Smart Economy
“Whatever is done with love and a prayerful heart is acceptable, imperfect or not, for love is perfect.” - Coyote Medicine by Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D., 1997.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about what a smart economy would look and feel like: an economy that ensures livable wages for workers, healthcare for everyone, retirement with dignity, and ample time to spend with family and friends. In Minnesota, we can be proud to have some of the best quality of life in the country, but we still have work to do.
Over the last five years, billionaires’ wealth has increased almost 300% while the median household income in Minnesota has reduced by almost 5%, or $4,400 (source: MNCompass.org). The cost of living has continued to rise since the COVID pandemic, especially the cost of healthcare. The Federal government withheld over $350 million in legally-appropriated funding to Minnesota, forcing Minnesota to divert taxpayer funds to save Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) which could have otherwise been used for education, infrastructure, public safety, and more. I fully support funding HCMC through this difficult time because it is a safety net for people all across Minnesota, including in District 28B, but I also recognize that the damage caused by this economic warfare is driving increased costs and reduced quality of service for people across our state.
Political and corporate leaders continue to tell us that the economy is strong because the stock market is strong; and the gas prices aren’t too high because the war in Iran is going well; and that AI will deliver a new economy, even though families are experiencing crushing layoffs and a poor job market.
But working class families know the truth: we work harder, and the rich get richer.
Our best solution is to employ the same tactics that overwhelmed ICE during Operation Metro Surge: work cooperatively and creatively with our neighbors in an act of radical love to protect each other during trying times.
I am committed to building on this Minnesota tradition by implementing policies founded in radical love. It is not enough to listen to the difficulties faced by our neighbors, I am fighting to bring immediate relief and support to families in District 28B.
Dan’s farm is MN Water Quality Certified, demonstrating his commitment to preserving our natural resources for the next generations. Dan received a grant from the State of Minnesota to deepen his research, and he has invited University of Minnesota graduate students to study his method.
Agricultural Innovation:
One example of how to build a smart economy that is rooted in love is through agricultural innovation. I had the deep pleasure of meeting Dan Sheild, a farmer in Scandia who has developed an innovative way of growing stone fruits in our cold climate. Peaches and apricots, which usually have to travel from southern states like Georgia, grow by the tons at Dan’s farm.
Dan’s innovative methodology includes light-blocking high tunnels which eliminates winter-time energy consumption. Dan’s method is environmentally and economically beneficial. I asked Dan whether his method is profitable, and he explained that because of the relatively low cost of high tunnels, the drastic reduction in energy usage, and the total elimination of transcontinental shipping, he can turn a profit in two years.
This is exactly the type of innovation that can drive smart economic growth in our county.
Get Involved!
Consider joining our campaign and volunteering at any of these upcoming events:
Saturday, May 16th at 10:30am – Wild Mountain Winery 1.5mile Run/Walk
Sign up for the 1.5-mile and join our group ‘Daniel Colten Schmidt for 28B’ for a low-intensity 1.5-mile walk through the Wild Mountain vineyard. A free eye-catching, bright yellow Schmidt 28B t-shirt to all who join our group! Visit their website to register.
Friday, May 22nd from 5:00pm-8:00pm – Doorknocking & Training at North Branch Library. RSVP here
Saturday, May 30th from 11:30am-3:00pm – BBQ & Hike at Checkerboard Park (38990 Keystone Ave, North Branch) - RSVP here
Join us for a BBQ, provided by the campaign, and a gentle 1.5-mile hike around the park. Consider bringing a side dish to share with your neighbors. Get to know people in District 28B, have a conversation with Daniel about what matters most to you, and go home with our newly-printed yard signs!
Sunday, June 7th at 12pm-3pm - Doorknocking & Training. Location TBD. RSVP here
Wednesday, June 10th at 5:30-8pm - Doorknocking. Location TBD. RSVP here
Monday, June 15th at 5:30-8pm - Doorknocking. Location TBD. RSVP here
Monday, June 22nd from 5:30pm-8pm - Doorknocking & Training. Location TBD. RSVP here
If you're not able to make it to any of these dates, no worries! Email campaign@elect-schmidt.org saying you're interested in getting involved and we'll be in touch.
Recommendations
Steal This Story, Please! (Documentary) -
Our worldview is molded by stories, and so we have to be aware of what we hear and what we don’t hear. Steal This Story, Please! is about the stories that we don’t often get a chance to hear, and the work of Amy Goodman who has brought hidden stories to light over the last 30 years.