Laura Brod is hoping to increase interest in long-term issues—in the minds of legislative colleagues and everyday citizens alike.

Rep. Brod Looks to the Future

In 2020, Minnesotans over 65 will outnumber school-aged children for the first time in history.

“This demographic trend should make us all stop and think," says Laura Brod, "about what implications this significant event will have on our state policies and our state budget." Brod is one of the charter members of the Minnesota Legistlature's 2020 Caucus, a bi-partisan, group of legislators from both the House and Senate who want to think beyond the next election or budget cycle.

Tackling Tomorrow's Challenges Today

The opportunity to bring long-term issues to the forefront of discussions is an important goal of the 2020 Caucus. The group is looking to inject this type of thinking into political debate.

As Laura Brod puts it, “If we do not start planning for the future today, we will continually be reacting to difficulty rather than creating opportunity. It's time we face up to the future, and that is why I am so excited about being a part of this group which is looking forward and taking the time to shine a light on these significant long term-issues and changes which will challenge our state.”

An Embodiment of Civic Leadership

At its 2005 Annual October 10, 2005, the 2020 Caucus was presented with the Citizens League's first "Civic Leadership Award." The Citizens League recognized the group's efforts in taking a far-sighted approach to some of the most important policy issues facing Minnesota.

"Our changing demographics will drive state policy in the upcoming years," Brod says. "And we will need to work together to craft solutions to the challenges we will face in the future."

You can read more about the 2020 Caucus, along with some interesting demographic information, on their Web site: http://mn2020.com/.