On March 28, 2025, the Associated Press reported that inflation had risen in the previous month, with consumer spending remaining sluggish. This occurred even before the April 2 tariffs took effect, further driving up prices and impacting the financial well-being of Americans.
If you’re feeling as confused as I am, here’s the breakdown: a tariff is a tax imposed on imports or foreign goods entering the U.S. While initially seen as a benefit to American consumers, the reality is that we end up bearing the cost of these tariffs instead.
What about American college students? It’s well known that they already face financial hardships while navigating their academic years. According to an interview in Teen Vogue with Adam Hersh, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, tariffs are expected to drive up prices on everyday essentials. That morning coffee, once $8.00, could soon cost $10.00 due to the additional taxes businesses must pay in response to these tariffs, as The Guardian reports. This added financial strain could make it even harder for students to stay afloat.
The rising costs of imports that contribute to essentials like textbooks, pens, food, and housing could significantly impact students. So, what’s the best solution for working college students? The answer is simple.
It’s important to recognize the power we have in how we spend our money. Establishing a monthly budget allows us to reassess our expenses, distinguishing between necessities and luxury items. A strategic approach, like a once-a-month bulk shopping trip at Costco, could also help maximize savings and make budgeting more effective.
For students unsure where to turn for assistance during challenging times, Metro State University provides support for basic needs and various services, both on and off campus.
Minnesota colleges are grappling with the impact of new federal policies limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, introduced through recent executive orders by President Donald Trump. These changes, involving funding cuts and policy adjustments, have already caused disruptions at institutions such as the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota.
What is DEI?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) focus on policies and programs that promote fair treatment and representation for marginalized groups. In higher education, DEI involves recruiting diverse students, creating support systems, and developing inclusive materials that reflect a range of perspectives.
Critics argue DEI programs give unfair advantages, promote biases, and are costly, while supporters believe they ensure equity and opportunity for marginalized students.
What has President Trump changed?
Since returning to office, President Trump has moved quickly to reduce federal support for DEI programs in higher education. His recent executive orders ban federal funding for DEI-labeled initiatives, citing concerns over costs and potential political influence. As reported by NewsNation, colleges prioritizing DEI efforts now face the risk of losing federal grants and subsidies.
Trump’s administration claims DEI policies have strayed from their original goals, fostering division instead. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized refocusing taxpayer-funded education on core subjects like math, science, and history, rather than DEI programs or gender ideology. Critics argue this crackdown is politically driven and undermines years of progress toward equitable education, already impacting Minnesota’s higher education landscape.
How has this impacted MN institutions?
Minnesota colleges are already feeling the effects of these policies. At the University of St. Thomas, a grant aimed at addressing the state’s teacher shortage was classified as a DEI initiative by Trump’s administration. This grant, intended to recruit and train underrepresented teachers to reflect Minnesota’s changing student demographics, led to 185 students losing their scholarships and stipends, according to the Star Tribune. Notably, these funds were open to all students, regardless of race or ethnicity, with the majority awarded to white students.
At the University of Minnesota Law School, plans to hire a DEI director have been put on hold, indicating that officials are reassessing their DEI initiatives due to potential funding risks.
Students and staff are expressing concern about the future, with some fearing these cuts could fundamentally alter college campuses and have lasting impacts on diversity.
Where do we go from here?
While some schools rush to comply, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and other groups have sued, claiming the restrictions violate academic freedom. Meanwhile, some institutions are finding creative ways to reframe DEI efforts to preserve funding.
The future of diversity and inclusion initiatives is uncertain, leaving many to wonder: what will higher education become without these programs?
The 2025 legislative session began in mid-February, with House GOP representatives pressing ahead to advance their legislative priorities. However, the Minnesota House of Representatives spent the first month at an impasse, mired in disputes over a power-sharing agreement between the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and the GOP. Both sides accused the other of squandering time and resources, as the deadlock stemmed from the absence of a clear majority in the House.
Following the 2024 fall elections, Democrats and Republicans initially found themselves deadlocked in a 67-67 tie. However, this balance was quickly disrupted when newly elected Democrat Curtis Johnson was deemed ineligible to represent District 40B due to failing to maintain official residency in the district. As a result, a special election was called to fill the seat, temporarily giving House Republicans a 67-66 advantage—still one vote shy of the 68 needed to pass legislation.
Democrats stood united in boycotting the House chambers to block quorum, firmly stating they would not commence the 2025 session without a power-sharing agreement. This standoff ended in mid-February with an agreement granting the GOP control of committee chairs and slim majorities on committees—an arrangement set to last until March, when a special election could restore the 67-67 tie and necessitate a new deal.
For now, the GOP is leveraging its newfound majority to advance key legislative priorities—an opportunity they lacked during years of Democratic control over both legislative chambers. Several bills targeting the relaxation of environmental protections and streamlining of permitting requirements have been introduced in the Environmental and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee. Among them, HF0008, sponsored by Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa), aims to enhance efficiency and accelerate the permitting process for businesses and other entities working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Supporters of the bill, including local chambers of commerce and various industry groups, argue that the current permitting process is overly burdensome and discourages business investment. However, representatives from numerous organizations, including environmental groups like Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, have voiced concerns. During the initial committee hearing for HF0008, critics warned that expediting the environmental permitting process could have severe environmental repercussions. Representative Alex Falconer (DFL, 49A) specifically highlighted the risk of this bill paving the way for fast-tracked permits for copper-nickel mining in Minnesota. HF0008 has since been sent to the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee for further consideration, leaving its fate uncertain as it awaits a potential floor vote.
Reality has finally set in; Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America.
This year’s Inauguration Day was marked by extreme weather, with temperatures dropping to negative figures. Instead of rays of sunshine welcoming a new chapter in American history, a frigid cold welcomed the new administration and forced the event indoors. Billionaires and big tech CEOs were curiously seen at the event, hinting at the target demographic of the upcoming administration.
Despite my worries about America’s future, I could not deny that a part of me was unsurprised at the outcome of observing the events leading up to Election Day. Somehow, despite the notoriety and controversies that he garnered over the years – controversies that would send minor offenders to Guantanamo, it did nothing to his overall reputation. Now, on the steps of Capitol Hill, he is poised to start his second presidential term with full Republican control of the federal government.
Reflecting on the events unfolding, I carry the feeling that the country is slipping closer to an oligarchy, or rule by the few, namely large corporations. Large corporations are encroaching on people’s lives everywhere and with their influence, no regular person can hold them accountable. With Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a close associate of Trump himself, making a gesture on live TV that would get normal people in serious trouble, the reality that rich people can continue to get away with anything immoral is becoming increasingly evident. Meanwhile, we continue to get distracted and argue about things that can be resolved immediately, like the hidden meaning of a Nazi salute.
As both a racial minority and an “outsider,” while I enjoy living in the States, I am under no illusion that I lack strong emotional or familial attachments to the place, and therefore will not be significantly affected by the acts of the new administration. However, what do these policies mean for racial minorities who are born and raised here? What will happen to them, and will new executive orders and laws affect the way of life that they have known for generations? Ideally, nothing too bad will happen to anyone in the short term, but the general atmosphere will get tenser as stricter and more regressive laws are enacted, empowering those who harbor less than pleasant views towards their fellow countrymen.
Ultimately, this inauguration not only signifies the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another, but it also marks the start of an uncertain future for not only Americans but also for countries where the United States’ presence is felt. The events of the next four years will be interesting to witness; everyone’s lives, for good or ill, will significantly change going forward.
American politics has taken an unexpected turn since the start of the second Trump
administration. President Trump has entertained the idea of acquiring Greenland, adding Canada
as the 51st state, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and now, considering taking Gaza from the
Palestinians. These proposals suggest a new era of imperialism. How will these actions impact
Americans and citizens abroad? We must examine the finer details of each case to understand the
potential consequences.
First, the consideration of acquiring Greenland has been a topic of discussion since President
Trump took office. Mette Fredriksen, Denmark’s Prime Minister, has repeatedly stated that
Greenland is not for sale. While the idea of taking Greenland from Denmark may seem abrupt,
there is some rationale behind this endeavor. With the Arctic ice melting rapidly due to climate
change, rare metals and minerals like lithium, uranium, graphite, gold, and several others are
becoming accessible. Many of these resources remain untouched, and the extent of their deposits
is still unknown. Naturally, the prospect of economic gain is a driving factor behind President
Trump’s interest. There is also concern about potential trade routes and business opportunities if
more Arctic ice melts. For now, Fredriksen stands firm, refusing to let Greenland go easily,
despite President Trump’s threats to use “military force” to take it from Denmark.
Another idea President Trump has entertained is annexing Canada as the “51st state”. Like
Fredriksen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has firmly stated, “You can’t take our
country,” especially after Canada beat the U.S. in the 4 Nations hockey championship. Trudeau
continues to express his respect for the U.S. and his desire to maintain a friendly and trading
relationship, but President Trump has different plans for their alliance. He believes annexing
Canada would address the U.S.’s financial losses in trade and capitalize on Canada’s oil reserves.
President Trump also cites immigration concerns and drug trafficking between the nations as
reasons for annexation. While the idea of merging the two countries is implausible, fostering
stronger ties between them would be a more sensible approach.
Additionally, there would be numerous logistical challenges concerning laws, regulations, and
governance if the two countries were to merge. Would Canada become a single state, or would its
provinces be divided into individual states? How would the economy be impacted by the sudden
addition of 38 million people? Many issues would need to be addressed, and it would
undoubtedly be a long and grueling process.
The concept of reclaiming the Panama Canal has also been mentioned recently. It’s unclear
whether the aim is to take over the entire nation like Greenland or Canada, but the primary target
is the famous trade route. In 2022, Panama recorded the highest number of ships passing through
the canal, with 14,200 vessels. President Trump believes China “is running” the canal and thatthe U.S. is losing significant revenue due to tolls and trading deals. The rise in tolls is attributed
to a lack of water in recent years and basic supply and demand principles. When supply
decreases and demand exceeds capacity, costs rise for the producer, who then passes them on to
the consumer. It’s Economics 101 when it comes to these niche issues regarding trade, tariffs, and
international tolls. With China’s involvement, there appears to be close ties between China and
Panama, posing an economic threat to the United States. This could lead to labor violations and
corruption if China gains more influence in the region, potentially causing widespread issues,
especially for ordinary citizens. The canal cannot be locked down or stopped; it must continue to
handle imports and exports daily. So, how would the U.S. obtain the canal? Would it be by force
or negotiation? Or do we simply need better conversations with Panama compared to China?
Only time will tell.
The most concerning idea is the plan for Gaza and the Palestinians. The notion of creating a
Mar-a-Lago-style resort in Gaza could be devastating for everyone in the region, including the
U.S. Over 2 million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip, and resettling them would be an
enormous and laborious task. President Trump has proposed that Egypt, Jordan, and other
neighboring nations take in the Palestinians. He envisions transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of
the Middle East,” filled with hotels and resorts. This plan seems inhumane and undemocratic,
offering a degrading solution to a complex issue. The U.S. establishing a presence in such a tense
environment could spell disaster for Americans and potentially U.S. troops if they are sent to
take over the region.
In response, warranted pushback from our allies has been directed at President Trump. The
leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt have all called out President Trump, suggesting that
Palestine be recognized as a state and given long-term protection. Unfortunately, President
Trump dismissed these concerns and remains hyper-focused on his plan to take over Gaza.
Recently, President Trump posted an A.I.-generated video of his envisioned “remake” of Gaza,
featuring cruise ships, Elon Musk, resorts, and a golden statue of himself. This all adds up to a
sinister plan to remove and cleanse millions of Palestinians from their homes. This is
unreasonable, as it is unlikely they would leave easily, and no American could rightfully support
this with their tax dollars.
With all these proposals, it seems to contradict Trump’s ambition of “America first”; instead, it
appears to be “spread America more” across the globe. These takeovers reflect a past of
colonialism and imperialism, reminiscent of when the U.S. took over many Pacific islands and
meddled in Central and South America. The administration is currently negotiating a deal to end
the Russia-Ukraine war. This might come at a cost, as Trump avoids openly calling Russian
President Vladimir Putin a “dictator” and blames Ukraine for starting the war, despite Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine in 2022. If Ukraine has to concede territory to Russia, it would be a terrible
blow to the Ukrainian people and Europe alike. President Trump skirts around the issue when it
comes to Putin and Russia, perhaps drawing a comparison between the two leaders since theyboth seek land. The age of imperialism was thought to be left behind in the last century; yet we
seem to be heading towards an unexpected crash course with the President Trump and his
Since January, the newly sworn-in Trump administration has been hard at work, signing executive orders to steer American society toward a more conservative and isolationist direction.
One of their priorities is dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—programs where American organizations strive to involve individuals from marginalized communities in their hiring practices and culture. DEI programs have been entrenched in American society for decades, but what exactly are they, and why is the Trump administration attempting to abolish them?
In a nutshell, DEI programs aim to be more inclusive by providing opportunities for individuals to succeed and thrive in organizations, regardless of their ethnic background. These programs can be explained through their terms:
● Diversity means bringing together people of different races, genders, political alignments, and cultural backgrounds in a shared environment.
● Equity means recognizing inequalities in society and ensuring that everyone, irrespective of background, is given the chance to be successful.
● Inclusion defines an environment where differences between people are celebrated and where minorities can belong.
As a nation of immigrants, the United States welcomes minorities worldwide who come for better opportunities. However, these groups may feel isolated after arriving in a mostly white society, feeling that they will never be accepted. DEI programs aim to help minorities integrate by providing them with job opportunities and a chance to succeed in the U.S. despite their background.
The main reason the United States has these programs is due to the country’s ugly history of racial discrimination when non-whites were looked down upon and denied opportunities to succeed solely because of their skin color. When the country attempted to move on from its dark past, something needed to be done to tackle and correct discriminatory policies that had already existed within organizations, and DEI initiatives were enacted to do that.
Despite the benefits of these programs, not everyone is pleased with them, leading to a large bipartisan debate on their merits, with some calling for their abolishment. Not to mention, they also became convenient scapegoats for politicians to handwave a string of incidents involving aircraft safety and bridge collapses.
In the current DEI discourse, opponents have ironically labeled the initiatives as racist and discriminatory towards the majority group, particularly white people. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had previously called university DEI programs “discriminatory” and “woke indoctrination,” having signed numerous bills to abolish them. Others, like billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, however, see the programs as beneficial, highlighting that a diverse workforce that represents a business’s stakeholders is instrumental to its success.
In a diverse nation like the U.S., programs that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion should be celebrated for bringing people of different backgrounds together. As we interact more with people globally, we need to show that diversity, not monotony, is the way forward. With every country watching us, we should demonstrate the country’s racial diversity by embracing our differences, displaying equity by giving everyone equal opportunities to succeed and promoting inclusion by respecting everyone’s opinions and perspectives.
On January 6th of 2025, I had the opportunity to interview Kailez Campbell, a student that attends the University of Minnesota. Her major is philosophy, and she’s studying music for her minor. She got started in political work by being involved in the activism section of politics when she was younger. Campbell received recognition when she testified at her local school board meeting and the House member running in her district noticed her by seeing the video of this testimony. He asked her to go door knocking and to help with his campaign. Campbell then went on to help elect the first woman of color to the Blaine City Council. She was proud of being able to see “someone [who] reflects parts of my identity” in a government office and that opportunity opened the door to more opportunities.
After that, Campbell got to work with the Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL) during the trifecta they held in the Minnesota House, Senate, and Governor’s office. She helped with some of the bills including the “Democracy for the People Act,” “Minnesota State Grant Program,” and some environmental bills. Campbell later led a partnership with MN Teen Activists with the Legal Rights Program at the state capital. She wanted more young people to have a voice when it came to legislative action in the state of Minnesota.
On the day-to-day side of things, Campbell had different tasks when she campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris, and when she worked behind the scenes for the state congress. On the campaign side, she did a lot of door knocking and making phone calls to help promote her candidate. On the office side, she interned for Senator Heather Gustafson (36, DFL) and helped with constituents’ interactions and assisted with the legislative process. Senator Gustafson authored the “Free School Lunch Bill” along with some legislation focused on gun control. It was a “challenging,” yet eye-opening experience for Kailez because she worked in a purple district in Minnesota where there tends to be a variety of liberal, conservative, and moderate views.
Senator Gustafson helped author over 100 bills last session, and Kailez was tasked with writing briefs for each of these bills. A lot of those bills would eventually be revised then edited in committee before making it to the floor of the House and Senate. It was interesting to Campbell because she got to experience the campaign side of politics, but also the legislative side too. She saw the campaign promises come to life as she worked on the bill process and experienced the bills come to fruition. Being in that purple district, it was a learning experience for Campbell as she listened to issues pertaining to more rural areas compared to the issues she heard in urban areas. It was tough to navigate at first, but it helped her see the whole spectrum of problems from the cities to farms across the state.
Kailez has met a lot of high-ranking officials during her time on the campaign trail and in her internship, but the most meaningful “interactions were actually with constituents.” She was able to see, firsthand, people testifying over prominent issues in our state including the SRO bill (School Resource Officers) and a family discussing the death of their daughter due to cancer because of toxic chemicals relating to PFAs, also known as forever chemicals. She enjoyed the sense of purpose that comes with working with the legislature because she knows that what she’s doing is having an impact for the citizens of our state.
Campbell is grateful that she can serve her community as she changes lives for the better, whether it’s on the legislative or activist side. She says that helping others is important to her because she wants what’s best for everyone. Her future goals in government include running for office someday, but she would like to attend law school first to become a civil rights attorney. This goal stems from volunteering for the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Community as a grievance officer. She has also attended a police use of force class that put her future path in one direction, and with that, she hopes to work on prison reform in the future. Campbell is unsure about a particular office position at the moment, but she wants to exemplify the point that people can still have an impact by “testifying before a school board meeting or congress,” and that there are several other ways to have a voice.
I went on to ask about the collaborative process among the DFL, and their cooperation with the Republicans of Minnesota. Campbell mentioned that the last session was “kind of chaotic,” but that they managed to get some bipartisan bills passed. She has worked on the Senate and House floors so she’s aware of the entire process when it comes to creating a bill. It must go through a lot of negotiations and committees before it makes it to a vote. The more “controversial” bills can take days on end to get through debate before it gets a vote, and that happened last legislative session with the bonding bill being passed at the last minute.
Kailez Campbell is a Native American woman and identifies with the Anishinaabe tribe. I asked if she looks up to Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan since she is a Native (Ojibwe) woman as well. Campbell remarks that they’re “from the same reservation” and there is a strong personal connection with that alone. Campbell notes how “Flanagan helped pave the way for many other women of color including herself” to get into politics. Lt. Governor Flanagan is the highest-ranking Native person in the country, and with that representation, it could inspire many other women of color to strive for their goals and dreams. She explains that Flanagan took her under her wing and helped her fundraise as a national delegate at the Democratic National Convention.
A pivotal moment for Campbell regarding Lt. Governor Flanagan is how she called out the art that glorified colonization inside the Minnesota capitol building, and she covered them up with Native art instead. We must be weary of our history and how certain ideas and concepts can be racist and offensive to particular groups, so calling out the art was just one piece to the larger puzzle. Flanagan can be seen as an inspiring figure for many (Natives Americans, women, and others alike), and because she started out as an organizer in college like Campbell did, it feels close and personal when it comes to the Lt. Governor and her impact on Campbell and her fledgling career.
Lt. Governor Flanagan has bridged the gap between tribal communities and government officials in our state. Education is a top priority and learning the history of Native communities is essential in reconciling one group with another. Education is the only avenue to change the world, Campbell mentions the many routes that can come with change including helping with bills, testifying, music projects that connect to social justice, and art can just be a few select ways to change the community for the better.
Campbell’s concluding thoughts came with some advice for younger people who want to get involved with government or change in general. She explains how conversations with younger folks at the capital were the “best parts of the day” and how they would try to draft bills that could help each of the young people they talked to. She also believes that there “should be more resources for young people getting involved” just like how she had an avenue to get involved relating to the House candidate mentioned earlier. “Young people deserve to have a seat at the table,” and that can come in many ways across the spectrum of involvement. The process should be much easier for everyone and anyone to get the opportunity to make the world a better place.
Ms. Campbell’s route into government is just one example of how someone can create change no matter the circumstances one is given. Her dedication to change can be quite admired by people of different backgrounds. I’m thankful for the opportunity to interview her on some of the work she has done for the Minnesota government and I’m excited to see what she has in store for the future.
By Joseph-Charles Peeples-Hampton, Staff Writer | The Metro Scoop Student Newspaper | August 7, 2023
Minnesota’s cannabis landscape is undergoing a historic transformation as two tribal nations, White Earth Nation and Red Lake Nation, take the lead in opening the state’s first recreational marijuana dispensaries. With the new marijuana law now officially in effect, Minnesotans can legally possess and cultivate cannabis for personal use, while certain low-level marijuana offenses are being expunged.
The White Earth Nation wasted no time in embracing recreational cannabis after its council voted to legalize it. The nation is poised to commence recreational marijuana sales in early August 2023, making premium cannabis products available to both tribal members and non-tribal adults aged 21 and older.
Similarly, Red Lake Nation is gearing up to launch its own recreational marijuana dispensary, operated by NativeCare, shortly after the new law’s enactment. The tribe’s calculated timing underscores their commitment to responsible service.
While most legal retail sales are projected to begin only in early 2025 due to licensing and regulatory processes, the proactive actions of White Earth Nation and Red Lake Nation demonstrate their determination to spearhead the cannabis market’s development in the region.
Beyond Minnesota’s borders, the US is closely observing these tribal nations’ efforts to champion expanded marijuana access, marking a milestone for local communities and inspiring other states exploring cannabis legalization.
As Minnesotans celebrate their newfound freedom to possess and grow marijuana, the state is also addressing past marijuana-related convictions. The Adult-Use Cannabis Act now automatically expunges low-level marijuana-related arrests and misdemeanor convictions from the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) database, benefiting over 66,000 Minnesotans.
For individuals with felony convictions, The Cannabis Expungement Board, to be established later this fall, will determine eligibility for expungement or re-sentencing. The board’s creation aligns with the state’s commitment to removing barriers for those with cannabis-related offenses seeking employment or housing.
The state’s efforts towards expungement aim to rectify racial disparities in marijuana arrests and convictions that have been evident both in Minnesota and nationwide.
Additionally, the recently passed Clean Slate Act, effective from January 2025, expands the list of offenses eligible for petitioning the court for expungement, setting a process for the BCA to seal qualifying records from petty misdemeanor to felony offenses.
As Minnesotans embark on a new era of legalized recreational marijuana, the actions of White Earth Nation and Red Lake Nation stand as a testament to the transformative power of cannabis acceptance. The journey towards broader legalization and equal justice in the realm of marijuana continues, paving the way for a more equitable future for all.
Staff Writer | The Metro Scoop Student Newspaper | August 7, 2023
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Wellstone Center was ablaze with excitement on Wednesday, July 19th, as the highly anticipated Minnesota premiere of “It’s Basic” took center stage. Filmmaker Marc Levin’s powerful documentary shed light on the transformative impact of the guaranteed income movement on communities nationwide. Hosted by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, the event gathered fervent community members ready to ignite change through a guaranteed income.
“It’s Basic” artfully weaved together real-life narratives of individuals participating in diverse guaranteed-income pilot programs across the country. The film deeply resonated with the audience, vividly illustrating how the additional income proved a lifeline for those facing economic hardships, with a particular focus on women and parents. The documentary showcased the potential of the guaranteed income campaign to empower, uplift, and revitalize communities nationwide.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter delivers pre-screening remarks during the “It’s Basic” documentary premiere. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Melvin Carter’s office)
Mayor Carter, a tireless champion of the movement, addressed the captivated audience with unwavering resolve. He recounted the origins of St. Paul’s People’s Prosperity Guaranteed Income Pilot, which, nearly three years ago, extended a helping hand to 150 families, providing them with $500 a month for 18 months. The pilot aimed to break barriers, offering residents resources to chart their path to financial prosperity.
The star-studded event featured Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton, California, whose visionary ideas ignited the spark of universal basic income (UBI) or guaranteed income for Mayor Carter. The enduring partnership between the two leaders has led to the rapid expansion of the guaranteed income movement, with support from over 100 cities nationwide, including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Richfield, and Brooklyn Center in Minnesota, through Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and Counties for a Guaranteed Income.
The documentary screening highlighted the resounding success of St. Paul’s guaranteed income pilot. Insights from the pilot’s findings revealed that over half of the funds were judiciously utilized for necessities like food, household goods, and hygiene products. The participants, a diverse tapestry of backgrounds, showed women as the backbone of the program’s success, proving guaranteed income isn’t just about money; it’s about hope and opportunity.
The screening also unveiled Springboard for the Arts’ remarkable expansion of its guaranteed-income program, now reaching both St. Paul and rural Minnesotans. The program’s commitment to supporting 50 artists from St. Paul and 25 artists from Otter Tail County demonstrated its resolve to be a catalyst for artistic growth and economic empowerment.
The documentary’s success energized the guaranteed income movement, attracting attention from state legislatures. State Rep. Athena Hollins, a driving force behind the Universal Basic Income bill, passionately shared her journey and vision during the event. Her conviction in the necessity of guaranteed income programs for Minnesotans grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she witnessed how every dollar spent made a world of difference to families and businesses in need.
Mayor Carter seized the moment to dispel misconceptions surrounding guaranteed income, emphasizing data gathered by his office. The findings defied stereotypes, disproving the notion that those benefiting from these programs are irresponsible with the extra income. The evidence supported a profound truth: guaranteed income nurtures responsibility and strengthens communities.
As the credits rolled on “It’s Basic,” the audience was left inspired and invigorated. The documentary’s compelling message served as a rallying cry for transformative change, urging individuals, communities, and legislatures to embrace the boundless potential of guaranteed income. As the flames of hope continued to burn bright on the night of the screening, it became clear that this movement is not just a passing spark but a wildfire with hopes of blazing a trail of empowerment and equity across Minnesota and beyond.
ST. Paul, MINN. (The Metro) – On the 23rd of May, the 2023 legislative session ended here in Minnesota, and any hope for legislation not yet passed by both the House and Senate met its fate in the trash bin of history, so to speak. That is not to say this wasn’t an especially productive session for our government that is presently controlled by a Democratic trifecta – meaning that Democrats control the House, the Senate, and the Governor’s office. What follows is not an exhaustive list of bills that made their way into becoming law, but a rundown of some of the more important new laws.
House File 1/Senate File 1- Abortion Access and Legal Protections-
Let us start with what was the highest priority for Democrats coming into this session, that being the reproductive health rights and access bill which was passed early in the legislative session. A little backstory on this legislative issue; the 2022 US Supreme Court, in the case Dobbs v. Jackson, essentially overturned the landmark abortion rights case of Roe v. Wade (1973) and sent each state scrambling for solutions, some favoring more restrictive access to abortions, and some, like Minnesota, favoring more open access. Here in Minnesota, that meant passing HF1/SF1, which “Protects the Reproductive Options Act,” and “establishes a fundamental right to reproductive health.” There is another segment to abortion access as outlined in HF366/SF165, which offers certain legal protections to those wishing to obtain, or who have obtained an abortion. For instance, this bill limits the release of health records, restricts the enforcement of subpoenas, and prohibits the extradition from Minnesota of persons charged in another state where abortions are illegal. These bills became law on Tues. January 31, 2023, making Minnesota the first state to codify abortion rights.
Previously, abortions were already legal here as the 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision known as Doe v. Gomez shows. Adding to this, weeks after the Dobbs ruling from the US Supreme Court, Ramsey County District Judge Thomas Gilligan struck down every provision of the 1995 law, including parental notification and the 24-hour waiting period leaving one to wonder if this new legislation from the DFL was necessary, or if they pushed it through in a vote along party lines just for some national attention.
House File 100/Senate File 73- Legalization of Marijuana-
Next on the list of new laws passed in Minnesota is the ever-popular HF100/SF73, the marijuana legalization legislation. While this is certainly good news for just about everyone who suffers from several physical maladies, it is also good news for those languishing in jail for minor marijuana offenses. Included in the provisions of the new law are pardons for those convicted of misdemeanor offenses. But this is also good for the State of Minnesota and for law enforcement. It is good for Minnesota because, as other states that have legalized marijuana have shown, this new legislation should lead to a windfall in tax revenue. As far as law enforcement is concerned, this new legislation should allow them to focus on more pressing crimes not related to marijuana.
House File 2290/Senate File 2259- Ban on No Knock Warrants-
Speaking of law enforcement, this past legislative session brought about a welcome change in the manner in which police officers conduct search warrants. No longer will they be able to use the so-called no-knock warrants to enter premises, which, after the deaths of Breonna Taylor and Amir Locke and others, has been shown to be a dangerous and reckless method for police to serve a warrant on a suspected criminal.
House File 28/Senate File 26- Voting Restoration for Felons-
Staying within the realm of criminal justice reform, HF28/SF26 (the new law that restores the right to vote for felons who are on probation or parole), was signed into law by Gov. Walz on Fri. March 3, 2023. Sec. Of State Steve Simon, who I interviewed this past January regarding this new legislation, was on hand for the signing ceremony where he was quoted as saying, “I voted. Those are two very powerful words. And I can’t wait to see tens of thousands of newly eligible voters in Minnesota pin this badge of democracy on their chest in the next election.”
House File 15/Senate File 1117- Gun Reform-
Last but certainly not least on my list of new laws in 2023 revolves around – maybe – the most contentious debate of our time, both politically and socially. That topic is, of course, the debate surrounding gun control. Two of the bills that made it into law are HF15/SF1117, the “red flag” law, and HF14/SF1116, the “background checks for private gun sales” law. Taking each in turn, the red flag law is meant to enable those associates of gun owners who fear for the safety of the public, the gun owner, or themselves. The background checks for private gun sales seek to close what many feel are “loopholes” in who is required, and who is not, when purchasing a firearm. Previously, in the State of Minn., anyone looking to sell a firearm could do so without having to pull a background check or provide a bill of sale of any kind on the prospective buyer. This included sales at gun shows throughout the state. In actuality, if one person wanted to sell a gun and another person wanted to buy that gun, previously in Minnesota, there were no restrictions on what either was required to do. Theoretically, both buyer and seller could have shown up, exchanged a gun for cash (or some other form of payment), and then walked away without having said a word.
