Access To Democracy

Our guest, Erin Parrish, Advocacy and Outreach Director for AARP Minnesota, joins host Bill Raker, to explain how AARP advocates at the state and national levels for policies that benefit consumers.

Erin reviews several priorities being considered by the MN Legislature that are focused on improving consumers’ wellbeing. She speaks to policy priorities at the federal level that include protecting and preserving Social Security Benefits and care giving for family members.

Voter education and engagement are also priorities for the non-profit, non-partisan AARP.

Dave St. Peter has been the President of the Minnesota Twins organization since 2002, and has been a guest on our show for just as long. The Twins are now one of “Access to Democracy” benefactors.

In his annual visit with Alan, Dave discussed many aspects of the team, Target Field improvements, its expansive and unique food choices, challenges from last year’s off-season, and his hope for team improvement once the many injured players return to the regular lineup.

Julia Decker, Policy Director for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), joins host Steve Francisco to discuss her organization’s work providing free legal representation to immigrants and refugees.

Immigration and refugee issues are a top concern for many voters and Julia does a masterful job in explaining some of the complexities surrounding these issues as well as correcting some of the mistaken ideas about who immigrants and refugees are, where they come from, and why they seek a better life in America. She also speaks out against hateful rhetoric about immigrants.

ILCM helps immigrants and refugees navigate issues such as obtaining green cards, processing asylum requests, and citizenship applications. Julia calls upon Congress to finally pass fair and balanced immigration reform.

Eagan Police Chief Roger New meets with host Steve Francisco to talk about his department and the men and women who work every day to keep our community safe.

The Chief also offers his insights about the tragic deaths in Burnsville on February 18 of two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic and how the Eagan Police Department supported its neighbor city and its officers through this most difficult time.

Chief New is a strong proponent of community engagement and tells viewers about several programs, including its Youth Leadership Program, the Citizens Academy, and National Night Out that bring police officers together with the community that they serve.

Finally, Chief New touches on his department’s efforts to keep our schools safe through the SRO School Resource Officer program and the continuing fight against internet crimes targeting children and seniors.

Enhance your own education as Professional Educator, Mike Floersch, Secondary Math Instructional Coach, shares with host Bill Raker, his experiences in the classroom and his passion and enthusiasm for his chosen career.

Mike explains his role as a “Teacher on Special Assignment” and how he “coaches” other math teachers in ISD 196 with encouragement, techniques, and support. Mike speaks to the challenges and opportunities that have come with the changes in the educational process and the teaching profession over the past decades.

Learn why 40% of new teachers quit within three years. Learn how you can help Mike with his non-profit “Support Our Teachers” program.