Last Friday I joined Growth & Justice for the release of the Human Capital section of the Minnesota Equity Blueprint. The first report reveals challenges and opportunities, along with dozens of practical solutions that will help realize our state’s full human potential.   Solutions are organized by topic headings:  Economic Security, Peaceful Communities, Educational Attainment, and Healthy People and Communities.

The Blueprint includes many recommendations. I have pulled out some that seem to relate to broadband – or are solutions that are deployed more easily with broadband.

• Ensure that work provides a route out of poverty
  High tech jobs, knowledge worker jobs generally pay well.
• Increased opportunity for Minnesotans with Disabilities.
  Telework opportunities can help Minnesotans with various disabilities and/or mobility issues
• Career Pathways: Promote and increase investment in the most effective programs that equip young people for living wage careers in technology, trades and entrepreneurship
• Expand affordable access to health care
  It can be cheaper to provide access to remote care.
• Expand telehealth.
• Improve access to care for vulnerable populations such as elders and people with disabilities.
  Remote monitoring keeps people in their homes longer.
• Expand access to mental health services.
  Shortages of mental health services in rural areas can be improved with remote access to mental health.
• Prevent and treat opioid addiction.
  Minnesota has piloted some remote opioid addiction support.