of months. Did they voting
‘no’ because they’re mad that their leaders aren’t putting forth a
regular year-long budget? Not quite. Instead, their primary reason for
opposing this agreement to keep government functioning is that they
think government is still too big and that other programs need to be
slashed to pay for disaster relief in the wake of East Coast
earthquakes and Hurricane Irene. The House passed another continuing resolution including cuts to alternative energy programs Thursday, which the Senate rejected Friday. We’ll see if the Republicans are actually willing to politicize natural disasters to the point of shutting down government. That would be a sad day indeed.

Regardless of how this pans out, it’s vital that we get the word out
that the Republicans are not getting America working. It’s a pretty
easy case to make. The Republicans ran in 2010 on a platform of “jobs,
jobs, jobs.” Sadly, instead of using the levers of government to spur
employment, they are throwing stones into the gears and breaking the
system down. Take a look: in under nine months of their leadership,
Republican lawmakers’ unwillingness to negotiate with Democrats has
led to a the longest-ever shutdown of Minnesota state government, a
shutdown of the FAA, and two near-shutdowns of the Federal government.

So you be the judge. Are the Republicans trying to create jobs and
expand the economy or are they trying to dismantle government, all so
that the wealthiest among us can pay as little as possible in taxes
and be forced to follow as few consumer and worker-protection laws as
possible? It’s not hard to see what’s going on here–and it’s not
pretty.

STATE DFL SEEKS INTERNS
Communications, Finance, Outreach, Party Affairs…if any of these interest you, check out these resume-building opportunities.

http://dfl.org/contact/internship-opportunities

HOLLAND NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS PT SUPPORT STAFF
Everybody needs a job, and so if you’re interested…

http://www.hnia.org/2011/08/31/hnia-offering-part-time-job/

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE BIG GAY RACE
Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties at the Big Gay Race along the St Anthony Falls-area riverfront the morning of Saturday, October 15. Those who are able to come help set-up at 6AM are in particularly high demand. Help raise money to fight the anti-equality amendment and have fun doing it! Contact Alexis Pennie at alexis@sd-59.org for more information.

***SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DFL
It’s almost the end of the quarter, and as a result, if you are on political mailing lists, you’re probably being asked for money a lot right now. At SD59 DFL, we’d just like to let you know that we gladly accept your contribution for our grassroots party-building and voter education efforts anytime. No pressure here, donate any day at http://sd-59.org/ . Thanks for your help. ***

***EVENTS CALENDAR –WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR PARTY AND OUR COMMUNITY
SOUTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS LEARNING CARNIVAL
Saturday, Sept. 24, 1-4pm
Several exhibitors will feature information on education from preschool to continuing education for older adults. FREE http://www.semcol.org/carnival/
Van Cleve Park, 901 15th Ave SE, Mpls
Free parking; enter lot off Rollins, bus service available on Route 3 along 15th Ave SE.

MOVING PLANET – An event to build awareness of how we can slow global warming by embracing alternative energy
Saturday, September 24 11:00am – 7:00pm: Mass bike ride starts right here in SD59 at 11am at the Father Hennepin Park at the East side of the Stone Arch Bridge and makes several stops at parks and colleges before arriving at the Capitol at 3pm. The festival at the Capitol runs from 2-7pm. http://mn350.org/mass-ride.html
This event is being promoted by former CD3 Congressional Candidate Maureen Hackett “Join us for Moving Planet: a day to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis – to create a new sense of urgency and possibility for our planet. Stand with us as we send the message: it’s time to take bold action for the climate. (Visit www.mn350.org)”
MN State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St Paul.
Parking at meters and lots nearby, or take convenient Route 16 bus service on MLK Blvd, or Route 3 service on Rice Street right back to SD59.

DOORKNOCKING FOR SENATE CANDIDATE CHRIS EATON
We’d really like to keep Senate District 46 in the DFL column, so
please join our friends in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park in
supporting Chris Eaton’s doorknocking efforts. There are four
doorknocks each week leading up to the Oct. 18 Special election.
Tuesdays at 4:30pm, Saturdays at 10am, and Sundays at 3pm at the home
of Rep. Debra Hilstrom, 3509 66th Avenue N, Brooklyn Center.
Thursdays at 4:30pm at the home of Rep. Michael Nelson, 7441 Hampshire
Ave N, Brooklyn Park
More info: http://eaton4senate.com/Endorsements.html

FAITH VALUES FOR A JUST ECONOMY CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Sunday, Sept. 25, 1-3pm
“We are all called by God to love and to take care of each other. Our wealth, resources, freedoms, and talents are all gifts from God for that purpose.  Loving each other is not just about individuals.  It is about our society.  Our economy and our government are the vehicles through which we can effectively take care of each other, and particularly, so that we can enrich those among us who have the least, and protect the most vulnerable.”

http://www.spiritoftruthtwincities.org/action

Macalester College, Kagin Commons Ballroom
1600 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN
Transit service available on Route 63 on Grand Ave and Route 84 on Snelling Ave.

MPLS SCHOOLS: AREA A MEETING
Monday, Sept. 26, 6-7:30pm
Logan Park Community Center, 690 13th Ave NE, at Monroe St.
Meet the new Associate Superintendent, Michael Thomas, focus on enrollment planning and discussion of use of Metro Transit buses by high school students.
Free parking, enter lot off Monroe, transit service on Route 17 is available at the corner of Broadway and Monroe.

RALLY TO SAVE AMERICA’S POSTAL SERVICE
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 4:00-5:30pm
Postal union employees and supporters will be rallying in every congressional district in the country to save America’s postal services from the drastic planned cuts. In Minnesota’s 5th District, the rally will happen at Keith Ellison’s official district office,
2100 Plymouth Avenue North, Mpls
Free parking, bus service available on Route 7 along Plymouth Ave and Route 19 along Penn Ave. More info: http://www.saveamericaspostalservice.org/map-list.html#Minnesota

DFL SENIOR CAUCUS SOCIAL LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 12:30-2:00pm
Riverside & I-94 Perkins Restaurant
Each month, the DFL Senior Caucus has a social luncheon right at the southern end of SD59 at the Perkins at I-94 and Riverside. Just show up for a lunch with DFL seniors!
Perkins has free parking for diners and is on bus routes 2, 7, and 8.

U of M COLLEGE DEMOCRATS KICKOFF MEETING
with Mike Griffin and Alexis Pennie, featured speakers
Wednesday, September 28, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
University of Minnesota – Coffman Memorial Union Room 326
Parking available in Coffman Ramp; transit service is a bit of a walk; take routes 2, 3, 16 or 50 and either get off at Jones/Eddy Hall and travel past the Northrop Mall, or get off at Anderson/Willey Halls and walk across Washington Ave bridge. The detours are due to the closure to auto traffic on Washington Avenue in front of Coffman, which is permanent.

SD59 DFL FUNDRAISING AND BIG GAY RACE PLANNING MEETING
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7pm
Home of Michelle and Jacob Frey, 316 E Hennepin Ave, third floor. (Mpls) Metered parking is available on Hennepin, but you are encouraged to bike or bus to the Old St Anthony area as well.
Preparations continue for the Big Gay Race…if you can provide assistance in any way, drop by the meeting and we will find a way to utilize your skills. In particular, we are looking for volunteers the day of the race on Oct 15…particularly those volunteers who can arrive at 6AM to set-up. Contact Alexis at alexis@sd-59.org for volunteer info.

NEXT UP: YOUNG WORKERS SUMMIT
Thu, Sept. 29-Sunday Oct. 2
Registration Required, see http://www.aflcio.org/aboutus/youthsummit/

HAPPY HOUR WITH U. S. SENATOR AMY KLOBUCHAR
Thursday, September 29,  5:30pm – 7:30pm
A fundraiser for Amy Klobuchar’s re-election campaign at
The home of Allison O’Toole
3801 Aldrich Ave S Minneapolis, MN
(bus service available on Route 23 on 38th St and Route 4 on Bryant Ave one block west–many Route 4 trips travel to SD59)
To RSVP, contact Madeline Coles at (612) 378-2012 or Madeline@amyklobuchar.com.

S’MORE FUN WITH THE DFL
Sunday, October 2 – 3:00pm – 5:00pm
This free fall potluck is organized by the district on our southern border, SD62. The event will feature food, fun and a s’more bar. SD62 DFL will provide beverages, burgers (including veggie) hot dogs and s’more makings. If you can, please bring a dish to share.
Wabun park, 4655 46th Avenue South (Picnic Area B), Minneapolis
Parking available, bus service available nearby on 46th Street on Routes 46, 74 and 84, all of which also serve the 46th Street Light Rail Station, which is about a mile west of the park.

8th ANNUAL HISTORIC RIVERFRONT 5K WALK/RUN
Saturday, October 8, 2011, 9:00 AM
Boom Island Park, 8th Ave SE and Mississippi River (Plymouth bridge closed to auto traffic)
Proceeds benefit St Anthony West Neighborhood Organization, for more information, visit

http://www.stawno.org

THIRD WARD NEIGHBORHOOD FEST
Wednesday, October 12th, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Nicollet Island Pavilion
Free food, entertainment and exhibits.
Transit service available on several routes along Hennepin Ave.

THE BIG GAY RACE
Saturday, October 15 · 9:00am – 12:00pm
St Anthony Main area
If you haven’t heard about the Big Gay Race, you need to check out http://thebiggayrace.com/ . The 5K run/walk will benefit Minnesotans United For All Families’ efforts to defeat the proposed MN constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage that will appear on the ballot in November 2012.