Access To Democracy

Today’s guest is Jill Weidemann-West, CEO of People Inc., Minnesota’s largest non-profit mental health care provider, who interviews with former Justice Paul Anderson. Ms. Wiedemann-West discusses the current status of mental health care in Minnesota, the broad range of services provided by People, Incorporated and how those in need of its services can access these services. She also discusses some of the current trends in mental health care, especially with respect to young people.

Our guest, Deepinder Singh Mayell, is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Mr. Mayell, in this interview with former Justice Paul Anderson, first provides us with some background on the origins and goals of the ACLU and its long-standing objective of protecting civil liberties and the rule of law in America’s civil democracy.

He then updates us on the current activities of the ACLU and specifically addresses the issues of immigration, protecting the right to vote and the role of courts in preserving the rights of individual citizens.

As a public service, Access to Democracy and Eagan TV host a one-hour special program featuring a forum of BIANCA VIRNIG, DFL; CYNTHIA LONNQUIST, Republican; and CHARLES KUCHLENZ, Libertarian – the candidates running in the December 5, 2023 Special Election for MN House District 52B.

Opening remarks from moderator Bill Raker provide background and context for the program. Following the candidates’ introductory statements, moderator Raker asks a series of questions designed to highlight candidates’ positions on important issues Minnesota’s elected officials may be addressing in future legislative sessions.

Forum held on 11-17-2023

Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) joins Access to Democracy host Steve Francisco to discuss the tragic events following Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel and the Israeli war in Gaza. Over 1200 Israelis and over 11,000 Palestinians have been killed, and some 240 hostages have been taken by Hamas.

Jaylani explains how Minnesota’s Muslim community has been impacted by the war and why he and many others are calling for a cease-fire to end the injuries and deaths to the civilian population in Gaza and the West Bank.

He also offers a critique of the Biden administration’s response to the mounting civilian death toll and the potential political ramifications for the president’s reelection bid.

Finally, the discussion notes the deeply disturbing increase in threats and attacks against both Muslims and Jews in MN and other US locations as the war continues.

You’ll be surprised by all that the MN Senior Linkage Line can do for you as Amanda Bigus (Community Outreach Specialist at Trellis) explains what the service is, how it operates, and what it provides for Minnesotans.

Amanda joins host Bill Raker for an informative discussion on the free services from MN Senior Linkage Line that include housing resources, health insurance, financial assistance, and legal assistance. The information and advice she provides on Medicare Open Enrollment could help spare consumers confusion, frustration, and a lot of money when evaluating optional healthcare plans.