Every week, Alliance for a Better Minnesota will highlight the important work being done in the progressive community. Focusing on issues that impact Minnesotans’ lives, this important work helps Minnesota continue moving forward.
Sen. Franken And Gov. Dayton Reelected: Senator Al Franken and Governor Mark Dayton will continue serving the people of Minnesota, after winning reelection last week.
Twin Cities Marathon One Of World’s Best: The Twin Cities Marathon that takes place every fall is one of the world’s best marathons, according to the Active World Times. Criteria such as our scenic routes and high numbers of cheering fans helped push the marathon high up the list.
National Jobless Rate Slowing: In just two months, the unemployment rate throughout the nation decreased from 7.2 percent to 5.8 percent. Analysts say the average amount of jobs gained per month over the last six months is around 235,000, which is a strong indication that the economy is gaining momentum. (Psst…Minnesota’s unemployment rate is even lower than the national average, at 4.1 percent…)
Cargill Spends 28th Year On Forbes Largest Private Company List: Since its start in 1984, the Forbes list of largest private companies has included Minnesota-based Cargill. This year is no exception, as Cargill topped the list again by bringing in $134.9 billion in 2013, and employing around 143,000 people.
$18.2 Million Raise In One Day: With no major technical difficulties this year, the St. Paul-based nonprofit GiveMN.org raised a record-breaking $18.2 million during the annual “Give to the Max Day.” Once a year, donors are encouraged to donate as much money as they comfortably can to Minnesota’s nonprofit organizations. This was the sixth year of the event, and Minnesotans donated over $1 million more than they did in 2013.
More Than 15,000 Volunteers In St. Paul: It turns out that what’s come to be known as “We Day,” an annual celebration of community service volunteers, is succeeding in unexpected ways. During the annual celebration at the Xcel Energy Center earlier this week, at least 18,000 volunteers from around the state joined to celebrate the act of giving back to their community. Students from more than 550 Minnesota schools were included in the celebration.
Sen. Klobuchar Receives Senate Leadership Role: In an attempt to work on both sides of the congressional aisle, Senate Democrats have created the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. The purpose is for Democrats in the Senate to work through divisive issues with their Republican counterparts. Sen. Klobuchar was given the role of chair of the committee, and she will be responsible for working with special interest and outside groups when Congress is in gridlock.
Twin Cities Scores Perfect On LGBT Equality: Last year, the Human Rights Campaign gave Minneapolis a perfect score of 100 on their equality index, while St. Paul scored 96. Now, both of them scored perfect 100’s. Considering the average score throughout the index, which measures city’s individual attempts to improve LGBT lives despite what the state or federal government does, was 59, it hints that the Twin Cities may be headed in more progressive directions than many of the other 353 cities on the list.
