Sean on Higher Ed | Electrical Energy

May 25, 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 5: St. Paul Mac-Groveland Citizen Solutions community conversation

June 13: St. Louis Park Citizen Solutions community conversation

June 18: Stillwater Citizen Solutions community conversation

June 27: Citizens League Morning Coffee

IN THE NEWS

"Human Capital Performance Bonds: Breaking the human services mold"

May 21 MinnPost Community Voices republishing of Minnesota Journal article

"Larry Pogemiller from MN Office of Higher Education and Sean Kershaw from the Citizens League"

May 21 Comcast Midwest Newsmakers video conversation about higher education reform

2012 MEMBER SURVEY

Take our survey

It only takes 10 minutes and your answers will help us give you more of what you want as a Citizens League member

BECOME A MEMBER

The Citizens League involves people of all backgrounds, parties and ideologies to create and advance solutions for Minnesota.

Become a member today.

STAY CONNECTED

www.citizensleague.org

IN THIS ISSUE

Sean Kershaw on higher education reform

Make our electrical energy vision a reality

Our 2012 legislative priorities: A review

Teens: Last week to become a health panelist

Member spotlight: Claudia Dengler

In Memorium: James L. Hetlund, Jr.

Sean Kershaw on higher education reform

Citizens League Executive Director Sean Kershaw sat down with Minnesota Office of Higher Education Director Larry Pogemiller recently to discuss higher education reform on Comcast Midwest's Newsmakers program with host Kevyn Burger.

Phase II of our Higher Education Reform project is underway, but you can still contribute to the group's ongoing work.

Make our electrical energy vision a reality

Last year, about 100 Minnesotans came together from across sectors and industries to agree on (pdf) what Minnesota's electrical system should achieve.

Now, we are launching Phase II of the Electrical Energy Project to identify needed changes to achieve this vision.

In Phase II, the Citizens League will continue to bring a wide variety of citizens together to work for the common good.

We'll host a series of workshops in June and July to identify barriers to achieving the vision outlined in Phase I. In August, we'll begin working to address a few of those challenges where we can make a unique contribution.

You can make this happen! Host or attend a workshop, spread the word, or become a sponsor. Contact Annie Levenson-Falk at 651-289-1072 or alevensonfalk[at]citizensleague.org for more information or to get involved.

Our 2012 legislative priorities: A review

The Citizens League identified several priorities for reform at the start of the 2012 Minnesota Legislature, most of which were drowned out by the stadium debate this year.

But there were some quiet reforms that made progress this year, especially ones that help advance our Pathways to Prosperity project recommendations aimed at ending the "Catch-22" situation many low-income families face when trying to build assets and independence.

Here is a recap of which reforms we supported and their outcomes from this year's legislative session.

Teens: Last week to become a health panelist

This is the final week for teens to apply to be a lead panelist for Teen Citizen Solutions, an eight-week dialogue on health and health care.

We have extended the deadline to Monday, May 28! Those selected will receive a $150 stipend for sharing insights and experiences!

Join us today and encourage teens you know (children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends' children, etc.) to join now. You can also encourage, guide, and fuel their open dialogue.

Member spotlight: Claudia Dengler

Join Claudia in supporting the mission of the Citizens League. See more of her story here.

Current role: "I am serving on the Finance Committee and am chairing the Development Committee. I am especially interested and active in Minnesota's Energy future."

Why the Citizens League? "I happen to have friends across the political spectrum and the League is one of the rare places where we can be ourselves and not be judged as 'out of step' with our respective political party.

"My parents grew up in Germany during Hitler's rise to power and watched that democracy descend into insanity. They taught me from an early age that a democracy is a fragile thing and that its survival depends on each of us being informed and engaged."

In Memoriam: James L. Hetland, Jr.

The Citizens League is sad to note the passing of James L. Hetland Jr., who died May 23, 2012 at 86 years old.

Hetland served as a Citizens League board member and president 1961-1962 and was appointed by former Gov. Harold LeVander to serve as the first chairman of the Metropolitan Council from 1967 to 1971.

"Jim provided leadership at an amazing time in the Citizens League's history," Executive Director Sean Kershaw said. "He was the embodiment in many ways for the policy innovation and creativity - and political and executive skill - that characterized some of our best work."

The Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press both feature more details about his life.

About the Citizens League

For 60 years, the Citizens League has created common ground across parties and ideologies to solve some of the biggest challenges facing Minnesota. On issues like schools, taxes, transportation, health care, and water, some of Minnesota's greatest public achievements have emerged from the Citizens League. Citizens League members connect with other Minnesotans, learn to lead on issues that matter to them and create solutions that achieve the common good.