New Poll Finds Minnesotans Less Trusting of Government, But Optimistic That Things Can Change for the Better

A new poll by democracy reform advocates finds that Minnesotans’ continue to hold a more positive outlook on state government than other Midwestern states.  However, the poll points to several findings that highlight growing distrust and concern among Minnesotans and strong support for a series of political reforms designed to make government more transparent, accountable and responsive.

The comprehensive poll conducted by Belden Russenello & Stewart shows that 59 percent of Minnesota residents trust government to do what’s right “only some of the time” or “almost never.”  This represents an increase in distrust of government of nine percentage points in the last two years (50 percent, 2006).  Similarly, the new poll finds that a majority of Minnesotans (51 percent) feel the state is going “off on the wrong track.”  In 2006, just 27 percent felt that way.  The survey also points out that concerns about money in politics are on par with concerns about public schools, jobs, and the economy in general. 

“Our work to strengthen democracy affirms the faith Minnesotans have that we can change things for the better,” said Dan McGrath, Executive Director of TakeAction Minnesota.  “We have seen increased participation by people in our work to advance voting rights and protect the interests of voters on Election Day.” 

Click here to read the complete poll results and download the full reports.

For more information about Midwest Democracy Network and TakeAction Minnesota's Democracy Program, contact Dan McGrath, Executive Director. 

New Report Finds Key Consumer Protections Lacking in Individual Health Insurance Market in Minnesota.
TakeAction Minnesota, along with partner Families USA released a new report documenting that Minnesotans with pre-existing health conditions are vulnerable to denial of coverage.

Key consumer protections are lacking in the individual health insurance market in Minnesota.

The new report, “Failing Grades: State Consumer Protections in the Individual Health Insurance Market,” finds that Minnesota consumers lack adequate protection against. 

“This spring, Wisconsin voters endured their second special-interest-group dominated Supreme Court campaign in the last twelve months, featuring over $4 million in TV advertising by outside groups more interested in using judicial elections as a tool of political intimidation and control than for public accountability. This spectacle once again confirms former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s repeated and urgent warning that ‘judicial elections are becoming political prizefights where partisans and special interests seek to install judges who will answer to them instead of the law and the constitution.’

TakeAction Profiles Minnesota’s Democracy and Recommends Changes
Leading Midwestern reform groups including TakeAction Minnesota, released a new book profiling the condition of democracy in Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan. The findings show that while Minnesota hasn’t experienced the high profile corruption that has plagued other states, there are cracks in its foundation that need to be addressed. The analysis also points to a number of negative regional trends that are making their way to Minnesota, including a sharp increase in the politicization of judicial elections and election administration measures that increase voter suppression.  

Click to read a summary of the Minnesota Chapter of The book, “Democratic Renewal: A Call to Action from America’s Heartland,” here.

Quality, Affordable Healthcare for All Minnesotans
TakeAction Minnesota is leading a campaign to engage a record number of Minnesotans in the fight to achieve quality, affordable health care for all in our state.  We have collected thousands postcards and are building a powerful, grassroots movement to move Minnesota’s health care system toward:

• Smarter Investment in Preventive Care; 
• A Fair and Accountable Health Care Industry; and 
• Quality, Affordable Health Care for All

TakeAction Minnesota is sponsoring a series of Health Care for All town hall forums to engage community members in the fight for health care reform.  More than 300 Minnesota residents have participated in five Health Care for All forums and other community health care events to talk with our elected leaders about how to make the health care system work better for everyone in Minnesota.  Health Care for All forums have taken place in Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, Apple Valley and Rochester.  Click here to find out more about TakeAction Minnesota’s Quality, Affordable Health Care for All campaign.  

We’re Hiring!
TakeAction Minnesota is growing fast!  We are looking to hire applicants with a strong commitment to social, racial and economic justice and progressive political change, with the ability to succeed in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.  Click here for current job postings.  TakeAction Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer.  People of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.