Questions you should ask a candidate for state legislature

Everyone has an important role to play in achieving A Minnesota Without Poverty! One timely way to share this vision is to raise the issues during the 2010 elections and beyond. Asking a question of a candidate both educates our future governor and legislative leaders and prompts important public conversation that educates the wider community and moves us all a step toward A Minnesota Without Poverty.

Question: The poverty rate among white Minnesotans is the sixth lowest in the nation, while the poverty rate among African Americans is third highest. How will you address this economic gap and work to eliminate poverty in our state?

Question: Why are you the person to ensure that everyone in Minnesota has affordable quality health care?

Question: What three recommendations from the Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020 would you support most?

Question: What is the role of government in ending poverty in Minnesota?

Question: What are the best investments we can make in creating more and better-paying jobs in Minnesota?

Question: Why is it important to invest in early education? Would you support an increased investment to expand access to early educational opportunities for all children?

Question: Why is our state facing a budget shortfall? How can we solve budget shortfalls without cutting services for people in poverty, people needing health care, and people with disabilities?

JRLC's Interfaith Children's Advocacy Network believes that children's issues in Minnesota should also be at the forefront of the next governor's agenda. iCAN in conjunction with the Children's Platform Coalition ask the following questions of the Governor Candidates:

In regards to investment in children:

How do you plan to raise revenue and structure your state agencies to demonstrate a readiness to invest in children and improve access to services and support for all Minnesotans children and youth between birth and age 21?

Discuss how you view the continuum of care from birth to 21 for children and youth in Minnesota. What new and innovative ideas do you have to strengthen and support Minnesota families, improve health care and education?

How will your plans for children and youth relate to jobs, health care and affordable housing for families?

In regards to economic and racial disparity: How will you address issues of economic and racial disparity for Minnesota’s children and youth?

In regards to prevention: What are your plans to focus on prevention and early intervention services for children and youth?

In regards to special populations at risk: Some populations often get ignored when discussing children and their needs. What plans do you have to support children and youth in the foster care system? What plans do you have to address the needs of older youth?