American Experiment update

News of note in Minnesota: Center events, initiatives, and policy work.

Events  

American Experiment policy fellows traveled across the state on a summer tour, leading discussions of the laws and policies enacted by progressives in St. Paul that have negatively influenced the economic future of young Minnesotans. “False Promises: How ‘progressive’ policies betray Minnesota’s youth” held stops in various cities in July. Says Center president John Hinderaker, “The summer tour is always well attended and this year was no different. Minnesotans, especially young adults, are looking for a way out of the various problems progressive policies have inflicted on them.”  

American Experiment was a presence across the state this summer with booths at Farmfest and the State Fair. Held on Aug. 6–8 in Morgan, Minn., Farmfest brings together agribusiness leaders, farmers, and rural community members and allows American Experiment to connect with those in Greater Minnesota and discuss issues having an impact outside the Twin Cities.  

American Experiment returned to the Minnesota State Fair with a booth at the KS95 tent outside the Grandstand. On Saturday, Aug. 24, the Center’s policy fellows and staff talked with Minnesotans from every corner of the state about the latest initiatives, research reports, and upcoming events. In addition to handing out copies of the latest Thinking Minnesota and policy briefs, the steady stream of booth visitors could spin a prize wheel for Center merchandise and register for a $250 gift card to help Minnesotans offset inflation.  

Podcast  

American Experiment has expanded its multimedia platform to include a podcast. Every week we talk with guests — policymakers, leaders in government and business, national figures, and our policy fellows — about issues important to Minnesotans in conversational, informative, and accessible episodes. The podcast library is available on our website (www.AmericanExperiment. org/multimedia/podcast).  

Reports  

Senior policy fellow Peter Nelson released his latest report, “Section 1333 Health Care Choice Compacts” on July 25. Nelson analyses the opportunities for states to improve the individual health insurance market through state compacts under the Affordable Care Act, 14 years after its inception. Nelson’s report is adapted as a feature in this issue of Thinking Minnesota.

All of the Center’s reports are available on our website (AmericanExperiment.org/reports).  

Scandal Tracker  

American Experiment revived its “Scandal Tracker” in light of the numerous fraud schemes occurring under the current government administration. Originally created during the eight-year term of Gov. Mark Dayton, the Scandal Tracker keeps tabs on how much money is being lost with no accountability. The growing spreadsheet is on our website (www.AmericanExperiment.org/minnesota-scandal-tracker-2024).  

Minnesota Parent Toolkit  

Also available on American Experiment’s website is the Minnesota Parent Toolkit (www.AmericanExperiment. org/minnesota-parent-toolkit). The toolkit is created by parents, for parents with children in Minnesota schools. The webpage has the resources you need to know your rights as a parent so you can play an active role in your child’s education. It includes resources about curriculum review, various student opt-outs, and the policies in place for reconsideration of textbooks, instructional materials, and library materials.  

New hire  

Mike Amery has been hired as the new Director of Greater Minnesota Outreach. Amery has worked in politics and government for more than 30 years, first serving on the Minnesota campaigns and Washington, D.C. staff of U.S. Sen. Rod Grams (R-MN). In 2005 he opened the Washington, D.C. office of a major national physician association and served as the organization’s lead lobbyist through 2018. After joining a defense contracting firm, Amery returned home to Minnesota in 2021.  

American Experiment’s presence in Greater Minnesota has grown in recent years through the creation of chapters in regional centers including Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Central Minnesota. Amery serves as the primary liaison between American Experiment and Greater Minnesota, fostering relationships with established chapters, donors, community officials, and other stakeholders. This role involves managing the operations of all six chapters, planning and executing events, and expanding the Center’s initiatives and network.  

“Mike Amery brings to us a wealth of experience in coalition-building, management, public affairs and fundraising,” says John Hinderaker, president of American Experiment. “He knows the state of Minnesota and is ready to build on our successful outreach efforts across Minnesota.”