Tuesday, February 4, 2020

PLYMOUTH — Last year’s legislative session ended with a compromise between the DFL-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate, which resulted in a balanced budget that protected core Minnesota values; strong investments in our public schools, ensuring our most vulnerable have access to healthcare, and enhanced safety for our cherished seniors and public safety personnel, to name a few. One area of the budget agreement included state funding for the once-a-decade U.S. Census count, which kicks off on April 1 of this year.

The $1.6 million investment will help with statewide outreach, especially with traditionally underrepresented communities, and to prepare for the first-ever digital census. The count is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories, and is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.

What’s at stake if we miss a few individuals during the census in Minnesota? After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts to account for population changes. An undercount of even a few thousand people results in a loss of representation at the local, state, and national levels, which means less input is being shared with policymakers and legislative leaders. According to State Demographer Dr. Susan Brower, a correct count means equal representation; fair distribution of resources, approximately $28,000 over a 10-year period for each Minnesotan counted; and data to make smart decisions.

For a strong voice in our shared government, we must all be counted. Every year, billions of dollars are needed for hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, bridges and other public resources, and federal funds are delivered based on the U.S. Census data collected. Not having an accurate count prevents us from proportionally receiving these vital funds that go toward the high-quality public services Minnesotans need and deserve.

In March–April, the U.S. Census Bureau will send information to every home with instructions on how to fill out the census form online or on paper. All data is confidential. For this census to be successful, workers are needed, and employment opportunities are available in our community. I hope you’ll consider applying for one of the thousands of temporary U.S. Census jobs. Hennepin County is offering pay up to $27 per hour. You can apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs.

Please fill out your census form so you can be counted. The future of our Minnesota depends on it. With the 2020 Legislative Session right around the corner, I’m looking forward to building on our bipartisan success and continuing to deliver on the services and quality of life we rely on in Plymouth, and in our state.

Link: Editorial – Sun Sailor

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Thursday, June 27, 2019

ST. PAUL— Today the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in two landmark redistricting cases,Rucho v. Common Cause and Lamone v. Benisek. In a 72-page decision written by Justice Roberts, the majority concluded it could not set a constitutional standard against partisan gerrymandering.

Justice Kagan highlighted in her dissent, “The partisan gerrymanders here debased and dishonored our democracy, turning upside-down the core American idea that all governmental power derives from the people.”

Representative Ginny Klevorn (DFL-Plymouth) chief authored legislation during the 2019 session that would establish a nonpartisan Redistricting Advisory Commission comprised of 12 members of the public and five retired judges. Representative Klevorn released the following statement:

“Minnesotans deserve an honest election process, one that allows the people an opportunity to fairly elect their local elected officials. I wholeheartedly agree with Justice Kagan’s dissent. Although the Court came to this decision today, the Minnesota Legislature can set clear standards that put people before partisan or special interests. I’ll continue to work on people-focused and people-driven redistricting reforms putting all Minnesotans ahead of party, incumbency, and special interests.”

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Plymouth, MN, – Today Ginny Klevorn has received the endorsement of former President Barack Obama in her race for Minnesota State House District 44A.

“As a former state legislator himself, President Obama recognizes the importance of electing strong leaders at the state level,” said Klevorn. It is quite an honor to receive the President’s endorsement and know that he believes in our campaign and our fight for affordable health care, fully funded education, and improved roads and bridges. This distinction will only fuel our fire to win and give the people of 44A the representation they deserve.”

“With over 6,000 races on the ballot this year, we are excited to join forces with President Obama to highlight the amazing men and women like Ginny Klevorn running in must-watch races for their state legislatures,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) Executive Director Jessica Post. “We stand united and will do everything we can to elect candidates like Ginny Klevorn who will stand up for democratic values and work to move our nation forward.”

You can check out Ginny Klevorn’s website here to learn more about Ginny, her platform, why the race is critical to strengthening the voice of Plymouth residents in Minnesota, and support Ginny Klevorn’s campaign.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Ginny Klevorn, please email Kim Nelson at VoteGinnyDirector@gmail.com. For more information about the DLCC, or to schedule an interview with DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post, please email Mara Sloan at mara@dlcc.org.

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