Minnesota at a Crossroads

By John R. Finnegan, Jr., Ph.D.
Feb. 26, 2007

Minnesota has always prided itself as a progressive "brain power" state in its approach to public issues. Once upon a time, 30 years ago, we congratulated ourselves for creating "The Minnesota Miracle" celebrated in a famous Time Magazine cover. We had good schools, a robust economy, low crime rates, good health, and progressive government investment that promoted opportunities for our citizens.

Over the weekend, however, we learned that "The Minnesota Miracle" has degenerated into the "Minnesota Nightmare" for many citizens. The state has earned the dubious distinction of having the largest increase of any state of people living in "deep poverty." We should be ashamed of ourselves.

The McClatchy News Service (Star-Tribune, Feb 24, p. A8) performed an analysis of 2005 U.S. Census data to examine changes in Americans living in "deep poverty," defined as a family of four or individuals living at half or less than the Federal poverty line ($9,903 and $5,080 annual income respectively). From 2000 through 2005, those living in "deep poverty" increased in the nation by 26 percent, faster even than the overall poverty rate increase. Despite a strong state economy, Minnesota's "deep poverty" population grew by 62 percent, the largest increase of any state. The growth of poverty overall has been increasing steadily for 30 years, the study noted. Those affected most by this shameful trend are, of course, children, women and people of color.

We in public health have known for some time that despite Minnesota's reputation for a strong economy, longevity and good health, the state has some of the worst disparities of any state between majority and minority populations. With economic disparities come disparities in health compounded by disparities in education and opportunity.

I am old enough to recall that Minnesota politics -- whether dominated by Republicans or Democrats -- was propelled by a basic value that united us all: no one should be left behind. In the past 30 years, we have apparently quietly abandoned this value. Now we begin to see the results of selfishness, self-obsession, and the "me first" values that replaced it. It should be clear that our foolish abandonment of our basic value will not protect us from having to pay for it.

Fail to support strong schools and educational opportunity for everyone? Then prepare to pay for more prisons. Fail to invest in prevention and public health? Then prepare to pay health costs to expensive health delivery systems like hospital emergency departments and the local taxpayers that support them -- and at excessively high cost. Fail to invest significantly in higher education and your public research university? Then prepare for less opportunity for all economically, socially, culturally, and in health and science. In short, prepare to accept a deteriorating quality of life for all.

Personally, I believe Minnesota is at a crossroads in its values and vision. What kind of life do we want for everyone in this state? High quality? Good health for all? Education and opportunity for all? Children who grow up with optimism and great expectations for a future they are willing to work toward?

No, I am not running for public office. But we ought to be pressing every office holder to tell us what is their vision for Minnesota. If we don't hold them and ourselves accountable and responsible, then the Minnesota Miracle will become the Minnesota Nightmare for everyone. Being "against" things is not enough. What's the vision and what will we do together to make it real for everyone?