OP-ED
10/22/2011
Social Security remains vital for rural seniors
In tough economic times like these, deep in a major recession that wiped out trillions in household savings, cutting the program seems the least sensible thing to do. Given Social Security is the only thing standing between half of all seniors and poverty, it also is the least moral. An op-ed appearing in the Morris Sun Tribune.
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OP-ED
10/19/2011
Social Security is not an entitlement
The annual trustees' report released in May showed only a "mild deterioration" in the program's short- and long-term outlook, given falling wages and stagnant unemployment over the last several years. It should be noted that the projected 75-year shortfall described in the report virtually equals the cost of extending Bush-era tax cuts to the richest 2 percent. Given this, as researchers at the nonprofit Center on Budget and Policy Priorities conclude, it seems impossible "members of Congress simultaneously claim that tax cuts for people at the top are affordable while the Social Security shortfall constitutes a dire fiscal threat." An op-ed appearing in the Sebeka-Menahga Review Messenger.
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OP-ED
10/19/2011
Social Security is vital in rural areas
Even after breaking a hip that still has her laid up, 83-year-old Barbara Lovaasen of Vergas is irrepressibly cheerful. Until her accident Barbara worked 20-plus hours a week as special-education aide in Perham; she expects to resume those duties once recovered. Barbara and her husband, Luverne, live off her pay of $10 an hour and a combined $1,503 in monthly Social Security benefits.
The Lovaasens are profiled in a new report detailing the impact of Social Security on rural Minnesotans. The report was released last week without fanfare, but its findings shouldn't go without notice. From the Albert Lea Tribune.
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REPORT
10/06/2011
"Social Security Works for Minnesota"
This new report, a collaborative effort of Social Security Works, the Strengthen Social Security Campaign, and the League of Rural Voters, highlights the importance of the Social Security to America's and Minnesota's rural communities.
Download report (PDF)
OP-ED
09/15/2011
Lawmakers seek to hide budget plan’s effects
Following a legislative session marked by unprecedented political rancor that eventually shut down the government, it’s hard to imagine things could get worse. But now comes this: With passage of the Republican budget in July, a historic number of school districts across the state will be forced to ask for help this November just to educate our kids. Cynthia Moothart writing in the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.
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LRV IN THE MEDIA
08/15/2011
League of Rural Voters Policy Director Cynthia Moothart featured in Too Much
From Too Much, an online weekly publication of the Institute for Policy Studies -- New Wisdom on Wealth: Cynthia Moothart, 2012 election poses choice of democracy or plutocracy, Capital Times, August 9, 2011. The League of Rural Voters policy director reminds us that America's 400 richest hold as much wealth as “nearly half the U.S. population.”
OP-ED
08/14/2011
Debt-ceiling showdown a victory for the elite: An op-ed by Cynthia Moothart, appearing in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.
Before voting against the bill, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin pointed out one basic fact: The American economy works only when Americans are working in the economy: "This city has been obsessed with the budget deficit. But the rest of the country -- with very good reason -- is most concerned with a far more urgent deficit: the jobs deficit."
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OP-ED
08/09/2011
2012 election poses choice of democracy or plutocracy: An op/ed by Cynthia Moothart appearing in the Cap Times
Cutbacks in government spending over the last two years have already eliminated 500,000 public-sector jobs, while a decade of expanded tax breaks failed to create any spike in hiring. Worse yet, 75 percent of $2 trillion in corporate profits gained since 2009 resulted from cutting jobs. And here we are, with 25 million Americans in need of full-time work. In 1945, with the nation at war, federal spending surpassed 47 percent of the GDP, nearly double what it is today, and the ratio of debt to total economic output reached 120 percent. America nevertheless invested in such things as the GI Bill and jobs creation, forging an economic expansion that built and sustained the middle class for decades.
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OP-ED
08/02/2011
Workers pay ransom for debt-ceiling deal, an editorial by Cynthia Moothart appearing in the Mille Lacs Messenger.
By cutting middle-class spending without raising taxes on the wealthy, economists agree that it will further damage a weak economy and worsen America's long-term deficit. Asked what remains of the economy now to deal with unemployment and slow growth, the economics editor of the Economist magazine replied: "Not much." As the world's wealthiest nation, she noted that the United States has resources to put its fiscal house in order, "it just lacks the political will to do it.
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OP-ED
07/15/2011
Less government has a high price: an editorial by Cynthia Moothart appearing in the St. Cloud Times
In his first inaugural address, Ronald Reagan stated: "Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." In the decades since, that applause line hardened into a philosophical belief leaving no room for the possibility that government can or should be a positive force in American life. For small-government advocates, the fact of those words is beyond dispute.
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EVENT
07/02/2011
2011 Rural Assembly: Local host committee honors Minnesota rural champions
The Minnesota host committee of the 2011 Gathering of the National Rural Assembly honored "rural champions" at the evening program on Wednesday, June 29. Rural champion awards were given to nine state leaders who have worked on behalf of rural people and their issues.
Learn more
EVENT
06/29/2011
2011 Rural Assembly: Col. Mark Mykleby and Capt. Wayne Porter discuss their "National Strategic Narrative"
Navy Captain Wayne Porter and Marine Colonel Mark Mykleby were asked to write a new national security plan for the U.S. They thought the country had lost its way after the Cold War, that America was trying to impose its will through force throughout the world and that wasn't working. They thought the U.S. needed a new way of thinking about itself in the world, so they wrote one.
Col. Mark Mykleby and Capt. Wayne Porter discuss their "National Strategic Narrative" at the National Rural Assembly. from Center for Rural Strategies on Vimeo.
Learn more about the 2011 Rural Assembly
OP-ED
06/15/2011
State can't afford parks to shut down:
Sticking with their unpopular budget plan and refusing to negotiate a bipartisan solution to Minnesota's $5 billion deficit, Republican lawmakers are close to forcing a government shutdown. Their line in the sand as we head into July could be the closest the rest of us gets to any Minnesota beach this summer - and would result in the worst economic situation for every mom-and-pop business that relies upon our 10,000 lakes to stay afloat. An editorial by Cynthia Moothart appearing in the Winona Daily News.
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OP-ED
06/14/2011
Republicans threaten every Mom-and-Pop business that relies upon our 10,000 lakes to stay afloat:
Minnesota is a year-round tourism state, but summer months account for the greatest single-season tally in local revenue. Given the sluggish national economy and high gas prices, national experts projected early this year that Minnesota would have a banner summer - exceeding previous years - as an affordable tourism spot. That was before the budget stalemate. An editorial by Cynthia Moothart in the Albert Lea Tribune.
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OP-ED
06/02/2011
State view: Republicans in St. Paul refuse to lead, unwilling to follow
Republican lawmakers took control of the statehouse in January promising they would deliver what Minnesotans "want." By the close of this year's session it was clear they have no idea what that is. Or maybe they just don't care. An editorial by Cynthia Moothart, appearing in the Duluth News Tribune. This op-ed also ran in Fargo Forum and the Grand Rapids Herald-Review.
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OP-ED
05/11/2011
Nonstop campaigning at the capitol
Months into this legislative session, with only days remaining before its close, Republican lawmakers have yet to submit a full budget outlining their spending priorities for the next two years and erasing the massive deficit left by the Pawlenty administration. But that doesn't mean they've sat idly in St. Paul. An editorial by Niel Ritchie.
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OP-ED
04/06/2011
Niel Ritchie in The Cap Times (Madison, Wis.): China moves ahead as D.C. politicians engage in budget brinksmanship
"What’s happening in Washington is dangerous brinksmanship that stands to set us back even farther in the world economy – an area where we’ve already lost significant ground."
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OP-ED
03/30/2011
Your turn: Dayton's plan is what's needed
Word is Minnesota is broke. And the only talk by Republicans these days is what to cut and by how much. Education, research and development, and high-speed rail all are being eyed to balance the budget. But we’re suffering less from massive debt than from a deficit of leadership to deal with the real problem at hand. Cynthia Moothart writing in the St. Cloud Times.
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ARTCILE
03/25/2011
New report says South Dakota's bridges rank fifth-worst in nation
Niel Ritchie interviewed for an article in The Daily Republic: “Without federal help, the regional decline in bridges and roads is becoming a barrier to economic growth. Our future depends on Congress making strategic transportation investments in maintenance and repair.”
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OP-ED
02/12/2011
Your turn: Voter ID bill would deny many a vote
As elected officials grapple with a $6.2 billion state deficit, Republican lawmakers announced recently that they are prepared to spend as much as $40 million to eliminate "voter fraud" in Minnesota. That's an expensive price tag to correct a problem that doesn't exist -- or would correct, even if it did. Niel Ritchie writing in the St. Cloud Times.
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OP-ED
11/26/2010
Social Security cuts would be wrong
Niel Ritchie writing in the Marshfield (WI) News Herald.
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OP-ED
11/23/2010
The future of Social Security
The deficit panel will conclude its work after Thanksgiving with a vote on the Simpson-Bowles proposal. Reductions in Social Security should not make the cut. Social Security does not contribute to the nation’s deficit and threatening the future of America’s seniors is no solution. By Niel Ritchie in the Mille Lacs (MN) Mesenger.
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OP-ED
10/30/2010
Scripted political theater ignores the facts
The trouble whith scripted political theater taking the place of reasoned debate. Op-ed by Niel Ritchie in The Gazette, Iowa.
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OP-ED
10/26/2010
Stimulus Bill Benefited Nearly Everyone
It used to be said that good policy makes for good politics. This election season it’s better said that good policy makes for bad political theater. Op-ed by Niel Ritchie in The Cap Times, Madison, Wisc.
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OP-ED
10/26/2010
Stimulus dollars touched every American
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act DID benefit rural America, contrary to what bad political actors would like us to believe. Op-ed by Niel Ritchie in the Marshfield News-Herald, Marshfield, Wisc,.
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OP-ED
08/11/2010
A choice between financial wizards and fairness
A proposal is under way in Washington that has the power to devastate middle-income Americans, particularly those in states like Minnesota. Op-ed by Niel Ritchie in Worthington Daily Globe (MN).
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OP-ED
08/10/2010
Social Security is real benefit to middle-income
Middle-income Americans in rural areas could lose big under proposed Social Security changes. Op-ed by Niel Ritchie in Pierre Capitol Journal (SD).
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OP-ED
08/10/2010
What's at stake in November
Proposed Social Security benefit cutbacks could devastate middle-income Americans. Op-ed by Niel Ritchie in Sebaka Review Messenger (MN).
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OP-ED
05/01/2010
The finances behind reform
Senate Republicans argued that their unanimous votes to halt Wall Street reform were necessary to allow “the people” chance to speak their mind. So why is it that industry insiders seem to be doing the talking?
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OP-ED
03/16/2010
Taken into account:
Filling out the census is critical to Wisconsin's future. By Niel Ritchie in the Lakeland Times.
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OP-ED
03/13/2010
10 questions affect 10 years
The U.S. Census doesn't sound like much, but its importance can't be overstated. By Niel Ritchie in the Branson (MO) Tri-Lakes Times
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OP-ED
03/12/2010
Get counted: The 2010 Census and Minnesota, by Niel Ritchie in the (Elk River) Star News
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OP-ED
03/11/2010
Begrudging the unemployed
Nearly one-half of Senate Republicans voted no on what should have been easy and obvious support for workers during such bleak economic times. Cynthia Moothart writes in the April 1 issue of Progressive Populist.
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OP-ED
03/11/2010
Numerous reasons you need to fill census form
Linda Kleinschmit, chair of the Nebraska League of Rural Voters, makes the case in the Kearney (NE) Hub.
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OP-ED
03/11/2010
South Dakota deserves better
With the state's unemployment rate ticking upward, now is not the time to pull the rug out from hard-hit families. But that's exactly what Sen. John Thune did last Tuesday. Niel Ritchie, writing in the Aberdeen American News.
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OP-ED
03/11/2010
Census results are vital for rural areas
Niel Ritchie, writing in the Mason City (IA) Globe Gazette
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OP-ED
03/11/2010
10 questions will help get South Dakota its fair share
A look at the 2010 Census by Niel Ritchie, in the Capital Journal of Pierre, SDRead article
ARTICLE
02/20/2010
Charting decades of decline
With their greater poverty rates, older residents and diffuse populations, rural areas simply aren't profitable enough to maintain comprehensive health-care infrastructure. - Cynthia Moothart's article to appear in March 1 issue of The Progressive Populist.
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OP-ED
02/06/2010
Health care reform: Rep. King's political stunt
Niel Ritchie's opinion published in The Storm Lake Times (Iowa)
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OP-ED
12/18/2009
Health reform vital to the U.S.
Niel Ritchie's opinion published in Eau Claire, WI Leader-Telegram
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ARTICLE
12/06/2009
Farm and Food File: Take it to the non-bank bank
OP-ED
12/02/2009
Niel Ritchie: Insured have a stake in health care debate, too
Published in Winona Daily News
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OP-ED
11/30/2009
Rural economic challenges necessitate health reform
Niel Ritchie makes the case for reform in the Omaha World-Herald
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OP-ED
08/28/2009
Rural USA left out on mobile service
Niel Ritchie calls out harmful handset deals; Published in USA Today
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OP-ED
08/28/2009
Rural Health Care Reform: Only a strong public option will rebuild what's been lost
Niel Ritchie says that reform is a threat only if it fails
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OP-ED
08/23/2009
Small airports vital to small towns, rural communities
Niel Ritchie responds to "Gov't watchdog questions airport stimulus projects," 8/11. Published in: Macon Telegraph, Marion Star (OH), Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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EVENT
08/10 - 08/11/2009
Midwest Rural Assembly to address rural policy priorities and opportunities
Midwest Rural Assembly Website
ARTICLE
07/15/2009
Farm & Food File by Alan Guebert: Dairy's sour times
EVENT
07/15 - 07/17/2009
Connect with the League of Rural Voters and Main Street Project at the National Civic Summit in Minneapolis
Niel Ritchie and Adam Smith to present the "Vote by Mail Project"
RURAL HEALTH CARE REFORM
07/08/2009
League of Rural Voters joins National Rural Health Association in urging the Senate to address rural health care access crisis
Reform needs to address provider shortage, reimbursement inequities and health disparities
TAKE ACTION: Send a message to your Senators.
National Rural Health Association
ARTICLE
06/28/2009
Farm & Food File by Alan Guebert: You want funny?
MEDIA RELEASE
06/23/2009
Farmers and Ranchers Coalition Formed in Support of the Employee Free Choice Act and the Middle Class
League of Rural Voters joins National Family Farm Coalition, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund in calling on Congress to pass legislation
Read release (PDF)
ARTICLE
06/09/2009
Farm & Food File by Alan Guebert: Take free trade - please
NEWSLETTER
05/14/2009
Connecting the dots
How the League of Rural Voters is working to make connections between regions, issues, agencies and ideology
Download newsletter (PDF)
RURAL HEALTH CARE REFORM
05/09/2009
Niel Ritchie participates in May 4 White House roundtable focused on rural health care reform
Sees opportunity to connect health care, healthy food and healthy rural economies
Read blog post
HHS report: Hard Times in the Heartland: Health Care in Rural America
