Public News Service

During Hunger Action Month, key organizations are calling on Congress to protect funding for support programs as lawmakers debate budget proposals. (Adobe Stock)

'On the edge of catastrophe': A call to arms during Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and a food shelf coordinator in Minnesota does not see increased demand going down anytime soon. According to …

The Postsecondary National Policy Institue says in 2020, 22% of the 18- to 24-year-old Native American population were enrolled in college compared to 40% of the overall U.S. population. (Adobe Stock)

MN's new free tuition program resets higher ed path for tribal students

Indigenous populations have long faced barriers in pursuing higher education and Minnesota's new free college tuition program could help put some of t…

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, lower courts usually define a

MN livestock producers may take concerns to the polls

Concerns about consolidation in the meat industry could drive livestock producers to the polls. Just four companies process about 85% of American …

In a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Cement Masons Plasterers and Shophands Local 633 holds a 10-week training camp each summer for Native Americans looking to learn a trade. (Photo courtesy of Fair Contracting Foundation of Minnesota)

MN cement mason bootcamp pays off for tribal youths

The next time you drive over a newly built highway in Minnesota, the concrete may have been poured by a Native American trained through a pre-…

Each Community Action Agency is different, but many offer help with resume building and interview readiness as low-income individuals try to find stable work. (Adobe Stock)

MN agencies reflect on war on poverty, 60 years in

For six decades, the U.S. has carried out a coordinated effort to keep poverty levels in check. Support offices in Minnesota say there's still need …

Since the mid-1990s, the May Day Cafe has been a community fixture in South Minneapolis. Workers there are trying to add it to the growing list of worker-owned cooperatives in the United States. (Photo courtesy of Forrest Wozniak/Flickr)

Worker-owned cooperative movement finds footing in MN

CLARIFICATION: While worker-owned cooperatives are seen as one of many solutions to the expected wave of small-business owners retiring, organizers …

According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. households will spend around $140 on back-to-school staples such as notebooks and pencil sharpeners. However, other needs, such as shoes and electronics, push the cost much higher. (Adobe Stock)

School supply donations: Notebooks help but so do headphones, gym shoes

The average household is spending nearly $875 on back-to-school items this year, according to the National Retail Federation and Minnesota organizers …

Most of the buses in Minnesota's rural transportation system are ADA-compliant and equipped with wheelchair lifts for passengers with disabilities. (Arrowhead Transit)

Rural MN communities gain expanded public transportation options

Traveling around rural Minnesota can be difficult but in more than half the state, nonprofit transit systems are helping people get where they need …

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called on members to defend democracy, voting rights and public education in the run-up to the presidential election this November. (Adobe Stock)

MN educators join national calls for democracy, better working conditions

Politics and education reform are among the major topics at a national convention of more than 3,500 teachers union members this week, including some …

According to the Minnesota Housing Partnership, more than 640,000 households across the state are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than they can afford for their housing. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many Minnesotans squeezed by housing costs

Newly released data in Minnesota underscores what housing assistance groups have been preaching - it's become increasingly difficult for many people t…

The union representing Minneapolis park keepers says since 1984, the department's superintendent's salary has increased by 229%, but in contrast, frontline workers' wages have fallen behind when factoring in inflation. (Adobe Stock)

Mpls. labor dispute highlights park workers' job challenges

With the July 4 holiday approaching, families are likely to spend time at municipal parks to celebrate and Parks Department staff in Minneapolis hope …

The pandemic brought a new focus on mental-health care needs, but the industry says it's still adapting to increased demands for services. (Adobe Stock)

Mental health care and MN's facility crunch

Human services leaders say Minnesota is in a mental-health crisis, complicating efforts to manage behavioral health facilities. Closure plans for …

According to various tracking organizations, 47% of FAFSA applicants are first-generation college students. (Adobe Stock)

New digital tool emerges to help MN students with FAFSA woes

The effect of technical glitches in overhauling the student financial-aid form known as FAFSA is still being felt. Issues stemming from a redesign …

Leaders with the nonprofit Achieving the Dream say rural community colleges often aren't viewed, as are universities, as the

With national support, MN rural community college can reshape its future

A Minnesota community college serving rural students is getting a lift as it works to bring more innovation to its campus. The school was selected …

Minnesota's minimum wage of $10.85 took effect in January. It includes lower levels for small employers and workers falling under a handful of other categories. (Adobe Stock)

MN poised to establish standardized minimum wage

Minnesota is moving closer to ensure all workers are eligible for the state's minimum wage of $10.85 an hour. The Legislature has been taking action …

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 90% of contractors are experiencing moderate-to-high difficulty finding skilled talent. Figures like that are prompting enhanced efforts to train more apprentices in the construction trades. (Adobe Stock)

Pick up a hammer? MN apprentices say, 'Why not?'

It's graduation season, and in Minnesota, it's not just high schools and universities sending off waves of students. Organizers say they're seeing a …

In a new poll commissioned by the Rural Democracy Initiative, nearly half of rural voters indicated they would vote for a culturally aligned rural Democrat over a Republican businessperson from an urban area on the East Coast. (Adobe Stock)

New poll shows rural voters aren't pigeonholed on key topics

Former President Donald Trump is expected to appear at a Minnesota fundraising event later this month. It comes amid new polling data in battleground …

A Minnesota research group said between 2020 and 2022, buried utility infrastructure was damaged 7,440 times, with broadband installation serving as a major factor. (Adobe Stock)

Broadband crunch produces side effect: underground digging mishaps

Government leaders are acting with urgency to get underserved communities connected with high speed internet but in Minnesota, underground digging …

Trade unions said workers in areas such as construction, meat processing and agriculture need protection from unscrupulous employers who cheat them out of wages and benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation aimed at stopping MN employers from misclassifying workers

Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure which would force employers to properly classify certain trade union workers and others as employees rat…

Organizations fighting wage theft said it harms affected workers and surrounding communities because the money withheld is not being circulated through the local economy. (Adobe Stock)

Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN

A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …

During the pandemic, the federal government rolled out a temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Policy experts say it helped many families temporarily escape poverty. Supporters of Minnesota's new credit hope for similar results. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Child Tax Credit aligns with economic justice efforts

With tax season winding down, efforts continue to spread the word about Minnesota's new Child Tax Credit. Outreach leaders say it's another way to …

Supporters of a Minnesota proposal say striking workers deserve the same access to jobless benefits as any other member of the workforce. Current state law offers these benefits only to workers who are

MN debates jobless benefits for striking workers

Minnesota is among the states taking a closer look at extending unemployment benefits to workers who go on strike. A bill making its way through the …

Federal policies, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are ushering in a wave of public works projects across the country. That's prompting more demand for jobs within the building and design trades, and industry leaders hope more young people take notice. (Adobe Stock)

Galvanizing efforts to prepare more builders and designers in MN

Representatives from the building and design trades will gather this weekend to showcase their professions to Minnesota youth. Organizers want to …

In a 2019 survey from the Minnesota nonprofit CTUL, 48% of respondents reported having experienced wage theft while working in the construction trades. (Adobe Stock)

MN standards program could deter wage theft in construction trades

Non-union construction workers rallied in the Twin Cities on Thursday over renewed concerns about wage theft. In the push to build more affordable …

Leaders with a hunger-fighting group in Minnesota cite several reasons why more people are visiting food shelves. They acknowledge that skyrocketing rent is likely leaving less room for other necessities, including food. (Adobe Stock)

MN food shelves increasingly nimble in light of concerning data

Food shelves across Minnesota continue to adapt to record demand, that isn't showing any immediate signs of slowing down. This month, Hunger …

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce says Minnesota ranks 11th in the nation when measuring the growth of college degree attainment between 2010 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

College degree attainment sees uneven growth for racial groups

The U.S. has seen an increase in the percentage of adults with a college degree, helping to boost lifetime earnings. But a new report shows the …

In a newly filed civil lawsuit, the Minnesota Attorney General not only accuses Evergreen Acres Dairy of stealing workers' wages, but also unlawfully deducting rent from the paychecks of those living onsite. (Adobe Stock)

MN takes action against dairy company in major wage-theft case

Minnesota officials have announced what they call one of the largest wage-theft lawsuits in state history. The case involves a dairy operator …

Permanent rate hike cases for a trio of utility providers serving Minnesota customers are expected to stretch well into 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring scope of utility rate hike activity in MN

Temporary rate hikes sought by a handful of utilities in Minnesota are taking effect. Consumer advocates are still monitoring long-term proposals …

Rural connection gaps, through lack of infrastructure, are often cited as barriers to high-speed internet access. But experts reported being able to afford the monthly payments is another issue affecting many Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Helping low-income Minnesotans defray internet costs

Roughly 200,000 Minnesota households lack access to high-speed internet. Affordability is an issue for some, and two regions are ramping up outreach …

Minnesota's new paid leave law, scheduled to take effect in 2026, will distribute benefits through a state-operated insurance pool funded by employers and employees. (Adobe Stock)

Despite cost debate, some MN businesses intrigued by paid-leave law

Minnesota is two years away from enacting its new paid leave law and while the debate over costs has resurfaced, some in the small business community …

In a new national poll, 86% of respondents say they would purchase more

'Made in America' items try to land on more holiday gift lists

With Thanksgiving behind us, Minnesotans are shifting their attention to holiday shopping. Spurred by encouraging public polling, those who make …

According to Gallup, three in four Americans side with the United Auto Workers in their negotiations with U.S. auto companies. (Adobe Stock)

Amid organizing buzz, union membership lags, but leaders still see hope

States such as Minnesota have seen a tidal wave of union organizing amid public support to improve pay and workplace conditions. However, labor …

Los datos del censo muestran que la poblaci�n latina de Minnesota ha crecido casi un 40% desde 2010, y los defensores dicen que esto deber�a obligar al estado a tomar m�s en serio a los latinos como fuerza econ�mica, incluso para empleos bien remunerados. (Adobe Stock)

Complejidades rodean 'brecha de riqueza' Latina, a medida que se afianzan esfuerzos en MN

Un nuevo informe señala que factores como la geografía influyen en la evaluación de las diferencias de riqueza de los latinos en Estado…

UAW members are asking for 36% raises in general pay over four years, as well as the return of pension plans for new workers. (Adobe Stock)

MN labor groups rally with auto workers

Thousands of U.S. auto workers remain on strike, and the walkout is being felt in Minnesota. A rally was scheduled this morning in the Twin Cities …

While Minnesota continues to see job growth in clean energy, trade groups warn if efforts are not accelerated to add more grid capacity, projects slated for development could be stalled or canceled, potentially cutting into job gains. (Adobe Stock)

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm …

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says last year's spike in the nation's child poverty rate is the largest increase for children dating back to 1967. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Nationwide Surge in Child Poverty, MN Mitigation Plan Takes Flight

Policy experts are reacting to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, showing the nation's child poverty rate has more than doubled, to 12%. In …

Beyond insulation and furnace repairs, programmable thermostats are part of home weatherization services to help establish more energy efficiency. (Adobe Stock)

With Winter Around the Corner, MN Enhances Weatherization Efforts

The application period is now underway for Minnesotans who'll need help with heating bills this winter. The Energy Assistance Program also paves the …

Minnesota government scientists are among the workers covered under a new two-year contract recently approved by key unions. (Adobe Stock)

Remote Work, Corrections Benefits Wins Part of MN State Employees Deal

Minnesota is phasing in new provisions for state employees as their latest contracts have been finalized. Beyond pay raises, union leaders say there …

Hunger relief experts say the pandemic made it much harder for marginalized populations to access healthy food, and federal relief grants helped some organizations address gaps. (Adobe Stock)

Relief Grants in MN Help Instill Hope in Addressing Food Insecurity

Minnesota saw a record 5.7 million people people visit food shelves last year. While there is still great concern about households not having enough …

Retail experts say the cost of electronics that students need has become a driving factor in the overall rise of school supply expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Budget Pressure, Low-Income Minnesotans Get School-Supply Relief

The average U.S. household will spend nearly $900 on back-to-school supplies this year, and in Minnesota, poverty-fighting organizations are …

This summer, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is holding recruiting events in more than 20 cities for jobs in public service. The tour stopped in Minneapolis this week. (Photo: AFSCME)

Labor Leaders: Public Service Staffs Need a Helping Hand

Trade organizations are warning worker shortages could linger for certain sectors for several more years, and to close gaps in public service…

With more federal funding coming Minnesota's way to improve broadband access, advocates said it might create more remote work opportunities for those who want to move to rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

In Rural MN, Road to Good Jobs is Paved with Broadband

Minnesota is preparing to make use of more than $650 million in federal aid to bring high-speed internet to underserved populations. Rural areas …

A year ago, inflation was at a 40-year high, but consumer costs have come down considerably since then. (Adobe Stock)

MN Rural Report Paints Different Picture of Past Inflation Spikes

New federal data show inflation is cooling off in a big way. The relief comes on the heels of a Minnesota policy report detailing how rural areas …

The National Low Income Housing Coalition said Minnesota has a shortage of nearly 104,000 affordable rental homes for its lowest-income households. Community action agencies say historic investments from the Legislature will help them meet the demand for housing aid. (Adobe Stock)

Facing High Demand, MN Digs Deep to Provide Housing Aid

The U.S. is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable homes and concerns about people facing homelessness. Minnesota is using …

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation show Minnesota has an overall high ranking for child well-being. But advocates warn that lack of access to early child education could derail outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Shines in Child Well-Being Report, But Pandemic Shows its Impact

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Minnesota fared better in the …

Union leaders have accused U.S. rail companies of prioritizing cost-cutting, prompting safety concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Faces Pressure to Advance Rail Safety Plan

During National Safety Month, Congress is being urged to take swift action to pass the Rail Safety Act of 2023. The measure aims to prevent future …

Four years ago, Minnesota approved what was described as one of the toughest wage-theft laws in the country. But some construction union leaders say the practice is still prevalent within the industry. (Adobe Stock)

MN Adds Extra Wage Theft Protection for Construction Workers

As the summer construction season ramps up, the industry is preparing for new requirements under a pending Minnesota law change. In recent years…

For years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been quickly targeted for cuts when Congress is at odds over spending priorities. (Adobe Stock)

MN Hunger Relief Leader: SNAP Threats Off Mark

Whether it's the recent debt ceiling negotiations or the Farm Bill debate, a key federal food assistance program is again at the mercy of budget …

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MN: Livable Wages/Working Families