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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
IT’S A SAD DOG THAT WON’T WAG ITS OWN TAIL
By Joyce Peppin
State Representative, District 32A
Recently, the independent United Health Foundation ranked Minnesota the healthiest state in the nation. The report cited Minnesota’s low rate of cardiovascular deaths (number one in the country), a low premature death rate and a low percentage of uninsured. Minnesota was also named among the top five states for a low percentage of children in poverty, a low total mortality rate, a low infant mortality rate, a low occupational fatalities rate, a low rate of motor vehicle deaths and a high rate of high school graduation.
Amid all the gloomy talk from politicians and the media about Minnesota’s supposed decline in livability benchmarks -- from education to health care -- this report offers a refreshingly accurate and upbeat assessment. Just a few months ago, recent U.S. Census Bureau data showed that Minnesota was number two in the nation for having the least amount of poverty with a 7.2 percent poverty rate. And the state's 3.9 percent unemployment rate is one of the lowest rates in the country.
As good as the economic and health news has been, recent report cards about Minnesota’s schools have been very bright. Our Minnesota ACT scores – the college entrance exams -- are the highest in the nation. A few months ago, the Department of Education released the results of Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments from last spring. More schools are making academic progress and all grades showed improvement in math and reading scores.
The state of the state is very good and citizens should not hesitate to take a little pride for the state’s top notch standing in so many quality of life measures. As Gov. Pawlenty once said, it’s a sad dog that won’t wag its own tail.
Town Meetings
Even though the 2006 legislative session doesn’t begin until March 1, I am holding town meetings in the area on Saturday, January 14, to give citizens an opportunity to talk with me about what issues are important to them. I’ll be at the Dayton Senior Center from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and at the Maple Grove Community Center from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. See you there!
Rep. Peppin represents District 32A, which includes the communities of Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Hanover, Rogers, Hassan Township, and southwestern Maple Grove. Peppin invites anyone to share their questions or comments about state government with her. She may be reached by email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn; by phone at (651) 296-7806; or by U.S. Mail at 411 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
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News Items
- PEPPIN REPORT: NW SUBURBAN FAMILIES WILL BE HIT HARD UNDER DAYTON AND DFL BUDGET - (Posted: May 28 2013 4:35PM)
- Rep. Peppin’s bill would lessen unfair fiscal disparities tax burden on Rogers - (Posted: Apr 3 2013 9:36AM)
- PEPPIN REPORT: FEBRUARY FORECAST REVEALS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE STATE SURPLUS - (Posted: Feb 28 2013 12:00AM)
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