News of note in Minnesota

Center events, initiatives, and policy work.

Events

American Experiment held several policy events following-up on the success of this summer’s Off the Cliff tour. Economist John Phelan joined the Center’s Duluth chapter November 9. The evening discussion, “The Economic Consequences of the DFL Trifecta,” was held at Clyde Iron Works.

Education policy fellow Catrin Wigfall spoke about academic performance, new education mandates, and how educators, parents, and community members can get involved to restore excellence in schools at events on Nov. 14 at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls, and the following day at the Brookview Golf Club in Golden Valley.

The Young Leaders Council (YLC) held its annual holiday party at the Metropolitan Club in Golden Valley on December 5, co-sponsored by the Freedom Club. The sold-out event featured food, drinks, photo booth, a raffle, and live music. More information about YLC and sponsored events can be found on our website (AmericanExperiment.org/ylc).

Greater Minnesota-Duluth

In addition to the events with Phelan and Wigfall, American Experiment’s five Greater Minnesota chapters held holiday parties. A Thanksgiving celebration was held in Owatonna at Torey’s Restaurant and Bar and featured Roger Frisch, former associate concertmaster with the Minnesota Orchestra. Christmas parties were held throughout December in Duluth, Perham (West Central chapter), and Mankato. The Rochester chapter’s New Year’s party was held on January 18 at Riverview Greens Golf Club. Speakers at the events included Kendall and Sheila Qualls, Dr. Scott Jensen, and Center economist John Phelan.

American Experiment will launch a St. Cloud chapter in 2024. Anyone interested in learning more about that effort can contact our Greater Minnesota outreach director Micah Olson at [email protected]. Says Olson, “While 2023 was marked by growth for our Greater Minnesota project, 2024 will be a year to further our impact. With five chapters strong we will look to deepen our relationships, extend our influence, and be a beacon of a more prosperous vision for Minnesota.”

Initiatives

Minnesota’s new $729 million State Office Building was nominated for the Center’s annual Golden Turkey award and is the subject of the new initiative, “Stop the Dig!” The purpose is to bring awareness to this budget boondoggle and demand accountability and transparency from our state legislators. Readers can sign a petition and find information on other calls to action on our website (AmericanExperiment.org/get-involved).

Policy work

Energy and environment policy fellows Isaac Orr and Mitch Rolling continue to produce national reports about the high cost and detrimental impact of green energy mandates.

Senior policy fellow Peter Nelson’s latest policy brief, “Minnesota’s Health Insurance Outlook for 2024” highlights the importance of reinsurance to the state’s competitive health insurance market and competitive premium pricing.

In his new report, “The X-Factor? Social capital and economic well-being: A quantitative analysis,” economist John Phelan examines the concept of social capital and any connection or impact varying levels of it has on Minnesota’s families, communities, and economic well-being.

These and any past reports and briefs can be reviewed or downloaded on our website (AmericanExperiment.org/ reports).

Upcoming events

On Thursday, April 18, American Experiment is hosting a school choice expo at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato. Policy fellow Catrin Wigfall is the featured speaker. Attendees will be able to visit educational booths and hear from a number of local private, religious, homeschool and education support representatives. There will also be a panel discussion and Q&A. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

American Experiment’s Annual Dinner Gala will be held Thursday, June 6. Israel’s 13th Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, is the featured speaker. Bennett served as prime minister from 2021-2022 in addition to other high-ranking offices. He is the most notable and important voice on events in the Middle East since the Hamas terror attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. For tickets to this event and information on all Center events, visit our website (AmericanExperiment.org/events).