ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota became the 32nd state in the union, 153 years ago today. To honor Statehood Day, Minnesota's largest faith communities are calling on the public and elected officials to create a more just and compassionate budget solution.

Brian Rusche, director of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, says the anniversary provides an opportunity to take stock of what it means to be a Minnesotan.

"Citizens need to be part of a whole and to help govern this state, and not to think of government as something separate and to be divorced from your citizenship - but rather as a policymaker and somebody that contributes to the common good by participating in government, and expecting government to do its job well and take care of the basic services that make Minnesota a great place to live."

To balance the budget more humanely, they say, faith leaders from across the state will gather at the Capitol for an "Interfaith Vigil for the Common Good," asking that lawmakers include revenue-raising options rather than only cuts.

Minnesota historian Hy Berman, a featured speaker at the vigil, says that in 1934 Gov. Floyd B. Olson faced a similar political climate as does Gov. Mark Dayton today. Olson passed a landmark progressive income tax that helped alleviate the Great Depression's devastating effects, Berman says.

"Very simply, he did that by pointing out that the alternative was, in fact, a complete collapse of the economy of the state. Unlike contemporary times, even though he had conservative legislators, he had legislators that believed government does have a role to play in society during crisis times, and did not take the view that government is the problem."

For Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff of the Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka, the day underscores the religious directive shared by all faiths to care for those less fortunate. He believes government has a role in making the very core beliefs of its people happen.

"As it says in Deuteronomy, God asks us to defend the cause of the fatherless and the widow, to love the stranger, and to provide food and clothing for each and every person among us. This is the basic religious directive and responsibility, and so I can't think of too many things for a local community that would be more important than this."

The concept of caring for the most vulnerable is spelled out in Minnesota's law books, says The Rev. Cathy Schuyler of Duluth Congregational Church - and that's one message the faith community would like Minnesota lawmakers to reflect on today.

"We're pulling our basis from the constitution of the state of Minnesota - 'government is instituted for the security, benefit and protection of the people.'"


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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce outlined six key priorities for lawmakers ahead of the legislative session in January.

Rather than releasing detailed policy positions, the Chamber emphasized broad focus areas, including workforce, education, economic growth, infrastructure, quality of place and community health.

Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, House Minority Leader, responded to the Chamber's priorities, highlighting the need to address child care as a factor in economic development.

"We talk about economic development with things that impact economic development here in the state. Child care is really one of those," GiaQuinta contended.

The organization stressed the critical role of affordable child care in workforce development, citing a report estimating Indiana loses $4.2 billion annually, including $1.7 billion in tax revenue due to child care challenges. High costs force some parents out of the workforce, straining the state's economy.

Statehouse leaders acknowledged the issue but differ on solutions. Democrats argued child care deserves more state investment, while Republican leaders believe the private sector should play a larger role.

Todd Huston, R-Fishers, Speaker of the House, said businesses should not expect the state to solve their child care problems entirely.

"They've done a lot of different things to try to support families and young families. We will continue to do that," Huston stated. "But I think we also have to set a level of expectations that we're not going to; the state's not going to be funding all universal pre-K."

The Chamber plans to release detailed policy proposals in January, aiming to guide lawmakers toward strategies to strengthen Indiana's economy and workforce.


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North Dakota is no stranger to public pension debates. States face pressure to keep retirement systems well-funded and new data show most Americans place great value on such benefits for both government and private-sector workers.

According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, 86% of Americans believe all workers, not just those employed by state and local governments, should have a pension. There are similar approval levels when asked how important public pensions are in recruiting teachers and public safety workers.

Dan Doonan, executive director of the institute, suggested it is not too surprising to see the results.

"Pensions, along with other benefits, are part of creating that culture of careers and not jobs," Doonan explained.

Starting in January, North Dakota will close its main public pension plan for new hires, who will instead be offered a 401(k)-style benefit. The move followed debate over whether it was the right way to address a $1.9 billion unfunded liability. Backers argued it protects benefits for existing workers and taxpayers but skeptics contended it makes it harder to attract workers to the public sector.

Doonan noted the survey results overlap with the idea maintaining an experienced public-sector workforce is a good thing for community members and not just the employee and employer.

"In general, when public services are done well, they're often invisible, right?" Doonan emphasized. "We want good roads, we want safe communities, and I think Americans understand the role of having career public servants in terms of delivering those outcomes."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said state and local governments employ about 20 million workers, which represents about 13% of the U.S. workforce.

As Nebraskans anticipate the upcoming holiday season, some might also be looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, which will include a new tax credit for family caregivers, including those looking after military veterans.

Starting in 2025, a new state law provides eligible family caregivers up to $2,000 in tax credits for out-of-pocket expenses. The cap increases to $3,000 if the family member receiving care has dementia or is a veteran.

Jina Ragland, associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska, said those who served have access to care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs but added it sometimes is not enough.

"Because some of their service-related illnesses or injuries, they extend beyond what they're able to afford, or maybe what the coverage is through the VA," Ragland explained.

She pointed out it puts more pressure on loved ones assisting them on a daily basis. During National Veterans and Military Families Month, supporters of the new law hope more families will see if they are eligible. Ragland noted while it helps reduce the financial strain, greater awareness of resources is also needed, to help all family caregivers avoid burnout.

Ragland emphasized one example is providing caregivers information about where to turn for guidance when a loved one is first discharged from a hospital. She argued entities at all levels need to maintain progress, because their outreach shows a demand for solutions.

"Over 90% of Nebraskans say that they want to age in place with the lowest level of care," Ragland reported. "In order to do that, oftentimes we have to rely on family caregivers."

There are no age restrictions to qualify for the tax credit. As for eligibility factors, the law includes an income limit of $50,000 dollars for individuals and $100,000 for married couples.