Humphrey School News on-the-go

Politics 2012: Super year for super PACs

2012-05-20T20:33:37Z

Larry Jacobs discusses the "enormous" influence of super PACs.

"What's happening now is that the amount of money being given has enabled single individuals to literally bankroll [a] candidacy," the director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance said. "I haven't seen that kind of power money in decades."

United Press International
May 20, 2012

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Same-sex marriage battle intensifies in Minnesota

2012-05-20T20:18:13Z

Larry Jacobs weighs in on the impact of Obama's support for gay marriage.

Some believe the same-sex issue might help Obama gain support. "Social issues including gay marriage are unlikely to affect voter choice between [Mitt] Romney and Obama. But it could be a big tool for Obama to turn out disaffected Democrats who are likely to sit out the election," University of Minnesota political science professor Larry Jacobs was quoted as saying.

Christian Post
May 20, 2012

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Also seen in KVIA-TV
May 19, 2012

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Sunny Chanthanouvong completes Humphrey Policy Fellows Program

2012-05-20T20:10:40Z

Humphrey Policy Fellow, Chanthanouvong, completes program, presents project on a U.S.-Somali Leadership Program.

Chanthanouvong and his family emigrated from Laos to Minneapolis in 1984. He is currently the executive director of the Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota, which responds to urgent resettlement needs of fellow Lao refugees in Minnesota and strives to enhance the quality of life of Minnesota's Lao families.

Asian American Press
May 20, 2012

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Diplomacy in the digital age

2012-05-18T20:30:24Z

Eric Schwartz weighs in on digital diplomacy.

The effort to inform and engage works best when it's a "feedback mechanism," said Eric Schwartz, dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and formerly an assistant secretary of state for humanitarian affairs. Schwartz explained that the goal is often to influence citizens in a country to pressure their own government for change.

Star Tribune
May 18, 2012

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Church briefs

2012-05-17T20:53:49Z

Humphrey alumna, Samantha Evans, is the guest speaker at Women's Day worship service at Needs Creek Baptist Church.

The theme for this service will be "Women walking in the newness of Christ," Romans 6:4. The guest speaker will be Samantha Evans. Ms. Evans grew up in rural Bigelow and graduated from Bigelow High School. She earned her B.A. in political science from Spelman College located in Atlanta, Ga. She later received a master's in urban planning and regional development from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, which is the University of Minnesota's school of policy and planning.

The Cabin.net
May 17, 2012

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Ron Paulites expected to rule Minnesota Republican convention

2012-05-17T20:43:38Z

Pawlenty advocates welcoming Paul's supporters in his speech at the Humphrey School.

"You have to tip your cap to them. They show up. They're working hard," Pawlenty said of the Paul faction after delivering a policy speech Monday at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. "So we want them to be part of the Republican team."

Pioneer Press
May 17, 2012

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Clark: The economic case for early education

2012-05-17T20:39:11Z

Arthur Rolnick cohosted, along with State Senator Clark, a legislative briefing on childhood education.

Professor Rolnick and his colleagues have quantified the returns on investment in early education: boosting labor productivity, increasing tax revenue, and reducing by up to 50 percent costs associated with special education services and crime. Their essential argument is that if children show up to kindergarten ready-to-learn they will do better in school and, eventually, be better prepared for the workforce and less reliant on social programs. This benefits our society and our economy.

Boston.com
May 17, 2012

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Also seen in Lynnfield Patch
May 18, 2012

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Occupational licensing: trendy new way to shoot ourselves in the foot

2012-05-17T20:35:21Z

Morris Kleiner has done the "lion share" of empirical work on occupational licensing.

While this is just emerging as a public policy issue of the first order, the economic literature on occupational licensing has been conclusive for a long time, the lion share of the empirical work having been done by Morris Kleiner. He published an excellent summary of his work in the Fall 2000 issue of the Journal of Economic Perspectives. Six years later he published a more comprehensive summery in the book Licensing Occupations: Ensuring Quality or Restricting Competition?

Oregon Catalyst
May 17, 2012

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Ex-lawmakers on K Street avoid 'Scarlet L,' shy away from registering as lobbyists

2012-05-17T20:27:38Z

Jim Oberstar explains his decision not to lobby.

Former Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) said he told prospective employers right from the start that he wouldn't lobby. "I made it clear to the various groups that sought me out after the election to consult with, I said, 'Fine, I will consult with you, share ideas, but I will not lobby,' " said Oberstar, now a senior adviser to National Strategies. "I have no problem with it. But for me, it just doesn't fit. ... I just don't like the idea of going up to members' offices to talk with them and plead on behalf of clients."

The Hill
May 17, 2012

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Duluth transit center is a go (take virtual tour)

2012-05-16T21:00:42Z

Jim Oberstar oversaw initial plan for Duluth transit center.

Then-U.S. Rep. James Oberstar helped secure a $16 million grant for the center in 2010. At that time the proposed center was larger and costlier -- an estimated $40 million to $50 million -- and located across Fifth Avenue West from the Depot. "We wondered what would happen with our project" when Oberstar wasn't re-elected two years ago, Jensen said. What happened was that plans changed, with a smaller center planned for the site of the 43-year-old Wells Fargo parking ramp owned by INREIT Real Estate Investment Trust.

Duluth News Tribune
May 16, 2012

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The case for infesting Arraijan with gene-spliced mosquitoes

2012-05-16T20:53:20Z

Jennifer Kuzma participates in a medical research panel in Panama.

That led to Jennifer Kuzma calling for more transparency in this decision-making process, and risk studies and fault-tree analyses about the possibilities of one dengue vector replacing another.

Panama News
May 16, 2012

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David Durenberger, Eric Black, Larry Jacobs at next MinnPost Asks

2012-05-16T20:44:17Z

Larry Jacobs to participate in MinnPost Asks panel.

Former U.S. Senator David Durenberger, MinnPost political reporter Eric Black and U of M political science professor Larry Jacobs will participate in a wide-ranging discussion of politics, health care, and more.

MinnPost
May 16, 2012

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Take it to the next level technical assistance & professional development program

2012-05-16T20:23:01Z

Ann Markusen gives lecture in Austin on professional development.

Take It to the Next Level Technical Assistance & Professional Development Program with Ann Markusen, Director, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs' Project on Regional and Industrial Economics.

City of Austin
May 16, 2012

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What was Amy Senser thinking? We can surmise

2012-05-16T20:22:52Z

Humphrey School alumna, Ellen Hoerle, weighs in the Amy Sense case.

Cultural influences cannot be checked at the courthouse door. We are immersed in a culture of distrust. Several national political leaders have tried to suppress the truth about their personal indiscretions. Logical conclusion: Everyone lies when they're guilty.

Star Tribune
May 16, 2012

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Mall of America plans hotel/medical/retail addition

2012-05-16T20:15:10Z

Art Rolnick weighs in on the role of the City Bloomington in the Mall of America's new development.

"They're not threatening to leave," jokes Art Rolnick, a senior fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, in reference to recent debate about public financing for a new Vikings stadium. "If it's a good investment for the Mall of America, they're going to do it anyway ... I see no reason why Bloomington should get involved in this."

Finance and Commerce
May 16, 2012

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