El, a resident of Saint Paul, was just one of 8,100 Minnesotans who avoided homelessness in 2012 thanks to the work of MHFA.

Two years into his administration, Governor Mark Dayton is making important progress toward building a Better Minnesota. Measuring that progress by the improvements Minnesotans have seen in their lives, families, communities, and economy, the Dayton Administration is taking inventory of what has been accomplished thus far, and considering the work that still remains to be done.

One crucial measure of that progress is supporting strong and stable families and communities, which is essential to improving the quality of life enjoyed by Minnesotans. Governor Dayton is focused on helping all Minnesotans do better by delivering high-quality services that support a nation-leading quality of life. From helping seniors find comfort and security in their old age, to providing support for vulnerable Minnesotans, to driving down the cost of living – Governor Dayton is committed to making Minnesota an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

In the Spotlight

Every day, thousands of Minnesotans face the challenges of homelessness.  The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) provides assistance to homeless individuals and families, helping people find the safety and comfort of affordable housing.

Ten years ago, El (pictured above) was homeless, until he received the assistance of MHFA. Thanks to rental assistance and support services, El now lives in a one bedroom apartment in Saint Paul with his two cats.

El recently shared his story with MHFA’s staff and Board, crediting MHFA employee Kate Britney for, “helping to save his life.”

Commissioner Jesson Speaking at "Together, We Work" Conference

Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson spoke Dec. 5 k at “Together, We Work,” the first conference hosted by Minnesota APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) and Pathways to Employment.

The two-day event brought together people with disabilities, employers, supported employment service providers and advocates to make connections and discover ways to increase employment opportunities even in times of scarce resources.

The MPCA is a major partner of Clean Air Minnesota’s Project Green Fleet (PGF). Since it began in 2005, PGF has worked with school districts and school bus fleet operators to retrofit buses with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts and closed crankcase filtration systems.

After two years in office, Governor Mark Dayton is continuing to make important progress toward building a Better Minnesota. 

One crucial measure of that progress is improving the health of Minnesotans, which is essential to a high quality of life in Minnesota.  Governor Dayton is pursuing a variety of strategies to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities across our state, including increasing access to high quality, affordable health insurance and promoting strong community health programs.  The Dayton Administration is focused on improving the quality of life for all Minnesotans, and lowering the cost of health care in our great state of Minnesota.

In the Spotlight

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has worked to reduce diesel emission in school buses, snowplows, fire trucks, and other large vehicles.  Emissions retrofits on school buses alone have improved air quality for nearly 85,000 kids in 91 school districts statewide.

In 2012, MPCA focused on reducing diesel emission in long-haul semi-trucks.  At current fuel prices, retrofits made to 282 vehicle engines, and reduced idling on 155 trucks, will save trucking companies $600,000 each year in fuel costs. Health benefits derived from these emissions reductions are estimated to total $123.5 million.

On February 1, Governor Mark Dayton and Department of Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius, visited the North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale ISD 622, to celebrate February as “I Love to Read” Month. The Governor and Commissioner, along with Read It, enjoyed story time with the Kindergartners and third graders. 

Two years into his administration, Governor Mark Dayton is making important progress toward building a Better Minnesota. Measuring that progress by the improvements Minnesotans have seen in their lives, families, communities, and economy, the Dayton Administration is taking inventory of what has been accomplished thus far, and considering the work that still remains to be done.

One crucial measure of that progress is ensuring Minnesotans have the education and skills they need to achieve their goals. Building a better Minnesota starts with giving our children and workforce a world-class education, and the skills they need to succeed in a global economy.

That is why Governor Dayton is strongly committed to providing more funding for K-12 classrooms and early childhood education, increasing per pupil spending, and making college more affordable for Minnesotans. Governor Dayton is also focused on helping working Minnesotans access the education and workforce training they need to compete and succeed in today’s economy. 

In the Spotlight: Teaching Kids to Read Well 

In 2011, Governor Dayton invested more than $55 million in early literacy.  The Department of Education worked with every school district to develop local literacy plans that outline how curriculum, instruction, and assessments will be used to improve third grade reading scores.

Early results of this key investment are promising:  In 2012, student in grades 3-8 made substantial overall gains in reading, with notable progress among American Indian and Hispanic students.

Employment Resource Team from the National Guard, with the help of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), traveled to Kuwait in March 2012 in order to provide workshops and job search assistance for 1,080 soldiers from 10 different states

Two years into his administration, Governor Dayton continues to make crucial progress towards building a Better Minnesota. Measuring that progress by the improvements Minnesotans have seen in their lives, families, communities, and economy, the Dayton Administration is taking inventory of what has been accomplished over the last two years and considering the work ahead. 

One important measure of that progress is improving the condition of Minnesota’s economy. Governor Dayton is focused on getting Minnesotans back to work by creating opportunities for all Minnesotans. A successful economy requires strong business growth, a skilled workforce and employment opportunities for everyone.

In the Spotlight

Helping Minnesota veterans find employment opportunity has been a high priority for Governor Dayton. So when an employment survey of Minnesota National Guard soldiers serving in Kuwait showed that over 900 soldiers (28%) would not have a job when they returned from combat, the Dayton Administration took action. 

Following the survey, an Employment Resource Team from the National Guard, with the help of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), traveled to Kuwait in March 2012 in order to provide workshops and job search assistance for 1,080 soldiers from 10 different states. Those efforts delivered results for hundreds of military families who may otherwise have faced the prolonged challenges of unemployment.

Of the 2,700 Minnesota soldiers returning from Kuwait last spring, only 78 are still unemployed – a 90% improvement in only four months.

Didn’t have a chance to check out the MinnesotaWorks.net Career Fair last Thursday? Here’s a play-by-play of what happened and some of the useful information given out to the 1,700 job seekers who attended.

Eager job searchers began arriving at 6:30 a.m. and the flow of people remained steady the entire day. One job seeker said she felt hopeful that she would find a job at the fair. Employers we spoke to said they found lots of qualified candidates for their open positions.

The resume critique center was busy throughout the day. Within minutes of opening, a 40 minute wait developed for meeting with a resume expert.  A convenient ticket system allowed job searchers to grab a number and continue meeting with employers while they waited for their resume critique.   According to one resume expert, one common tip they gave to job seekers throughout the day was to make sure all work experience and skills are listed on your resume.

Photo by Gary Lerude

Since 2005, MnDOT’s Safe Routes to School program has increased travel safety for thousands of Minnesota youth who walk or bike to school. Under the federal transportation bill, all 50 states were provided funding; Minnesota was apportioned $18.5 million.

With the already distributed $11.5 million, the project has reached 264 schools and approximately 131,000 students in grades K-8 developmental projects that reduced traffic and promoted environmental responsibility such as air pollution near school zones. Aside from improving safe transportation for youth, MnDOT has also collaborated with partners such as the Minnesota Department of Health to support the program by developing initiatives such as bicycle and pedestrian safety lesson plans and training for schools across the state.

As 2013 approaches, MnDOT and Governor Mark Dayton will continue to work towards creating opportunities and educating Minnesotans about safe commutes for children under the SRTS program.

For more information, visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/saferoutes/

Made on the Range, the IRRRB’s new website, is connecting Minnesotans with local businesses this holiday season. Commissioner Tony Sertich promoted the site yesterday, which in its first year has attracted 336 area businesses and visits from 50,000 Minnesota shoppers looking to buy local. To find local businesses or have your business featured, visit madeontherange.com.

Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the week of December 2-8 as Human Rights Week in Minnesota.  A week-long celebration of human rights events have been planned by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to recognize work being done, and challenges remaining, in addressing disparities, removing barriers of discrimination, and ensuring equal opportunity.